The funeral service for Frank Tyson, a 53-year-old East Canton resident who died in police custody, was held at the Hear The Word Ministries church in Canton. The Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy, emphasizing the need for justice for Tyson and his family.
Tyson died on April 18 after being handcuffed and left facedown on the floor of a social club, where he pleaded with officers that he couldn't breathe. His partner, Sabrina Jones, spoke at the service, expressing the family's grief and calling for justice for Tyson.
Bodycam footage released by the police showed Tyson resisting while being handcuffed and repeatedly stating that he was in distress. Despite his pleas, officers did not provide immediate medical assistance, and Tyson tragically passed away.
Tyson, who was Black, had recently been released from prison after serving 24 years on a kidnapping and theft case. Just days after his release, he found himself in a fatal encounter with law enforcement.
The two white officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave pending further investigation. The Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting a probe to determine if charges related to the use of force are warranted.
This case has sparked outrage in the community, with many calling for accountability and justice for Frank Tyson. The tragic circumstances surrounding his death highlight the ongoing concerns about police conduct and the treatment of individuals in custody.
