Demonstrators seek justice for Joel Acevedo as officer charged in his death makes first court appearance

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Dozens of people gathered on the Milwaukee County Courthouse steps Wednesday morning, June 24, in support for Joel Acevedo's family -- a 25-year-old man who died after a fight with an off-duty Milwaukee Police Department officer. 

Voces de la Frontera and Liberate MKE organized the rally. They're asking for several things including firing officer Mattioli from the police department and the Police and Fire Commission to continue investigating. 

They also are calling for Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales to resign. 

Authorities say Mattioli, who was off-duty, choked Acevedo to death following a fight at the officer's home in April. 

At the rally, organizers called for justice, political action and for their voices to be heard. 

"We will fight united and we will continue to support the Acevedo family in this painful process and other families that have been victims of the abuse of power until we reach justice," said Voces de la Frontera Executive Director, Christine Neumann-Ortiz.

Mattioli, a 13-year-old veteran with MPD, has been charged with first degree reckless homicide. He faces up to 60 years in prison. 

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