A bit sensationalistic, but a very valid question under the circumstances. Jonn starts the discussion of the death of Jose Guerena and details the problems he saw at the start. Jose was a Marine, served two tours in Iraq, survived that, and came home to be killed by Sheriff Dupnik's (yes, that sheriff Dupnik) SWAT Team. The sheriff's office has changed it's stories multiple times since, finally admitting that he had not fired and that more than 70 rounds were fired by them in response to an accidental discharge by one of their own officers. Operator Dan follows up with yet more. Much more, and even more disturbing. Having warrants and records sealed after the fact, claims of conspiracy that -- frankly -- reek, and more. Let's not even get into keeping the ambulance at bay for more than an hour, despite eyewitness claims that Jose was still alive as his wife was dragged out. Given all, I would have to question any "evidence" found at the house at this point. I join those in the comments and elsewhere who are pointing out the extreme lack of professionalism displayed from the start. There is cause to question the intelligence (and lack of due dilligence in doing intelligence gathering) involved; the piss poor weapons handling by the doorframe shooter and the response to that shot that saw 70 plus rounds fired apparently without aim; and, the handling of the incident since. Frankly, given the multiple story changes and efforts to control the story by what appear to be increasingly draconian (and desperate) means by Sheriff Dupnik's office and the questions raised, I think that a huge spotlight needs to be shined on this. In point of fact, given the taint already on the Sheriff's office, I think an outside probe is needed. Both state and federal probes (law, law enforcement, civil rights) are absolutely required. Given all, I have no faith or confidence that an honest and accurate report will ever be obtained otherwise. I also agree with starting a fund for the family of this Marine. For more on why the raid and others like it are a very bad idea from the start, check out Jimbo's post from last year along with this report from Radley Balko. Radley routinely covers this type of story and his writings on them are something anyone interested in liberty and good police work should read. If outside investigations find that he was up to something with drugs, I will acknowledge that here in a post. My comments on the lack of professionalism, training, and related topics in regards the execution of the raid will stand, as the evidence to back those up is overwhelming. Bring on outside investigations, and let justice be done. LW
Read the complete post at http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Blackfive/~3/XAzELAbXStE/murder-of-a-marine.html
Posted
May 12 2011, 11:17 PM
by
BLACKFIVE