Introduction to the Case
Mothers bound by the grief of losing their loved ones in police-involved shootings put their heartbroken voices together in a joint Mother’s Day letter to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, urging the city’s top cop to fire a lieutenant for using lethal force.
File Photo: Sammy Feliz, brother of Allan Feliz, who was killed by police, speaks at a rally on the steps of City Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. Advocates, elected officials and families affected by police violence called for passage of NYPD transparency and accountability legislation in the City Council.
Photo by Paul Frangipane
The Incident
The cop in question fatally gunned down Allan Feliz during a traffic stop in the Bronx on Oct. 17, 2019. Lt. Jonathan Rivera and another officer pulled over Feliz at East 211th Street and Bainbridge Avenue after noticing he was not wearing a seatbelt. Upon further investigation, cops say he was wanted on several warrants.
As authorities moved to search Feliz, he allegedly attempted to flee in his vehicle, leading to a struggle between the driver and Rivera that escalated into a Taser being deployed. Seconds later, the vehicle jutted forward, and the then-Sergeant Rivera opened fire, fatally striking Feliz in the chest.
While Rivera maintained he pulled the trigger because he believed that Feliz was going to mow down one of his partners, Mery Verdeja, the mother of Allan Feliz, and other family members have maintained over half a decade later that Rivera acted without cause.
The Plea for Justice
For Mother’s Day 2025, Verdeja joined Iris Baez, mother of Anthony Baez (killed by NYPD in 1994), Kadiatou Diallo, mother of Amadou Diallo (killed by NYPD in 1999), and Valerie Bell, mother of Sean Bell (killed by NYPD in 2006) in penning a letter to Commissioner Tisch pleading for her to finally fire Rivera.
“You know, as well as we do, how joyful, laborious, fulfilling, busy, and extraordinary mothering can be. It is such a blessing to be a mother,” part of the letter read. “It is also the most unbearable loss, to lose your child. No parent is prepared for this level of devastation. Nor should any mother have to explain the tragic loss of another parent to their child, as the mother of Allan’s son has had to for six years. This pain is amplified unmeasurably when that loss is at the hands of those who are supposedly meant to protect and serve us.”
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Photo by Dean Moses
The Demand for Action
Earlier this year, a judge presiding over an internal trial also recommended that Rivera — who had been promoted from sergeant to lieutenant — be fired, but no such action has been taken.
This has left the family lacking a sense of closure and justice.
“You cannot bring our loved ones back, but you can help ensure that no other mother has to suffer what we have at the hands of your officers,” the letter went on to say. “Firing Officer Rivera will prevent him from abusing another New Yorker and demonstrates that you will not tolerate excessive force by your officers.”
The emotional letter pleaded with the top cop to take action, adding that they fear it is only a matter of time before another member of the public is harmed.
amNewYork reached out to the NYPD for comment and is awaiting a response.
Conclusion
The mothers of the victims are still waiting for justice and closure, and they hope that Commissioner Tisch will take their plea into consideration and fire Lt. Rivera. The case highlights the need for accountability and transparency within the NYPD and the importance of ensuring that officers who use excessive force are held responsible for their actions.
FAQs
Q: What happened to Allan Feliz?
A: Allan Feliz was fatally shot by Lt. Jonathan Rivera during a traffic stop in the Bronx on Oct. 17, 2019.
Q: Why are the mothers of the victims urging Commissioner Tisch to fire Lt. Rivera?
A: The mothers believe that Lt. Rivera used excessive force and acted without cause, and they want to ensure that he is held accountable for his actions and that no other mother has to suffer what they have.
Q: What has been the response from the NYPD?
A: The NYPD has not yet responded to the request for comment.
Q: What is the significance of the case?
A: The case highlights the need for accountability and transparency within the NYPD and the importance of ensuring that officers who use excessive force are held responsible for their actions.
