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The Rev. Al Sharpton speaking at a lectern behind Otieno's casket.
28 Images

Photos: Community grieves at Irvo Otieno's funeral

Irvo N. Otieno, 28, was experiencing a mental health crisis when his mother Caroline called for help.

Henrico County Sheriff's Department said deputies placed him on an emergency mental health hold and took him in for evaluation. Three days later on March 6, he was dead.

In an incident caught on video, deputies and hospital workers at Central State Hospital piled upon him. Seven deputies and three hospital employees have been charged with second-degree murder following his death.

A funeral service for Irvo Otieno was held on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at First Baptist Church of South Richmond in Richmond, Virginia.

Photos by Shaban Athuman/VPM News

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The Rev. Al Sharpton delivers the eulogy during a funeral service for Irvo Otieno on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at First Baptist Church of South Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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A man wipes away tears during a funeral service for Irvo Otieno on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at First Baptist Church of South Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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Caroline Ouko wipes tears from her face as her son, Leon Ochieng, consoles her during a funeral service for Irvo Otieno on Wednesday. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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The Rev. Al Sharpton meets with family members of Irvo Otieno before a funeral service for Otieno on Wednesday. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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A person holds a program during a funeral service for Irvo Otieno on Wednesday, March 29. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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Leon Ochieng raises his hand after watching a video tribute to his bother, Irvo Otieno, as his mother, Caroline Ouko, stands by his side during a funeral service for Otieno on Wednesday. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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Attorney Benjamin Crump chats with Bishop Dr. Yolanda O. Benjamin before a funeral service for Irvo Otieno on Wednesday, March 29 at First Baptist Church of South Richmond. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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The choir performs during a funeral service for Irvo Otieno. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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The choir sings before a funeral service for Irvo Otieno on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at First Baptist Church of South Richmond. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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Leon Ochieng raises his fist after watching a video tribute to his bother, Irvo Otieno, as his mother, Caroline Ouko, stands by his side during a funeral service for Otieno on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at First Baptist Church of South Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. Otieno, 28, was experiencing a mental health crisis when his mother Caroline called for help. Henrico County Sheriff's Department said deputies placed him on an emergency mental health hold and took him in for evaluation. Three days later, he was dead. In an incident caught on video, deputies and hospital workers at Central State Hospital piled upon him. Dinwiddie County Commonwealth's Attorney Ann Cabell Baskervill said Otieno was suffocated by the weight of his restraint. Seven deputies and three hospital employees have been charged with second-degree murder following his death. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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Leon Ochieng gets emotional near his brother’s casket during the funeral service for Irvo Otieno on Wednesday. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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The Rev. Al Sharpton called for implementation of an "Irvo Law" in Virginia during his remarks on Wednesday. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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Attorney Ben Crump, left, escorts Caroline Ouko along with the Rev. Al Sharpton during a funeral service for Irvo Otieno. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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Attorneys Ben Crump delivers the call for justice as Mark Krudys listens on during a funeral service for Irvo Otieno on Wednesday. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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Rev. Al Sharpton delivers the Eulogy during a funeral service for Irvo Otieno on Wednesday. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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“If the governor want to run for president, he got to go through Caroline [Ouko],” Sharpton said, alluding to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s potential presidential aspirations. ”I’m not here to attack him, I’m here to challenge him." (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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A person consoles Leon Ochieng and his mother, Caroline Ouko, during the funeral service for Irvo Otieno. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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Caroline Ouko wipes tears from her face along with her son, Leon Ochieng, during a funeral service for Irvo Otieno on Wednesday. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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A person sings and dances with the choir during a funeral service for Irvo Otieno on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at First Baptist Church of South Richmond. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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Attorneys Mark Krudys and Ben Crump give remarks following a funeral service for Irvo Otieno on Wednesday. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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Caroline Ouko delivers remarks about her slain son as Rev. Al Sharpton consoles her during a funeral service for Irvo Otieno. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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Family and friends described Otieno as a gifted athlete, expressive rapper and loving caretaker to a puppy named Papi. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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Jimmy Marshall embraces Caroline Ouko after giving remarks about her slain son. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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A casket with the remains of Irvo Otieno is taken to a hearse following Wednesday's funeral service. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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Caroline Ouko is escorted out by Ben Crump following Wednesday's funeral service. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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Caroline Ouko looks on as the casket of her slain son is loaded into a hearse during Wednesday's funeral service. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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A casket with the remains of Irvo Otieno is loaded into a hearse following the funeral service. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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The service vacillated between somber moments of reflection, celebratory choir music and impassioned calls for justice over a death that’s drawn international outrage. (Shaban Athuman / VPM News)
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