Memorial bench dedicated for Eugene Ellison, killed by LR police

IN MEMORY: Lawrence Ellison, brother of Eugene Ellison, sits on the new memorial bench.

BY Max Brantley ON November 4, 2016 2:07 pm

The city of Little Rock today dedicated a memorial bench to Eugene Ellison, killed in a 2010 confrontation in his apartment with Little Rock police officers. The bench is in MacArthur Park, by the duck pond.

City Manager Bruce Moore and the Ellison family members took part. Family includes sons Troy and Spencer Ellison, one a current and one a former Little Rock police officer.

The bench includes a plaque with an inscription, “The Mark of the Educated Man.”

Ellison was killed by a shot fired from outside his apartment by one of two police officers working private security. They’d walked in an open door to check on him, they said. He threatened them with a cane, they said. The shooting was ruled justifiable, though the family’s attorney has asked for further criminal review by the prosecutor.

A civil suit over the shooting death was settled by the city for $900,000. The apartment complex owner also settled for an undisclosed amount. The settlement with the city included the memorial bench.

Bench dedicated to Eugene Ellison closes chapter for family

Bench dedicated to Eugene Ellison closes chapter for family
Author: Jamal Goss (KTHV)
Published: 11/4/2016 6:27:21 PM
Updated: 6:39 PM CDT November 4, 2016

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) – You may remember a story that we brought to you in the case of 67-year old Eugene Ellison, who was shot and killed by two white off-duty Little Rock police officers.

The officers ended up being cleared of all charges, but before the case could go to federal court, the city agreed to settle a lawsuit. That lawsuit included a payout, a memorial bench, and an apology letter. In his honor, family and friends gathered to support and dedicate that promised bench on Friday.

One by one, his sons and city leaders highlighted moments shared with Mr. Ellison. Both sons said the support from the community means everything. A five-year journey finally ends with the last of the city’s promise.

Both sons said finding justice for their father and moving forward allows the healing process to continue. Spencer Ellison, son of Mr. Eugene Ellison, takes pride in making sure the community understands the purpose of the bench.

“We are here to remember, embrace and dedicate to a proud man that’s most deserving to be memorialized. We salute you, Mr. Eugene Edward Ellison,” Ellison said.

The bench is a few yards away from the MacArthur Military Museum. The family said this is the best place for it because of the amount of attention it receives from the public.

His son’s Troy and Spencer plan to be a source for those seeking justice, but most importantly they’ll offer themselves as servants to their community. Troy Ellison still works for the Little Rock police department.