Dear Editor,

The recent passing of Police Sergeant Iyo Malone-Merchant has sent shockwaves through our nation, compounded by the tragic loss of 9 year old Chantel Crump. As a decorated officer and a devoted member of our community, her loss is felt deeply, especially by those who knew her struggles and the battles she fought.

At WISH – the Wadadli Initiative for Self-care and Healing, we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues who are grieving this tremendous loss.

Yet, as they grieve, they are also being forced to endure a storm of speculation, conspiracy theories, and cruel accusations. Instead of being allowed to mourn in peace, they are witnessing a flood of misinformation—claims that Iyo was silenced due to her knowledge of a recent murder investigation, accusations that her own colleagues forced her hand, and outright refusal to believe the pain she carried.

This kind of rhetoric is not only disrespectful and deeply hurtful to those grieving, but it is also dangerous. Imagine being a family member, already struggling to comprehend this loss, and seeing wild accusations about your loved one spreading across social media. Imagine being a colleague who served alongside her, now forced to watch as the integrity of your team is questioned.

Imagine being an officer who is silently struggling with your own mental health and seeing how people react to this tragedy—not with compassion, but with doubt and blame.

We must ask ourselves: Would we be seeing this level of speculation if she weren’t a police officer?

Rather than allowing baseless theories to overshadow the truth, this moment should force us to confront an uncomfortable but necessary reality—law enforcement officers are not immune to mental health struggles.

They face extraordinary levels of stress, witnessing violence, tragedy, and suffering as part of their daily jobs. Yet, many feel they cannot speak about their struggles because they fear judgment, stigma, or professional consequences.

If we continue to perpetuate a culture where officers feel that their pain will be dismissed or turned into conspiracy, how many more will suffer in silence?

At WISH, we advocate for mental health awareness, support, and reform in all sectors of society, including law enforcement. It is crucial that officers have access to confidential, professional mental health services and are encouraged to seek help without fear of being seen as weak or incapable.

Leadership must actively foster a culture where well-being is prioritized, where officers feel safe asking for support, and where mental health is treated with the same urgency as physical health.

To the men and women in uniform: Your mental health matters. Your struggles are valid. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a courageous act of self-care.

We cannot allow baseless speculation to overshadow the real issue at hand—the urgent need to address the mental health of those who serve and protect us.

Let us honor Iyo’s memory by fostering real change, breaking the silence on mental health, and ensuring that no officer feels alone in their struggles.

Sincerely,
The Wadadli Initiative for Self-care and Healing