Cop only gets two years for killing unarmed man

[Infohawk]

OP is assuming intent to kill. The jury didn't find any. I'm going with the jury on this one.

 

[KlokWyze]

I think 2 years is more than enough, I mean, it was an accident right?

Or do you really believe a cop would pull out a pistol on purpose and execute a man right in front of dozens of people? I mean, that seems like a pretty stupid thing to do. Can't believe anyone is that stupid.

Well obviously the cop IS that stupid because that's exactly what he did. He should get the death sentence for the crime of "utter-stupidity". Not to mention the fact that the victim is someone's son, brother, maybe even father. You guys are so morally bankrupt it's kind of amazing.

How would you feel if you were say.... a surgeon, and this was your brother. How the fuck would you feel if this cop gets 2 years for executing your unarmed brother in front of dozens of people?

This is really the standard cop committing a crime and getting a slap on the wrist, so it's really no surprise. Cops are protected from the laws they enforce. It's disgusting, but it's our culture. D:

 

[matt0611]

Well obviously the cop IS that stupid because that's exactly what he did. He should get the death sentence for the crime of "utter-stupidity". Not to mention the fact that the victim is someone's son, brother, maybe even father. You guys are so morally bankrupt it's kind of amazing.

How would you feel if you were say.... a surgeon, and this was your brother. How the fuck would you feel if this cop gets 2 years for executing your unarmed brother in front of dozens of people?

This is really the standard cop committing a crime and getting a slap on the wrist, so it's really no surprise. Cops are protected from the laws they enforce. It's disgusting, but it's our culture. D:

Wow, you are not getting it at all. I said the cop is not stupid enough to purposefully, with intention to, take out his gun and kill the guy.

Thats a HUGE difference from ACCIDENTALLY shooting the guy. What part of accident do you not understand?

You are so stupid its kind of amazing.

 

[HeXen]

Why don't you move to Brazil and join a vilgilanty squad so you can go to the slums and shoot people that would make society better off.

kill those to make society better off? an epic question.....
Reality or Morality?

 

[DucatiMonster696]

Where is their outrage over the numbers of 'black on black' killings? I know it is a different issue, shouldn't there be more outrage over this because of the number of killings each year

The only reason this is a big deal is because the cop is white. Would their outrage would be similar if the cop was black?

3...2....1 until I get accused of being racist for this post....

No one cares about that in Oakland. There have been lots of BonB deaths in that city with nigh a whimper of outrage.

 

[JD50]

Well obviously the cop IS that stupid because that's exactly what he did. He should get the death sentence for the crime of "utter-stupidity". Not to mention the fact that the victim is someone's son, brother, maybe even father. You guys are so morally bankrupt it's kind of amazing.

How would you feel if you were say.... a surgeon, and this was your brother. How the fuck would you feel if this cop gets 2 years for executing your unarmed brother in front of dozens of people?

This is really the standard cop committing a crime and getting a slap on the wrist, so it's really no surprise. Cops are protected from the laws they enforce. It's disgusting, but it's our culture. D:

If people were executed for being stupid I'd have to imagine that you'd be at the front of the line. I've never met someone like you that doesn't understand what an accident is, and I've met some pretty stupid people.

 

[JEDIYoda]

So it was ok for the cop to kill him?

Then there are idiots with blinders who don`t see any difference in the words-- accidental and intent....

It`s smug and idiotic to think because this guy got "ONLY" two years that it was okay for him to take a life in the course of doing his job abd making a grevious error.

The kids whole life is screwed for the rest of his life. Why -- due to one little mistake.
Let`s not forget that if it was not for lick some of us would also make life changing mistakes....some of us have made life changing mistakes.

No amout of jail time would have been good enough for those of you who are just itching to punish this kid.

10 years would not have been long enough for a lot of you.

This wacked out argument that goes -- if it had been one of us.....is plain BS -- it was not one of us...so chill with the stoopid arguments!!

Even the judge hinted --- what do you do?
He was bound by the law and I am sure he was bound by the circumstances presented by both sides. The prosecution could not prove this was a pre-meditated act!!

IMO it was a tragically grevious mistake, that this guy will live with the rest of his life!!

