Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Newlywed Killed by Police in Case of Mistaken Identity

ANAHEIM, Calif. — "A newlywed killed by police after he stepped outside his home to confront suspected burglars was shot in a case of mistaken identity, police said.

Julian Alexander died after being shot twice in the chest by a police officer who was chasing four burglary suspects early Tuesday morning.

Police Chief John Welter said the officer ran into Alexander, mistook him for one of the four juvenile suspects and shot him.

"The last thing we ever want to do, No. 1, (is) take somebody's life," he said. "And we certainly don't want to take the life of someone who is mistakenly believed to be involved in some criminal activity."

"He was a good kid, trying to protect his house," said Alexander's mother-in-law Michelle Mooney. "And the police, instead of asking questions, they just shot first. Somebody has to be held responsible for this."

Welter would not release the officer's name, but said he was a 10-year veteran of the department. The officer was placed on paid leave pending an investigation."

They can release the name of the man murdered by a trigger happy...hey, it was dark and he wanted to go home...cop, but of course will keep the officer's identity a state secret.

Hiding is never a good idea. And if and when they DO grow a set of stones I'll pass the name along. The public deserves to know who the killers amongst us are. Then again, maybe the gun just went-off. Happens a lot to the police. Anyway, as this is written they strive mightily to get the cop off the hook so who knows what lame excuse will be forthcoming.

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