Pharrell Williams is demanding federal authorities investigate the Virginia police shooting which led to the death of his cousin after spending his birthday eulogizing his late relative.
The hip-hop star turned 48 on Monday (April 5th) but the event was a somber affair as he attended the funeral of Donovon Lynch, who was gunned down by a cop in Virginia Beach in the early hours of March 27th.
A handgun said to have been brandished by Lynch was recovered at the scene, but the officer’s body camera had not been turned on, prompting his family members and local community leaders to question the police’s version of events.
Pharrell paid tribute to Lynch in the wake of his death, calling for “transparency, honesty, and justice” from authorities, and after mourning the 25-year old’s loss at a private memorial on Monday, he took to Instagram to pressure federal investigators to get involved in the case.
“Thank you God for my 48th lap around the Sun,” he shared alongside a shot of the funeral program.
“This one is symbolic and a first because I had to speak at my cousin’s funeral, and was choked up with emotions. Too many unanswered City and State questions. Respectfully, I am calling for a Federal investigation.”
Addressing his fans, Pharrell added, “I also humbly ask that you all keep the family in prayer. His name is Donovon Wayne Lynch.”
Famous friends and collaborators, including Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Pusha T, and Fabolous were among those who offered their support in the form of prayer hand emojis.
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His production partner Chad Hugo of The Neptunes commented, “In our prayers,” and veteran singer Charlie Wilson wrote, “Sending you love and prayers on your birthday nephew.”
Lynch’s death was one of three separate shooting incidents which occurred around Virginia Beach late on March 26th and into March 27th.
One of the other shoot-outs claimed the life of “Bad Girls Club” reality star Deshayla E. Harris, who was likely an innocent bystander. She was 29.