 

[soundforbjt]

I agree with the sentence, but also hope this officer is never put on active duty again.

Mistakes happen, but they're being paid and trained to not make them.

 

[Craig234]

Well obviously the cop IS that stupid because that's exactly what he did. He should get the death sentence for the crime of "utter-stupidity". Not to mention the fact that the victim is someone's son, brother, maybe even father.

No, it's not. You have zero evidence that he had any intent to fire his gun, and meant to kill. That he didn't think he was pulling his tazer and made a mistake.

All the evidence suggests otherwise.

You guys are so morally bankrupt it's kind of amazing.

For those who are dehumanizing the victim, I agree.

How would you feel if you were say.... a surgeon, and this was your brother. How the fuck would you feel if this cop gets 2 years for executing your unarmed brother in front of dozens of people?

This is really the standard cop committing a crime and getting a slap on the wrist, so it's really no surprise. Cops are protected from the laws they enforce. It's disgusting, but it's our culture. D:

That used to be more true - especially regarding white police and minority citizens.

For a long time, it was almost as if the police were the agents of whites to 'keep the blacks intimidated and away from the white parts of town' some places, it seemed.

There can still be some racism by white cops against minorities. I've seen anoecdotal cases where former cops express some very bad racism they clearly had while on the force, for example.

But I think things have gotten far, far better to the point if anything the reaction to this incident shows we're at the point of holding the police very accountable, and it's the citizens' side that is overreacting with a mob mentality, letting their grief over a tragedy win over any reason about what happened for many people. They're not helping 'their cause' with this, and proving how they're wrong.

We should celebrate the improvements, to how little any racism is now tolerated by police.

 

[Craig234]

On 'black on black violence', I see multiple issues.

On the one side, I'm fine with people holding our government, our police to a higher standard than the neighbor drug dealer. One is acting in 'our name' and has a duty.

On the other side, I do think, as I said that there's a 'mob mentality' going on here. There's also an issue of 'what can you do'? It's a lot more possible to address an issue with the police force nowadays, than to solve crime. There's also the fact that a police officer killing someone he shouldn't is a lot more rare - and therefore more attention-grabbing - than the more common criminal act.

And finally, there is a culture with some I think is a problem, where people are more 'anti-police' than makes sense.

A healthy amount of 'remember they're the public servant', or making sure the police don't abuse citizens or their power, is good. Too much is a problem IMO.

With that healthy culture that the police are there to protect, I think it's better for people to have some gratitude for what they do, that's quite a public service.

 

[spacejamz]

On 'black on black violence', I see multiple issues.

On the one side, I'm fine with people holding our government, our police to a higher standard than the neighbor drug dealer. One is acting in 'our name' and has a duty.

On the other side, I do think, as I said that there's a 'mob mentality' going on here. There's also an issue of 'what can you do'? It's a lot more possible to address an issue with the police force nowadays, than to solve crime. There's also the fact that a police officer killing someone he shouldn't is a lot more rare - and therefore more attention-grabbing - than the more common criminal act.

And finally, there is a culture with some I think is a problem, where people are more 'anti-police' than makes sense.

A healthy amount of 'remember they're the public servant', or making sure the police don't abuse citizens or their power, is good. Too much is a problem IMO.

With that healthy culture that the police are there to protect, I think it's better for people to have some gratitude for what they do, that's quite a public service.

These people are not protesting because they want to hold police to a higher standard.

The ONLY reason they are protesting is because the cop was white. If the cop was black, this would be non-issue. It is amazing how Sharpton and Jesse dont show up where black victims were killed by black cops...

Found this USA today article from 2007, but it just as valid today as it was 3 years ago..

http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2007-01-01-wickham_x.htm

 

[JD50]

I agree with the sentence, but also hope this officer is never put on active duty again.

Mistakes happen, but they're being paid and trained to not make them.

:thumbsup:

 

[Craig234]

These people are not protesting because they want to hold police to a higher standard.

The ONLY reason they are protesting is because the cop was white. If the cop was black, this would be non-issue. It is amazing how Sharpton and Jesse dont show up where black victims were killed by black cops...

