1/11/10

Seatle woman fighting fear with elbows and fists



SEATTLE, Wash. -- "More than a hundred women punched and kicked off a self-defense workshop called "Fight The Fear," a campaign created in honor of a Seattle woman who lost her life last year."

"Bam! Right to the head," organizer Melinda Johnson showed as she demonstrated techniques with her elbow. Johnson, a martial arts instructor and one of the event organizers, also told participants to yell "No!" or "Stop!" or anything that came to mind."

"Whatever you want to say," she told the crowd. "The point is your bringing out your voice." Full story at King5.com

Trial begins for fired Memphis cop who brutally beat Duanna Johnson

 
This video recorded during the intake of transgender woman Duanna Johnson clearly shows one officers restraining Ms.Johnson while former Memphis Police Officer Bridges McRae struck Ms. Johnson repeatedly with all his might. It was later revealed that McRae rapped his fist with metal to intensify the damage of the blows.

McRea's lawyer contends that his client was fighting for his life after being attacked by Ms. Johnson and used justifiable force in restraining Ms. Johnson.

Ms. Johnson was found shot to death shortly after being released from detention. That crime remains unsolved.