President Larnell Farmer’s Update Concerning Avondale Police Shooting in 2023
In February of 2023, Amarion Hope was shot and killed by Avondale police officer Francisco Cardenas-Duarte. One year later, Rachel Mitchell, Maricopa County Attorney, did not charge Office Duarte. After this decision, Avondale PD started its internal investigation into the shooting. In July 2024, Chief Espinoza informed our branch that their internal investigation had been completed and the officer would return to full duty on 09 Jul 2024. This is a total and complete travesty of justice. Mr. Hope was a 17-year-old juvenile who was unarmed and running away at the time he was murdered. He was shot in the back, in his calf, and in his arm. Please, if you have not seen the body cam footage, as disturbing as it is, use the link below. The entire body cam video is one minute and thirty-two seconds. Officer Duarte should have been arrested, charged, and fired for this homicide. Rachel Mitchell is again a candidate for the Maricopa County Attorney's seat this November, another reason to get out and VOTE!!!! President Larnell Farmer