Unarmed college student killed by California police

PASADENA, Calif. — Pasadena police officers shot and killed Kendrec McDade on March 24. It is a case that has drawn comparisons to the death of Trayvon Martin. Moreover, renewed scrutiny of police conduct in Northwest Pasadena.

A Community Draws Parallels to Trayvon Martin

Many residents are calling McDade “another Trayvon Martin.” He has a name, and it is Kendrec McDade. Officers opened fire on the unarmed 19‑year‑old college student and football standout after responding to a 911 call that falsely claimed he had a gun.

Police said they were investigating a reported robbery when the caller, 26‑year‑old Oscar Carillo, told dispatchers that two Black men had stolen his backpack and computer at gunpoint. Carillo later admitted he lied about the presence of a weapon.

The Shooting and Police Account

Officers pursued McDade into an alley, where they said they believed he was reaching for a gun in his waistband. He did not have one. McDade was shot multiple times and later died at a local hospital.

The shooting has intensified long‑standing tensions in Northwest Pasadena, where African American residents say they have faced years of mistreatment by police.

Pasadena police officials have rejected comparisons to the Trayvon Martin case. Lt. Phlunte Riddle said McDade was allegedly acting as a lookout while another teen attempted to break into a restaurant cash register. Riddle said race was not a factor. He described the shooting as a response to “an armed robbery that had just occurred with a full description.” He said officers felt their lives were in danger and were “highly upset” by the incident.

Who Kendrec McDade Was

Family and friends remembered McDade, who had no criminal record or gang affiliation, as a dedicated student and athlete. Loved ones described him as “the apple of his mother’s eye.” Police arrested the other teen involved, a 17‑year‑old, and charged him with robbery.

Family Files Lawsuit Alleging Cover‑Up

McDade’s parents, Kenneth McDade and Anya Slaughter, have filed a wrongful‑death and civil‑rights lawsuit, alleging the Pasadena Police Department engaged in a pattern of abuse and attempted to cover up its actions in their son’s killing. The suit cites previous police shootings of Black residents, including the death of Leroy Barnes Jr., who was shot 11 times by officers.

According to the lawsuit, Officer Jeffrey Newlen shot McDade several times during a foot pursuit. Officer Mathew Griffin reportedly fired additional rounds from his patrol car. The complaint alleges McDade was never instructed to stop. Additionally, police reports do not show he disobeyed commands.

A Mother’s Plea

“I want the world to know that he’s not what the Pasadena police has portrayed him to be,” McDade’s mother told the Associated Press. “He was one of those kids who stayed in school. I don’t believe he did anything wrong. I think he was at the wrong place at the wrong time.”