Family of Antonio Mays Jr. Demands Release of Body Camera Footage Following Landmark Verdict

Call for Transparency: The Antonio Mays Jr. Case

In a significant development stemming from a notable $30.5 million ruling against the City of Seattle, the family of 16-year-old Antonio Mays Jr. is urging the release of crucial body camera footage from the incident leading to his death. This landmark verdict holds the city accountable, igniting a broader conversation about police transparency and community trust.

The tragic death of Antonio Mays Jr. on June 29, 2020, has left an indelible mark on his family and the Seattle community. Following a jury's responsibility finding the city liable, the Mays family is advocating for access to 116 body camera videos recorded by Seattle Police officers during the incident, currently under a protective order that restricts public access.

Antonio's family believes that the public has a fundamental right to understand the events of that fateful night, arguing that releasing these videos is essential for accountability and transparency in law enforcement. Evan Oshan, the family's attorney, emphasized the importance of public access, stating, "Transparency serves everyone—it honors Antonio Jr's memory, and it helps the community understand what happened that night."

The legal proceedings surrounding the release of the footage are ongoing. In November 2025, Judge Sean P. O'Donnell requested the City of Seattle to review the videos to determine any portions that may still need to remain sealed. However, the City has filed a motion for reconsideration, prolonging the wait for public access to this critical evidence. The family remains hopeful for a resolution that will allow these videos to be made public, emphasizing that such transparency is pivotal for community understanding and healing.

Antonio Mays Jr., who tragically lost his life at just 16 years of age, represents more than just another case; he signifies the growing demand for justice and accountability within law enforcement. His family continues to carry the weight of this tragedy, advocating not only for their rightful access to the facts surrounding his death but also for a broader push for change within the policing system.

The call for the release of the body camera footage resonates far beyond this case; it is part of an essential dialogue focusing on the vital nature of transparency in policing practices, especially concerning incidents involving substantial loss of life. The Mays family exemplifies the relentless fight for justice, as they navigate the legal complexities while seeking to honor Antonio's memory and ensure that no other family has to endure a similar loss without accountability.

The Mays family's request highlights a pressing need for transparency and accountability in modern-day policing. In the wake of this court decision, the greater community stands with them, pushing for a resolution that secures public access to the footage and fosters understanding of the tragic circumstances surrounding Antonio's death.

As this situation unfolds, attention must remain on the implications of this case not just for the Mays family, but for systemic issues within police departments across the country. Community members and advocates alike are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a resolution that serves the interests of justice, transparency, and accountability.

For interviews or additional information, the father of the late Antonio Mays Jr. and attorney Evan Oshan are available to share their perspectives and insights on this pressing issue, which continues to evoke strong emotions and demands for change.