Death By Cop: A Call for Unity!

by Wayne Reid, Judge Charles Gill

Forty-one seconds. That's how long Officer Scott Smith and Franklyn Reid knew each other before Reid ended up dead with a bullet in his back, shot in broad daylight by Smith. Turn on the news today and you'll likely see a story just like this one. Details might differ, but we're always left with the same question: How can we reduce--and eventually eliminate--unwarranted police civilian shootings? In 1998, Wayne Reid 's life was changed forever when his brother Franklyn was killed. Now, Wayne is honoring his brother's memory by calling for an end to the bloodshed. In Death by Cop: A Call for Unity , Wayne shares the full, unfiltered story of his brother's case. Offering unparalleled insight into the legal process is Judge Charles D. Gill , who presided over the trial. Together, the duo present the emotional struggle both families (victim and officer) endured, and highlight the courageous acts of all involved. An unexpected book with an uplifting message, Death by Cop will change perceptions around police shootings and offer courage to others to tell their personal stories.

438 pages, Hardcover

Published December 21, 2019

Reviews

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not say enough good things about this book. Wayne Reid's ability to find compassion in such a tragic event is awe inspiring. I had read a little about the 1998 incident in my hometown but did not realize the very long drawn out journey that the Reid family had to endure to get the justice Franklyn deserved. I'm so happy to know that Wayne is taking his own family's loss, putting aside any bitterness and able to tell this horrendous story from an unbiased point of view. We need more people like this in our world today. Congrats to Wayne for rising above and telling your story after a tragedy that should have never occurred.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember well the incident that is this book and so read this with great interest. I am close to someone who was involved in supporting the Reid family before, during and after the trial and subsequent appeal negotiations. So my information isn't firsthand, but a strong secondhand.

Writing this book in collaboration with the presiding judge in itself is a unique arrangement and lends additional gravitas to the effort. I congratulate both authors on a well presented narrative, to borrow a popular phrase (ill used by that other source, IMHO) - I found it fair and balanced.

Anyone considering reading this book and hesitating because they suspect it is just another black rant about white injustice - I urge you to reconsider. The issue of race is only one element among many that come to bear here. Promoting a young man with only 18-months on any police force to a detective/investigator level strikes me as unusual and his lack of experience/training in his then current position was as big an issue as race. He'd been in the detective role only 2 weeks at the time of the fatal encounter.

I commend Mr. Reid for his compassionate point of view and lack of bitterness over the events of that awful day in 1998. There are no winners here. Two families and a community have to live with the ripples of that 41 second encounter forever. Let's wake up and learn something from their loss.

[Theda · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ THIS BOOK
A powerful and moving book written with thoughtfulness, perspective, and hope.

I think these quotes from the ending chapter: "Unity" say it all:

"Do not presume that every minority person is inherently dangerous to Americans. Do not make presumptions that all police officers are inherently dangerous to minority persons. "

and finally:

"Together we can become a unified nation again. Together, we can reshape our future. Together, we can all shift from hate to caring about each other. Let our human spirit connect what is right and good in all of us."

Other quotes:
"The families must now live with split decisions; neither can claim victory.
"Those words resonate now more than ever. This case was not about race - a white officer killing a black man. It was about corroborated facts, evidence, and right versus wrong."

Juror says: "I don't think he is a cold-blooded murderer; but I think he could have done what he needed to do in a different way."

Author: "For years, I've believed, along with my family and many others, that nervousness gripped Smith and he accidentally pulled the trigger. I've observed Smith, and like my brother, he is a good human being. Hate did not course through the family's journey in court, it was just an unfortunate situation."

[Vanessa Couture · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotionally Riveting

The story of Franklyn Reid was emotionally riveting. As a former resident of New Milford, CT, knowing many of the names and landmarks involved, I pictured each scene vividly. My heart was racing throughout the book, at times grabbing for tissues feeling devastated for the Reids at the loss of their son and also for the Smiths as they watched their son through the trial to sentencing. The book unpacked a powerful message of grace, civility, and respect that Wayne and his family displayed throughout. In a nation so divided by the controversy of stories like this it is a prayer of mine that Wayne's message is heard. Well written, Wayne. I definitely recommend reading this book.