Fifteen-year-old Malik Roberts was a freshman at Crestview High School in Crestview, Texas. A budding athlete, a friend, a son—he was just a child with aspirations of playing college football. Tragically, his life was cut short during a police encounter that should never have escalated to violence.
Last Saturday night, law enforcement responded to a report about “rowdy teenagers.” The outcome was devastating: Malik was shot in the head by an officer, while his two brothers and two friends watched helplessly.
The initial police report stated that around 11:00 P.M., officers arrived at the scene to investigate a 911 call about intoxicated minors. They claimed that during the investigation, they heard gunfire and encountered a vehicle reversing towards them aggressively. An officer then fired into the vehicle, fatally wounding Malik, who was in the passenger seat.
However, this narrative was quickly challenged. An updated statement revealed significant discrepancies. Officers had actually encountered a large party and heard gunshots while inside the residence. Upon exiting, they confronted a vehicle that was backing away, not toward them. Despite the lack of threat, an officer chose to fire into the car filled with young people.
A teacher described Malik as “everybody’s friend,” noting his bright smile and academic success. “He was a kid that did everything right,” they told the media. Malik’s worth should never have been contingent upon his achievements; his life mattered simply because he was a human being. As Kirsten West Savali of The Root aptly put it, “He should not be dead. Period.”
We were all teenagers once, and loud gatherings are part of that experience. No child should have to fear that a police encounter could end in tragedy. The impulse to flee from authority, especially for Black youth, is often rooted in a legitimate fear of violence. Should disobeying an order from law enforcement result in a death sentence? Absolutely not.
As a white woman, I have the privilege of not worrying about police encounters with my children. But my Black son, just six years old and already the tallest in his class, faces a world where even innocent gatherings could lead to dire consequences. The reality Malik’s family now endures is heartbreaking—he is gone, and the officer responsible faced only termination from his job, not criminal charges.
Officer Derek Mason has since been dismissed for his actions, but the pain remains for Malik’s family. “After witnessing this tragedy, Malik’s brothers and friends were treated like criminals by other officers, while their brother lay dying,” stated the Roberts family.
No parent should have to live in fear for their child’s safety during a police encounter. Regrettably, we find ourselves in a society where this is a common concern, and far too many people are willing to justify it. For more insights on this pressing issue, check out this post on our other blog, Terms and Conditions.
In summary, the fear of police violence should not have to be a part of parenting, yet for many families, it is an unfortunate reality. The tragic story of Malik Roberts serves as a potent reminder of the systemic issues that must be addressed to ensure the safety of all children.