Relatives of woman fatally shot during FHP chase want evidence released

Protesters return to scene of shooting to support Latasha Walton's family

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – The family and friends of Latasha Walton returned to the area where a Florida Highway Patrol trooper shot and killed her March 12, shutting down traffic at the Golden Glades Park & Ride during a Thursday night protest.

Miami-Dade police officers monitored the protest near Northwest Seventh Avenue and State Road 9.

Walton's sister, Allison Wright, said she wants authorities to make the evidence in the case public.

"We want justice for my sister," Wright said. "We're not going anywhere until we get the bodycam from the officer, dashcam, everything."

While the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the case, civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump said the shooting merits a Department of Justice investigation. 

Trooper Ronald Melendez-Bonilla ordered Walton, who was driving a white BMW, to stop, but she refused. He fatally shot the 32-year-old mother as she tried to flee.

Video shows Melendez-Bonilla fall before firing his weapon. 

"He needs to be indicted," Wright said. "He murdered my sister. He shot in the car six times. He killed her right here. We want justice and we're not laying down until something is done." 


About the Author

Nicole Perez is the the primary co-anchor of Local 10 News at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. She first joined Local 10 in July 2016 as the morning traffic reporter.