x
Breaking News
More () »

Series of unusual events follow canceled funeral for Atatiana Jefferson

A series of unusual events unfolded Saturday, adding further uncertainty to a community where tensions are high following the tragic death of an innocent woman.

FORT WORTH, Texas — Mourners in Dallas were turned away Saturday after funeral services for Atatiana Jefferson were canceled. Then, later in the day, an audience who was expecting to see Rev. Al Sharpton onstage in Fort Worth was disappointed to hear his voice over the phone instead.

The series of unusual events added further uncertainty to a community where tensions are already high after former Fort Worth Police Officer Aaron Dean shot and killed Jefferson on Oct. 12.

Last weekend, a neighbor called a non-emergency line asking for a welfare check after noticing Jefferson’s door open and the lights on around 2:30 a.m.

RELATED: Who was Atatiana Jefferson? Woman killed by Fort Worth police officer in her home

Dean never identified himself as police. He entered the backyard and then shot and killed Jefferson through a window. Her 8-year-old nephew was in the room.

A family dispute led to the cancellation of her funeral services scheduled for Saturday at the Potter’s House of Dallas. The family expects to come to an agreement on a time and location in the coming days.

RELATED: Saturday's service for Atatiana Jefferson canceled, one day after father takes legal action

Rev. Al Sharpton was expected to attend and speak at the funeral. He was also in the lineup for an event in downtown Fort Worth Saturday evening.

Credit: WFAA
An audience expecting to see Rev. Al Sharpton onstage, instead saw a man holding a cellphone to a microphone

An audience of about 50 people expecting to see Sharpton take the stage, instead saw a man hold a cell phone up to the microphone, as Sharpton made his address over the phone.

In the phone call, Sharpton said he supported local church leaders in their ongoing efforts demanding police oversight and said he would travel to Fort Worth Wednesday.

More on WFAA:

Before You Leave, Check This Out