Protests, Family demands first-degree murder charge for security guard in shooting at Battle Creek bar
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. Dec 7 2021— On Saturday, dozens of demonstrators pushed the Calhoun County prosecutor to file criminal charges against a security guard who police said shot and killed a man at the Cricket Club. 29-year-old Xavier West was shot during a fight inside the bar on Thanksgiving morning. He died at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.
More than 60 demonstrators marched downtown the day after Battle Creek police recommended Cricket Club security guard Adam Yancer face criminal charges.
Police said they aren’t saying what charges are being recommended because the Calhoun County prosecutor may decide on different ones.
Yancer was working security at the Cricket Club when a fight broke out on Thanksgiving morning. Police said Yancer shot West during the fight.
Xavier West’s family said they’re still in shock and trying to make sense of his death, but they’re relieved police are pushing for charges. Family members hoped one of them was first-degree murder.
A large crowd started the march after 3 p.m. on Saturday and voiced their frustration shouting: “No justice, no peace!”
“I’m feeling enraged and hurt,” said Nevaeha Nichols, West’s sister.
Demonstrators marched to Cricket Club and Battle Creek Police headquarters to press for answers.
“We want justice, we want justice,” said Jeffrey Cotton. “We know the injustices that took place that night.”
The crowd was also heard chanting: “lock him (Yancer) up,” and seen consoling each other.
“We deserve justice and peace, all these mothers, we’re hurting,”’ said Xavier’s mother, Nakiesha West.
“We don’t want a slap on the back,” said Keenya Hodges, Xavier’s aunt. “It’s refreshing to hear that they’re bringing up charges, but what are those charges? We want murder, first-degree.”
The march ended outside Cricket Club, where Xavier West was shot. He was the father of an 8-year old daughter.
“Xavier was just a beautiful person, I mean he would hug you so many times, it would make you sick: you’d be like ‘boy!” said Hodges.
A memorial outside the Cricket Club continued to grow with flowers, teddy bears, crosses and candles honoring West’s life.
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