MISTRIAL WA - Four Parkland PD officers shot to death, 29 Nov 2009 *shooter killed, Driver 3rd hung jury*

[fhc]

public memorial set for next tuesday, Dec. 8

http://lakewood.komonews.com/content/public-memorial-murdered-officers-be-t-dome

 

[Texas Mist]

great article on the coverage - or lack thereof - by the "major" news networks....ITA w/ this blogger as I was dumbstruck by the fact that Tiger & the White House party crashers were so much more important than these officers, their fellow officers, their families, and their community.


<snips>

Who will tell the people?
NOT CNN.

Fast forward to November 29th, four cops are shot dead in an ambush as they do paperwork in a coffeeshop in an otherwise quiet northwestern town. Where is CNN? I kept checking all the big networks and there was astonishingly little coverage of this horrific event. So I “switched channels” to Twitter. Truth is I was on Twitter all along but I all but quit paying attention to the so-called experts at the big networks.

....

I just think that the big boys should pretend a little harder. Because the ones who really suffer in all this are the people who aren’t on Twitter and who don’t know, or didn’t have access to, the live coverage on KIRO or KING. They are those who trust the main media outlets to determine what’s news and make the assumption that if the main outlets didn’t cover it, it must not be important. In my Monday afternoon class at the college (The New England Institute of Art) I mentioned the shooting to my students. Their reaction was along the lines of “what shooting?”. But they know Tiger and the Mrs. had a massive argument and that Tiger may have learned some new uses for his golf clubs.


http://connectedcops.net/?p=1158

 

[fhc]

Clemmons&#8217; Getaway Driver May Be Former Cellmate

http://www.kirotv.com/news/21772690/detail.html

(from Arkansas prison, too)

 

[fhc]

"The report said at the time of his arrest, Clemmons made "religiously-themed comments, told the officer President Obama and Lebron James are his brothers, Oprah is his sister and referred to himself as 'the beast.'"

Two psychologists concluded Clemmons was dangerous, and likely to commit future criminal acts jeopardizing public safety, but he was deemed competent to stand trial and not a candidate for voluntary commitment."

http://www.kirotv.com/news/21772458/detail.html

 

[fhc]

Preliminary report released

http://lakewood.komonews.com/content/seattle-police-release-preliminary-version-clemmons-shooting

bottom line Bad Guy Dead

 

[raisincharlie]

I have seen two different reports as to what time the Accura Integra was reported as being stolen. The Seattle PD release says 0150 am and this article says 1245 am.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010393433_webarrest01m.html?cmpid=2727

Oficer Kelly came upon the Integra at approximately 0243 am. Noteable is that regardless of either time, the Integra was taken from the 4800 block of S. Chicago Street and was found in the 4400 block of S. Kenyon. The vehicle was running and the hood was up according to both reports.

The interesting aspect is S. Chicago Street is but one block north of S. Kenyon - the difference between 4800 and 4400 - just 4 blocks. The fact that the hood was up, the car was running and Clemmons came from behind Officer Kelly's car is rather intriguing when one thinks about it.

A mere 5 blocks of movement between either 0150 and 0243 - or between 1245 and 0243 - the car was running when found. Wonder what Clemmons was up to in between. Did Clemmons even steal the car I wonder ?

 

[Missizzy]

I was VERY relieved to wake up this morning to the news. For one thing, I don't have to worry about my sons quite as much as I do everyday anyway. I have to respectfully disagree with a few of you concerning the article, "Schram: We don't need to know "why", though.

I, for one, want to understand the "why". I'm just as pleased as everyone else that this is over for Clemmons (the others will have their day in court, I'm sure). This is a man who most assuredly got what he deserved and even asked for.

However, if we don't concern ourselves with the "whys" of crime, we can't work to prevent it. If we don't know what went wrong with this guy's early release, how can we know how to predict the outcomes of the inevitable millions of other early releases? If we don't study the triggers, the motives, the prenatal conditions, the childhood traumas, the personality flaws, the mental illnesses, the involvement with fringe religion, the power trips, how can we possibly prevent this from occurring again?

Please don't misunderstand, I'm not looking for a rationale. I'm looking for answers. I want to trace this back in this guy's sorry life as far as necessary to find the causative factors. It's only then that we can bring about some change.

Clemmons was a sick monster. I just want to know what made him tick....and what made him explode.

 

[legalmania]

Sunday's killing of 4 police officers, lead to the suspects death today. The suspect was found with slain officers gun.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/12/01/washington.suspect.shot/index.html

 

[fhc]

I was VERY relieved to wake up this morning to the news. For one thing, I don't have to worry about my sons quite as much as I do everyday anyway. I have to respectfully disagree with a few of you concerning the article, "Schram: We don't need to know "why", though. end quote

MissIzzy, did you read Shram's article that previous opinion?

http://www.komonews.com/news/78144617.html

What the hell is going on in the world?

Summary
Who hasn't asked themselves what the hell is going on in the world when four people who had pledged to serve and protect you and me are slaughtered on a Sunday morning while preparing to go on shift?

