ONLY ON WCCB: Celebration Of Life For Danquirs Franklin’s Birthday

CHARLOTTE, NC. — Danquirs Franklin’s three children lit candles for their father on what would have been his 28th birthday. Family and friends gathered at Franklin’s mother’s home for an emotional celebration of life.

“We will always miss him, but will continue on his legacy,” says Danquirs Franklin’s mother Deborah.

CMPD officer Wende Kerl shot and killed Franklin on March 25th. It happened in the Burger King parking lot on Beatties Ford Road. Prompting heated protests and community conversations with Chief Kerr Putney about the department’s use of force policy, and how officers are trained in de-escalation.

Franklin’s family says the public did not get to know Danquirs.  WCCB sat down for an exclusive interview with them in November.

“We hope that when his children see this when they’re old enough to ask those questions, that they see that this family really wanted to portray him and his character well. Hopefully, his love for them shines through,” says Danquirs Franklin’s cousin Kinard Barnett.

In a unanimous vote earlier this month, the Citizens Review Board said Chief Putney erred in his determination that the shooting was justified. The Franklin family is waiting for the full report from the CRB on its recommendations.

The vote does not override the DA’s decision not to charge Kerl or CMPDs decision not to discipline her.