Pubdate: Mon, 25 Sep 2000
Date: 09/25/2000
Source: Modesto Bee, The (CA)
Author: Penny Vilela
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n1373/a03.html

The officers raided the home where the child was shot at 6:15 a.m. Why
didn't they wait two hours until the children were in school? Why did
they conduct this raid when there were very young children

I find it very hard to believe that an officer with over 20 years'
experience would accidentally shoot an 11-year-old boy in the back.
The chief says the shooting was an accident. How does he know this if
the investigation is not complete?

Causing the accidental death of another human being is manslaughter.
The officer should be charged, and the training of the entire
department should be overhauled. Don't let the Modesto Police
Department brush this boy's death under the carpet. He deserves better!

Penny Vilela,
Oakhurst, Sept. 14