LOUISVILLE, Ky. —
The family of Carlos Wilson Jr. is calling for transparency and accountability after his death earlier this week, five days after Louisville Metro Police said he was found in a backyard in Pleasure Ridge Park with “blunt force injuries.”
Louisville Metro Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins held a press conference Saturday night with Wilson’s family, where they voiced concerns about how police are handling the investigation into his death.
Hawkins said the lead detective has shared little information with the family and believes more should be done.
“Getting an update from me doesn’t mean as much as it would from the lead homicide detective,” Hawkins said.
She added that LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey told her investigators are still waiting for toxicology results, which will be submitted to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
LMPD had earlier stated that Wilson died after being found injured in a backyard on Gerald Avenue with “blunt force injuries” and may have been jumping fences in the area before he was discovered.
Family members, including Wilson’s mother, Martina Rawlings, stood with Hawkins and expressed frustration with the investigation, describing their experience with LMPD as “disappointing.”
She said her son’s life mattered.
“I grew up with him. I had him at 16. That’s all I know. We grew up together. We’re a reflection of each other, and that was he’s my like, he’s my proud moment. I love all my children, all my stepkids, but he saved me, and I couldn’t save him. And I’m going to save him now. I promise you that,” Rawlings said, adding that her son’s death makes “no sense.”
WLKY contacted LMPD Saturday night for a statement on the investigation.
LMPD spokesperson Dwight Mitchell responded, saying:
LMPD homicide detectives have interviewed all involved parties and are currently awaiting autopsy results from the Jefferson County Medical Examiner to determine the cause of Mr. Wilson’s death. At this time, the cause of death remains undetermined.
We are aware of statements and videos involving individuals connected to this incident that are circulating on social media. We urge the public to allow investigators the time and space to conduct a thorough and objective investigation based on all available evidence.
We have briefed the Commonwealth Attorney and will continue to coordinate closely with their office as the investigation progresses.
We are committed to keeping Mr. Wilson’s family informed and will provide updates to both the family and the public as soon as new, verified information becomes available.
Meanwhile, Wilson’s family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover legal fees and the cost of a second medical examination.
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