Freedom and Justice for Araya Brinkley

It could have been one of us or one of our children. So please take the time to sign; even if you don't know him. There by the grace of God goes I.

On May 23, 2015, Araya Selassie, entered a 7-Eleven store as a peaceful consumer.  He was confronted by a 42 year old man, who seemed to be under the influence, regarding who should go first to the cashier.  Although Araya had never seen this man before, Araya exercised the duty to retreat and offered the angry man the opportunity to go first to the cashier. While Araya was being threatened, the cashier checked him out first anyway.  Araya again exercised his duty to retreat and remained in the store to allow the threatening man to leave the store first.  The vulgar and threatening man went in and out of the store several times promising to wait for Araya outside. 

After a delay, Araya exited the store to go home to meet the man standing among several companions waiting for him outside.  The aggressive Troy Henderson, reported to have had more than 10 felony records, attacked Araya first and Araya had no choice but to defend himself. As an ex-marine he went into survival mode. The aggressive assailant continued to advance against Araya several times.  Araya left the man standing, after several defensive blows, and attempted to leave the area.  The police pursued Araya nearby and arrested him as the aggressor against the wounded assailant.  He was later charged with a criminal felony offense.  Araya did not know that the angry and aggressive man would not survive the wounds he incurred after attacking Araya.  Araya and his family finds it unfortunate and regrettable that Troy Henderson provoked and contributed to his own demise.