Found this USA today article from 2007, but it just as valid today as it was 3 years ago..

http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2007-01-01-wickham_x.htm

You're representing something that's partly true as more than it is. IMO, if the cop had been black, they'd still have (smaller) protests.

You could note the larger issue - that there is that much rage pent up in the community over race issues, some for good reason, some for wrong reasons.

You need look no further than the posters here saying 'no big loss' dehumanizing the (black) victim for a taste of the crap they put up with from scummy (white) people.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Well obviously the cop IS that stupid because that's exactly what he did. He should get the death sentence for the crime of "utter-stupidity". Not to mention the fact that the victim is someone's son, brother, maybe even father. You guys are so morally bankrupt it's kind of amazing.

How would you feel if you were say.... a surgeon, and this was your brother. How the fuck would you feel if this cop gets 2 years for executing your unarmed brother in front of dozens of people?

This is really the standard cop committing a crime and getting a slap on the wrist,--thats assinine--the dudes whole life is ruined..get a grip. If it was you in Meserleh`s shoes you would be crying that the Judge was not fair. Hell your a big boy - if it was you, I seriously doubt you would be asking the judge to give you more time because the sentence is not fair to the victims families...rofl..hahaha

so it's really no surprise. Cops are protected from the laws they enforce. It's disgusting, but it's our culture.

Again I agree-- If people were executed for being stupid I'd have to imagine that you'd be at the front of the line, along with over half the people who post in these forums!! I've never met someone like you that doesn't understand what an accident is, and I've met some pretty stupid people.

 

[JSt0rm]

just remember it doesnt take much brain power to be a cop. You get to suck on the government tit and not think for yourself. These people generally are trying to overcompensate for something in thier lives and turn to a profession where they get to be violent. I never have to deal with cops but if I ever do I will enter the situation as if I am about to deal with a psychpath who will kill me without thinking about it.

 

[Craig234]

just remember it doesnt take much brain power to be a cop. You get to suck on the government tit and not think for yourself. These people generally are trying to overcompensate for something in thier lives and turn to a profession where they get to be violent. I never have to deal with cops but if I ever do I will enter the situation as if I am about to deal with a psychpath who will kill me without thinking about it.

I don't think that's fair.

I'm quick to say that too many people are too willing to sign up to let themselves be told to commit vioennce by an authority for what may be poor reasons - primarily aimed at the military, and a lot of police come from the military - but I think the type you describe are relatively rare on the police force. In fact, they try to screen out the type you describe.

I understand why our paranoid right-wing types might feel this way - anyone who might have a bit of authority that affects them becomes a 'jack-booted stormtrooper' - but really, the people who do this generally are dealing with all kinds of terrible crap for our benefit, and I appreciate it. That's not to say there aren't *some* abuses, there are.

 

[Pulsar]

10. I don't believe in accidents short of brain going down like a stroke. There is negligence or deliberate action. Negligent homicide or homicide. I give him benefit of the doubt and say he's retarded, or a pussy, or can't tell the diff between a tazer and a pistol. 10 years.

You "don't believe in accidents"? Really? That's pretty much /thread right there for any argument you try to make.

I certainly hope you never trip. Or cut yourself. Or skin your knuckles working on a car. Or bump into someone. After all, it would clearly be negligence on your part. There are no accidents.

 

[Attic]

OP is assuming intent to kill. The jury didn't find any. I'm going with the jury on this one.

That's really all the information needed on this issue.


There is overwhelming evidence it was an accident, so why are those arguing for a longer sentance doing so on the stance that this was an intentional action?

If it was intentional then it wouldn't have been a 2 year sentance.

Just because the guy involved died in what became a racially charged issue, this doesn't make his life worth any more than it was up till the point he stopped breathing and it doesn't change that he died due to an accident. What if a really nice chinese guy died in this instance due to what is overwhelmingly believed to be an unfortunate accident. Would those arguing for a longer sentance still be doing so?

Does the accident in this case need to be explained further, ie) no intent to kill?

 

[JSt0rm]

I don't think that's fair.

I'm quick to say that too many people are too willing to sign up to let themselves be told to commit vioennce by an authority for what may be poor reasons - primarily aimed at the military, and a lot of police come from the military - but I think the type you describe are relatively rare on the police force. In fact, they try to screen out the type you describe.

