A week after Lorenzo was fatally shot by an ICE officer on July 7th in Houston, Texas, an FBI affidavit sought a warrant to search his van. That warrant described an unidentified  white crystal-like substance  found in bags on the dashboard and floorboard. After consulting with my client and his family, our understanding is that this was granulated salt, which is paired with lemon and water as a homemade electrolyte mix used by outdoor workers in extreme Texas heat, not methamphetamine or any other illicit substance.

A search warrant does not equate to guilt. An unidentified substance is not a confirmed narcotic.

We are requesting that the substance testing be expedited so that their names can be cleared. But no test result, whatever it ultimately shows, will change the fact that deadly force was used against Lorenzo. You cannot shoot first and ask questions later. It also does not change the reality Victor, our client, is facing. He remains in ICE custody; he is still carrying the weight of what he saw, and he is fighting to remain in the United States.

We continue to call for his release so he can participate fully in the investigations and pursuit of justice for his brother. We ask the public and media to let this family grieve with dignity and to resist conclusions before the facts are verified by a neutral investigation. 

Public viewing for Thursday

What's next:

A public viewing of Araujo is scheduled for Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Great Chapel at Forest Park Lawndale.

Click here for more info.