Family Looks for Answers After Man Dies in Police Custody Following Traffic Stop in Inglewood
Family Seeks Answers Following Death of Bryan Bostic in Police Custody
The family of Bryan Bostic, a 37-year-old man who died after being taken into custody by Inglewood police, is demanding clarity regarding the circumstances leading to his death on March 10. Bostic’s death occurred shortly after a traffic stop, prompting concerns and questions from his relatives.
According to family members, Bostic was stopped by police at the intersection of Hillcrest and Nutwood around 9:30 p.m. while en route to Gardena Memorial Hospital to visit his girlfriend. Officials have stated that the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death, and the matter is currently under investigation by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Inglewood Mayor James Butts reported that following contact with Bostic, officers observed what they believed to be an attempt to conceal something. “After they made contact with Mr. Bostic, they made an observation on what they believed was an attempt to hide something,” Butts said. A struggle ensued, leading to Bostic’s arrest. Butts described Bostic as sweating profusely and having a contusion on his cheek at the time.
Paramedics were called to the scene and subsequently cleared Bostic for transport to the police station. Upon arrival, officers noticed that he was not breathing and initiated CPR. Despite the efforts of responding paramedics, he was later pronounced dead.
Marie Darden, Bostic’s aunt, expressed skepticism over assurances she received from the mayor regarding the timeline leading up to her nephew’s death. “I told him, ‘Crap. That’s bull crap. It should be body cams. How could you assure me that if you weren’t there at the crime?’” she remarked.
Concerns have been raised by family members about the lack of body-worn cameras within the Inglewood Police Department. Mayor Butts acknowledged the family’s grief but denied allegations of misconduct by officers. “Look, I understand the family’s grief and anger, but that’s absolutely untrue as it relates to the Inglewood Police Department,” he said. He emphasized that the cause of death remains undetermined, reiterating that evidence and conclusions will come from the medical examiner’s findings and the district attorney’s investigation.
Butts also mentioned that the city is working on a project to incorporate body-worn cameras that activate automatically in the police force’s software upgrades. In the meantime, Bostic’s family is asking for any community members who may have recorded video of the incident to come forward.
“ We don’t know what happened,” said Talia, a relative of Bostic. “We’re so heartbroken. It’s unimaginable, really.” Family members described Bostic as a source of positivity who had a profound impact on those around him. “He spoke life into you,” Talia said. “If you were having a bad day, he could lift you up. Brian was truly something special, which is why we’re all out here today.”
Mayor Butts noted that three investigations are underway: an internal review by the Inglewood Police Department, the district attorney’s investigation, and an autopsy by the Los Angeles County medical examiner. He expressed condolences to Bostic’s family and acknowledged their need for answers.