I understand why our paranoid right-wing types might feel this way - anyone who might have a bit of authority that affects them becomes a 'jack-booted stormtrooper' - but really, the people who do this generally are dealing with all kinds of terrible crap for our benefit, and I appreciate it. That's not to say there aren't *some* abuses, there are.

Why would I risk my existence because they "try" to screen those people out. Fuck that. When dealing with a cop I am going to pretend I'm dealing with a wild animal. Slow deliberate movements communicated to the officer before I do it. Letting him know my iphone is set to record the entire encounter. If I'm stopped at night my cabin light in my car will be on. fuck that. Of course I could just be mistaken for a criminal and blindsided by a side of beef cop and paralyzed from the neck down.

 

[Pulsar]

Well obviously the cop IS that stupid because that's exactly what he did. He should get the death sentence for the crime of "utter-stupidity". Not to mention the fact that the victim is someone's son, brother, maybe even father. You guys are so morally bankrupt it's kind of amazing.

How would you feel if you were say.... a surgeon, and this was your brother. How the fuck would you feel if this cop gets 2 years for executing your unarmed brother in front of dozens of people?

This is really the standard cop committing a crime and getting a slap on the wrist, so it's really no surprise. Cops are protected from the laws they enforce. It's disgusting, but it's our culture. D:

With regards to your statement about cops getting off light: yes they do. Of course, it's for rather obvious reasons. First, most of them don't have a criminal record. Second, they put their lives in harm's way nearly every day for you and me. In that situation, extra leeway is afforded. It's rather understandable. They deal with the worst-of-the-worst of the population, constantly. Rapists, drug users, murders, child abusers, child molesters.....

We, as society, expect the impossible from them. They are to remain morally incorruptable, upbeat, and polite. They are to never make an error. Even moreso, they are expected to make split-second decisions on a daily basis that can cost them their lives. ALL this is done under the constant spector of video-cameras, cellphone cameras, and more than their fair share of people just waiting to get famous for catching them not being perfect on video.

Essentially, we expect them to be perfect. I am neither shocked nor surprised when one of them turns out to be human.

So, if they end up getting off "light" as you put it, with just a slap on the wrist, I'm not going to go stage a protest march at the first hint of it. A repeat offender surely deserves the extra attention. An honest cop that got unlucky, had an accident, or made a bad decision doesn't deserve this type of baloney though.

 

[Craig234]

Why would I risk my existence because they "try" to screen those people out. Fuck that. When dealing with a cop I am going to pretend I'm dealing with a wild animal. Slow deliberate movements communicated to the officer before I do it. Letting him know my iphone is set to record the entire encounter. If I'm stopped at night my cabin light in my car will be on. fuck that. Of course I could just be mistaken for a criminal and blindsided by a side of beef cop and paralyzed from the neck down.

I don't disagree with taking precautions like that. It's good to help the cop avoid risk.

 

[JSt0rm]

I don't disagree with taking precautions like that. It's good to help the cop avoid risk.

What is the pig saying? "Better to be judged by 7 then carried by 6"

That is the mentality. Basically if you kill some innocent its unfortunate but better to kill someone then have even a chance of them killing you. And the punishment isn't bad so do it already.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

just remember it doesnt take much brain power to be a cop. You get to suck on the government tit and not think for yourself. These people generally are trying to overcompensate for something in thier lives and turn to a profession where they get to be violent. I never have to deal with cops but if I ever do I will enter the situation as if I am about to deal with a psychpath who will kill me without thinking about it.

Have you played contact sports?

 

[Patranus]

None of that matters. It's after the fact trying to find excuses.

None of that matters?

The cops wouldn't have even been there if the guy wasn't drunk and high while brawling on a BART train, while putting the civilized riders safety into question.

His action certainly had an impact on the events of that night.

 

[Londo_Jowo]

None of that matters?

The cops wouldn't have even been there if the guy wasn't drunk and high while brawling on a BART train, while putting the civilized riders safety into question.

His action certainly had an impact on the events of that night.

I agree, the BART policeman wouldn't have needed to subdue the man and mistakenly grabbed his pistol instead of a tazer gun.

The jury found correctly in this case.