On 15 September 1983, Michael Stewart, a 25-year-old Black student at the Pratt Institute, was beaten to death in the 1st Avenue L train subway station by a group of around 10 transit police when they caught him painting graffiti.
The New York City medical examiner helped the police cover up the murder, and while six police officers ended up being charged they were all acquitted at trial.
Stewart's family were successful in forcing the city to pay $1.7 million in damages after a civil suit.
Michael Stewart killed by police - WCH | Stories
Additional Sources on the Michael Stewart Murder:
Michael stewart | Haring Foundation BlogHaring Foundation Blog
Death of Michael Stewart - NowComment
The Last Days of Michael Stewart, a Young Black Artist of the East Village in the 1980s ‹ CrimeReads
Graffiti Has Been A Part Of Black Culture For Centuries | PushBlack
#MichaelStewart #PrattInstitute #Graffiti #PoliceBrutality