Edward Foster, a 32-year-old African-American man, was fatally shot by Homestead Police officers on July 16, 2015. The incident occurred near the M&M Meat Market in Homestead, Florida, where Foster had gone to purchase food and supplies. According to police reports, officers responded to a 911 call about a man wielding a gun. Upon arrival, they encountered Foster and, believing he posed a threat, shot him 11 times.
Foster's family, however, disputes this account, claiming that he had his hands up when he was shot. The lack of video evidence has fueled ongoing controversy and calls for justice from Foster's family, who have been vocal about their belief that the shooting was unjustified.
The officer involved in the shooting, Anthony Green, has a history of controversial incidents, with Foster being the third person he has killed in his career. Despite the family's protests and demands for Green to be removed from duty, he remained on the force. The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office conducted an investigation into the shooting and ultimately cleared Green of any criminal wrongdoing. The report concluded that Green's use of deadly force was lawful and justified, as he claimed Foster had pointed a gun at him and he feared for his life. This decision has been met with outrage from Foster's family, who continue to seek justice and accountability for his death.
Foster's death has had a profound impact on his family, particularly his mother, who struggled with the loss and experienced significant emotional distress. The family has also faced challenges in their pursuit of justice, including conflicting information from city officials about Green's duty status and a lack of action from the State Attorney's Office. Despite these obstacles, Foster's sister, Crystal, has remained determined to fight for her brother's memory and hold those responsible accountable. The case highlights ongoing issues of police accountability and the use of force, particularly in communities of color.
