News
Trayvon Martin case: Sandford police Chief Bill Lee fired
Lee took a leave of absence in March and offered his resignation in April. The city council rejected Lee’s resignation by a 3-2 vote. Several council members indicated they wanted to let a Department of Justice review of the police investigation play out before making a final decision.
Martin’s family and legal team addressed Lee’s firing during a news conference at the National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention in New Orleans.
“The family’s response and statement is that the city manager of Sanford had an internal investigation into the matter concerning Bill Lee,” attorney Benjamin Crump said. “He concluded that investigation and made his decision. The parents of Trayvon Martin respect the decision of the city manager. They remain vigilant in getting justice for their son and the tragedy that claimed his life.”
In May, Rick Myers took over as Sanford’s interim police chief, saying he wanted to heal the emotional wounds caused by Martin’s death. He has said he would reach out to people in Sanford who feel they’ve been ignored by the police.
Bonaparte said in a statement that he had been in contact with the Police Executive Research Forum about the search for a successor to Lee.
“I believe that there are many law enforcement officials who will find accepting the opportunity to serve as Sanford’s Police Chief a welcome challenge for their careers”, the city manager said. “I expect the search for a new chief to take several months.”
Lee will receive three months of severance and one week’s salary, in addition to any earned time off, under his contract.
