Baltimore Council Member Belinda Conaway introduced a resolution at Monday?s city council meeting asking the Baltimore police to reopen the investigation into the death of Robert Clay, as dozens of Clay?s friends and family stood in silence, holding his picture above their heads.
“I think we have an obligation to the public to answer every question about Mr. Clay?s death,” Conaway said.
Clay, a businessman and activist, was found dead in his office May 16, 2005. The state Medical Examiner?s Office ruled the death a suicide, but friends and family have insisted it was foul play.
Forensics experts consulted by The Examiner said that homicide could not be ruled out, pointing to the fact that a bullet was not found at the crime scene, and that Clay was right-handed but allegedly shot himself in the left side of the head.
State Del. Jill Carter, D-District 41, and Clerk of the Circuit Court Frank Conaway attended the city council meeting to show their support for the resolution. Carter said that introducing the resolution was a good start.
City Council President Sheila Dixon said before the meeting, though, she did not support the resolution.
“The state medical examiner ruled his death suicide. I don?t think this is a matter the council should be involved in,” Dixon said.
But friends of Clay said that the resolution was necessary to keep the case in the public eye. Cheryl Clay, Robert Clay?s cousin, said the resolution was just the beginning.
“We have to fight for justice. That?s what he would have done for us,” she said.
The resolution has been assigned to the Public Safety committee. A hearing date has not yet been set.
