Family members and friends of a Homer man who died while in custody at the Minden Police Department gathered Wednesday evening outside both the Minden Police Department and Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office seeking answers and calling for justice.
Demonta Reshawn Tate, 23, of Homer, died June 16 while being held at the Minden Police Department. Authorities have said they believe Tate died by suicide inside a holding cell.
During Wednesday’s protest, family members expressed disbelief that Tate would take his own life. Tate’s father said he does not believe his son would commit suicide, while the mother of Tate’s child spoke about his future plans and the family he leaves behind.
According to Minden Police Chief Jared McIver, Tate was initially stopped by officers for running a stop sign. During the traffic stop, officers discovered Tate was wanted on warrants from Claiborne Parish. After contacting Claiborne Parish authorities, Minden officers were asked to hold Tate until he could be transported.
McIver said Tate was in custody for approximately two hours before he was found unresponsive.
“Immediately when this happened, I contacted the sheriff and asked if they would come in and independently investigate this,” McIver said.
McIver said the Minden Police Department is fully cooperating with the investigation but declined to provide additional details while the case remains under review.
The Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding Tate’s death. Sheriff Jason Parker said investigators are reviewing whether any criminal actions occurred and that, thus far, the investigation has found no evidence of such.
“So far in the investigation, I have found nothing criminal,” Parker said.
Parker said video footage exists from the initial traffic stop through the time Tate was discovered in the holding cell.
“From the time he was stopped till the time that he was discovered is all on video,” Parker said.
Parker said he plans to allow Tate’s family an opportunity to view the footage.
“It’s a sad situation, and I know they need some closure,” he said.
Parker said the sheriff’s office will submit its findings to the district attorney’s office.
“Once we get through with our investigation, we’ll send our official report to the DA’s office for their review,” Parker said.
Parker also expressed sympathy for Tate’s family.
“I feel for the family,” he said.
Authorities have previously stated that attempts were made to revive Tate after he was discovered, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Tate leaves behind family members and loved ones who continue to seek answers regarding his death.