120 Days and Still No Answers in RI Capitol Police Recruits Death

It has now been 120 days since Kyron Lopes passed away after being brought to Rhode Island Hospital from the Rhode Island Capitol Police Training Academy for what his family says they were initially told was a “panic attack.”

But according to Kyron’s family, his medical records tell a very different story. Doctors later told his mother that Kyron had bleeding on the brain, organ failure, and severe swelling in his leg.

That does not sound like a panic attack to me — and I know I’m not alone in questioning it.

The medical examiner’s report is still listed as “pending.” So why are the official findings in Kyron’s case still not complete?

The family has been told there is a formal investigation into what happened. So what is the current status of that investigation? Who is overseeing it? And why is it taking so long for this family to get answers?

One of the most frightening parts of Kyron’s case is that, unlike the Enrique Delgado-Garcia case, no truly independent outside investigation has been announced. According to what Kyron’s family has told me, the Rhode Island State Police have been handling the investigation.

If we truly want transparency, this case should be handled by an outside, independent agency with no connection to the departments involved. Facts.

Kyron’s mother, Annette, believes something happened inside that training room that still has not been fully explained.

I have reached out to community leaders and officials, including Governor Dan McKee and Attorney General Peter Neronha, asking for answers. I have also sent emails requesting comment on the status of the investigation — and I have received no response.

At what point do we have to ask whether the people in power truly care about Kyron’s case?

Do they care about getting to the truth?

Do they care about justice for Kyron Lopes?

Damn, I hope so.