Dewboy Lister, a 55-year-old African American man, died on October 20, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. His death followed a violent encounter with a police officer during a traffic stop. The incident began on the evening of October 19, 2017, when Officer Jose Hasette pulled Lister over for a traffic violation. Lister fled the scene in his vehicle, leading to a brief pursuit. The chase ended when Lister stopped his car and attempted to flee on foot.
A struggle ensued between Lister and Officer Hasette, during which a single shot was fired, striking Lister in the torso. Lister was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries early the next morning.
The aftermath of Lister's death sparked significant controversy and legal proceedings. Officer Hasette was placed on administrative leave following the incident. The case was presented to a grand jury, which ultimately decided not to indict Hasette. This decision was met with outrage from Lister's family and the local community, who questioned the impartiality of the investigation. The family expressed concerns that Hasette might be related to a local judge, which they believed could have influenced the grand jury's decision. They called for an independent investigation by the Texas Rangers to ensure a fair and unbiased review of the case.
In addition to the grand jury proceedings, the incident was also reviewed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Justice. Body camera footage of the encounter was released by the Corpus Christi Police Department, providing a detailed account of the events leading up to Lister's death. The footage showed the initial traffic stop, the subsequent chase, and the struggle between Lister and Hasette. However, the actual shooting was not captured on camera, as the officer's body camera and radio became dislodged during the altercation.
The release of the body camera footage did little to quell the community's concerns. Lister's family, along with civil rights attorney Kevin Murray, continued to push for a thorough investigation into the incident. They organized peaceful protests and called on local and state officials to support their quest for justice. Despite these efforts, the grand jury's decision stood, and Officer Hasette was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing and returned to full duty.
Dewboy Lister's death remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding police use of force and the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement. His family continues to seek justice and answers, hoping that their efforts will lead to meaningful change and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
