CHESTERFIELD, Va. – Lots of of mourners joined household and associates of Irvo Otieno Wednesday to have fun his life and name for reform in psychological well being look after minorities within the wake of the 28-year-old’s obvious suffocation at a Virginia psychological hospital earlier this month.
Otieno’s brother, Leon Ochieng, referred to as him “the massive brother I by no means had” regardless that Otieno was youthful than him. Ochieng, who was coming residence to the Richmond, Virginia, space to assist his brother begin his musical profession when Otieno died on March 6, has vowed to battle for justice within the reminiscence of Otieno.
“Irvo’s life has given me goal,” Ochieng stated as he stood over the flower-draped casket of his brother.
Otieno, whose household stated he had lengthy struggled with psychological sickness, died March 6 after he was pinned to the ground by sheriff’s deputies and others whereas being admitted to Central State Hospital in Dinwiddie County. Seven deputies and three hospital employees have been charged with second-degree homicide in his dying, and an investigation is ongoing.
Three days earlier than his dying, Henrico Police got here to Otieno’s residence investigating a housebreaking wherein a neighbor claimed he was concerned. After they bought there, Otieno was within the midst of a psychological disaster, and his mom was asking them to take that into consideration. Otieno was taken to Henrico Docs Hospital for therapy after which, as his mom claimed, “whisked out the again door” of the hospital and brought to jail.
Surveillance video launched by the Dinwiddie County Commonwealth’s Legal professional’s Workplace confirmed Henrico deputies manhandling a torpid and unmedicated Otieno in his jail cell. Later, video from the hospital confirmed the seven deputies and three hospital safety guards atop him for 12 minutes, throughout which he reportedly suffocated.
Otieno’s mom, Caroline Ouko, spoke to her late son immediately in her remarks. She referred to as him a “soldier” and “the person.”
“After I took my son to the hospital, this isn’t what I envisioned,” Ouko stated. “Son, that is the place we’re and I’m sorry. We are going to unravel what occurred to you. We are going to stand for you. We are going to stroll for you”
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The 2-hour service at First Baptist Church of South Richmond’s Chesterfield campus drew lots of of individuals. The auditorium was opened early so mourners might file previous Otieno’s open casket and pay respects.
The service was delayed for about an hour as a result of civil rights chief Rev. Al Sharpton, who delivered the eulogy, was late in arriving from New York to Richmond.
In his eulogy, Sharpton referred to as for elevated consciousness of psychological well being consciousness amongst minority communities, particularly in the best way Black psychological sufferers are handled versus white sufferers or different races.
“The shame will not be that Irvo had psychological sickness,” Sharpton stated. “The shame is the way you handled him [referring to the deputies and hospital personnel].”
Sharpton referred to as on Gov. Glenn Youngkin to prioritize minority psychological well being therapy in Virginia. He inspired Youngkin to recollect Otieno’s dying by championing “Irvo’s Legislation” which might tackle inequities in psychological well being remedies.
Earlier within the service, Richmond Metropolis Councilor Mike Jones, one among two Scripture readers on the service, additionally spoke on psychological well being.
“Psychological well being shouldn’t be stigmatized like it’s,” Jones stated. “As a legislator, we have to do extra.”
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Mourners have fun Otieno’s life
The 2-hour service was additionally a celebration of Otieno’s life.
A tribute video confirmed varied household pictures with Otieno, and plenty of of them targeted on his love of enjoying soccer and basketball in youth leagues and at Douglas Freeman Excessive Faculty. Whereas the images had been proven, the soundtrack featured Otieno, an aspiring musician, performing an unique rap tune.
On the finish of the video, a picture of Irvo Otieno was superimposed over the scene of a sundown. Because it pale, mourners leaped to their ft cheering, clapping, and shouting praises and hallelujahs.
Classmate Zachary Weiss remembered Otieno displaying “a variety of humility that I admired.” He stated he would miss Otieno’s “chortle and his million-dollar smile.”
Because the service ended, Bishop Daniel Wainaina, one of many household’s pastors, inspired mourners to depart the church feeling “forgiveness” as a result of that’s what Otieno would have needed.
Invoice Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking information, authorities and politics. Attain him at batkinson@progress-index.com or on Twitter at @BAtkinson_PI.
