What happened to Khalil Azad? Everything About Khalil Azads Death
by Sona
Updated Mar 07, 2023
Who was Khalil Azad?
Khalil Azad, a 24-year-old resident of Robbinsdale, Minnesota, sadly passed away as a result of police brutality while in police custody. He left behind his family, including his wife Montress Azad and their daughter Kailani Queen Azad. Khalil Azad's untimely death sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many people calling for justice to be served for the young man. Khalil Azad's body was discovered floating face down in Crystal Lake, two days after he had fled on foot when stopped by the Robbinsdale Police.
What happened to Khalil Azad?
In July 2022, the body of Khalil Azad was found floating face down in Crystal Lake. Despite an autopsy report indicating drowning as the cause of death, Azad's family disputes this claim, asserting that he was a proficient swimmer. Two days prior to the discovery of his body, Azad was pulled over by Robbinsdale Police, who allege that he fled on foot during questioning. This was the last reported sighting of him. Azad's body was discovered with numerous scratch and bite marks, leading many to suspect foul play. In June 2019, Khalil Azad was taken into custody by the Robbinsdale Police on suspicion of domestic assault and was being transported to the Hennepin County Jail when the incident leading to his death occurred. The police officers allegedly beat him to death, leading to his tragic and untimely passing. Recently, a vigil was held in Crystal Lake to honor Azad's memory and put pressure on authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.
Students chanted Azad’s name and carried signs reading, “No Justice No Peace,” and, “Justice for Khalil Azad.”
Ayisha Johnson, sister of Khalil Azad comforted by Minnesota Teen Activists director Jerome Richardson said,
“Me and Khalil were very close at a young age and we were basically best friends. He basically had a beautiful smile,”
“We all know looking at those (autopsy) pictures that there’s something that needs to be done,” Johnson added.
Khalil Azad Family
Khalil Azad, a native of Robbinsdale, Minnesota, was raised in the town where he lived with his family and parents. His sudden passing devastated his loved ones, including his wife and daughter, Kailani Queen Azad, who was just two months old when he was killed. According to Montress Azad, Khalil was allegedly beaten by police officers before being thrown into the river on the night of the incident, leaving the Azad family heartbroken and shattered. They are now demanding justice and accountability from the Robbinsdale Police Department and medical examiner. The family and their supporters are urging for a thorough investigation into the police department, the release of all body-cam footage, and the prosecution of the officers and medical examiners involved in Khalil Azad's death.
“We’re happy to be here with many students and many more who are on the way,” said Jerome Richardson, executive director of Minnesota Teen Activists. “(We are here) to demand justice for Khalil Amad Azad … demanding justice and answers as to what happened to Khalil Amad Azad on July 3rd, 2022.”
Khalil Azad Death
On Monday, student activists and Khalil Ahmad Azad's family held a rally in downtown Minneapolis, questioning the circumstances of his death and demanding the release of body camera footage and an independent investigation. Azad, who was 24 years old, was discovered on the shoreline of Crystal Lake in July 2022, two days after reportedly fleeing from the Robbinsdale Police Department during a traffic stop for suspected DWI. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office determined Azad's cause of death to be freshwater drowning. However, Azad's family is seeking an independent autopsy to uncover further information. Additionally, teenage activists are calling for investigations into the involved agencies and for the release of all body camera footage.
What happened to Khalil Azad - FAQs
Khalil Azad, a 24-year-old resident of Robbinsdale, Minnesota, sadly passed away as a result of police brutality while in police custody.
Khalil Azad's body was discovered floating face down in Crystal Lake, two days after he had fled on foot when stopped by the Robbinsdale Police.
Khalil Azad was arrested on suspicion of domestic assault after the police received a call from a woman who claimed that she had been assaulted by him.
The death of Khalil Azad has sparked outrage and protests in the community, with many calling for an end to police brutality and the use of excessive force. The case has also led to renewed calls for police reform and accountability.