Pubdate: Fri, 15 Dec 2000
Source: Modesto Bee, The (CA)
Copyright: 2000 The Modesto Bee
Contact:  http://www.modbee.com/help/letters.html
Website: http://www.modbee.com/

SEPULVEDA CASE - ENOUGH DELAYS

The community will hear the results of the Modesto Police Department's 
investigation into the shooting of 11-year-old Alberto Sepulveda no later 
than Jan. 12. That's a firm commitment from Police Chief Roy Wasden, who 
says it will be kept whether or not other law enforcement agencies want 
further postponement.

The report is finished and it should be made public. Further delays risk 
fueling suspicion and renewing the anger and distrust shown by some people 
following the Sept. 3 shooting during a dawn drug raid at the boy's home.

It was an accident, police said. It still was a homicide, some community 
members said. A full and frank account of exactly what happened, and how, 
is important to the department's credibility and to understanding how 
better to prevent such tragedies. The Police Department's inquiry is one of 
five local, state and federal investigations into the shooting.

The chief has agreed to a request from other agencies to postpone releasing 
the department's findings this week, as initially scheduled. Those agencies 
said they need more time to complete their own investigations and expressed 
concern about the investigations being "tainted" if Modesto's findings were 
released before everyone was interviewed.

Frankly, we don't believe that's a problem. Only a small group of officers 
and Sepulveda family members were involved, in a small space and during a 
short window of time. They have already stated and restated what they know 
to several investigators.

Certainly, it would have been a mistake to rush the department's 
investigation. But it will be no less of a mistake to err on the side of 
protraction and delay.
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