 

[scandi]

I have seen two different reports as to what time the Accura Integra was reported as being stolen. The Seattle PD release says 0150 am and this article says 1245 am.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010393433_webarrest01m.html?cmpid=2727

Oficer Kelly came upon the Integra at approximately 0243 am. Noteable is that regardless of either time, the Integra was taken from the 4800 block of S. Chicago Street and was found in the 4400 block of S. Kenyon. The vehicle was running and the hood was up according to both reports.

The interesting aspect is S. Chicago Street is but one block north of S. Kenyon - the difference between 4800 and 4400 - just 4 blocks. The fact that the hood was up, the car was running and Clemmons came from behind Officer Kelly's car is rather intriguing when one thinks about it.

A mere 5 blocks of movement between either 0150 and 0243 - or between 1245 and 0243 - the car was running when found. Wonder what Clemmons was up to in between. Did Clemmons even steal the car I wonder ?

Hi Charlie, I wonder too! It would be pretty stupid for a man with a $125,000 price on his head and every cop in Seattle looking for him to hang around a running car with the hood up, eh? It would be like a beacon in the dark saying 'here I am, come get me', and after all the hiding he had done it doesn't seem to make sense.

xox

 

[scandi]

I was VERY relieved to wake up this morning to the news. For one thing, I don't have to worry about my sons quite as much as I do everyday anyway. I have to respectfully disagree with a few of you concerning the article, "Schram: We don't need to know "why", though. end quote

MissIzzy, did you read Shram's article that previous opinion?

http://www.komonews.com/news/78144617.html

What the hell is going on in the world?

Summary
Who hasn't asked themselves what the hell is going on in the world when four people who had pledged to serve and protect you and me are slaughtered on a Sunday morning while preparing to go on shift?

I heard on TV sometime yesterday where a police dept, I think Portland PD, sent out a memo to all of the officers. It said something like when you are in a restaurant don't sit in groups and don't sit with your back to the door.

Did anyone else hear this. It is a sad day when those meant to protect and serve can't feel safe while being served a sup of coffee in their local restaurant. xox

 

[KaylynnCouture]

Thank God this is over.

Now maybe the victims families can begin to grieve.

 

[Missizzy]

fhc--Thank you for linking me to the other article. I hadn't read it. It's clearly written from the heart. I agree--what in the hell is going on? That was the question yesterday. It remains pertinent today. But I still insist on asking "why" for tomorrow.

 

[oceanblueeyes]

I was VERY relieved to wake up this morning to the news. For one thing, I don't have to worry about my sons quite as much as I do everyday anyway. I have to respectfully disagree with a few of you concerning the article, "Schram: We don't need to know "why", though.

I, for one, want to understand the "why". I'm just as pleased as everyone else that this is over for Clemmons (the others will have their day in court, I'm sure). This is a man who most assuredly got what he deserved and even asked for.

However, if we don't concern ourselves with the "whys" of crime, we can't work to prevent it. If we don't know what went wrong with this guy's early release, how can we know how to predict the outcomes of the inevitable millions of other early releases? If we don't study the triggers, the motives, the prenatal conditions, the childhood traumas, the personality flaws, the mental illnesses, the involvement with fringe religion, the power trips, how can we possibly prevent this from occurring again?

Please don't misunderstand, I'm not looking for a rationale. I'm looking for answers. I want to trace this back in this guy's sorry life as far as necessary to find the causative factors. It's only then that we can bring about some change.

Clemmons was a sick monster. I just want to know what made him tick....and what made him explode.

"Why" has been the age old asked question and imo we are no closer to being able to predict who will do these kind of deplorable acts. Most of our literature and research are collected after the crimes have already occurred where really it doesn't do much good because all humans are individuals. One person's "why" will be the total opposite of what others think, even those with similiar backgrounds.

Some could have made the same steps relatively similar to Clemmons did in his life yet would not dream of murdering four police officers. We cannot compartmentalize the evil doers into a small box where one size fits all. Murderers are as individualistic as the murders they carry out.

I don't think that a logical mind can truly understand what made this guy tick or any other murderer for that matter.

I use to want to know the "why" but really it doesn't give us knowledge to be able to spot the next Clemmons coming down the road with their own "why" baggage that they will have that no one will understand then either. If they were all clones of each other then maybe knowing the "why" could help society be able to prevent some of these senseless killings.

In their minds they have their "whys" but to me it is irrelevant what the "whys" were. "What" they have done is the most important thing to me.

Psychologists/psychiatrists have tried to solve this mystery for years but the information they accumulate is only after it is too late to do anyone any good.

I am just relieved that the families don't have to endure a long lengthy trial where the suspect has more rights than the victims or their family members.

I am sure the families breathed a sigh of relief when learning that Clemmons had met his death.

imo

 

[JoeFromLB]

Clemmons’ Getaway Driver May Be Former Cellmate

http://www.kirotv.com/news/21772690/detail.html

(from Arkansas prison, too)

He needs to be charged with four counts of 1st-degree murder.

 

[oceanblueeyes]

I heard on TV sometime yesterday where a police dept, I think Portland PD, sent out a memo to all of the officers. It said something like when you are in a restaurant don't sit in groups and don't sit with your back to the door.

Did anyone else hear this. It is a sad day when those meant to protect and serve can't feel safe while being served a sup of coffee in their local restaurant. xox

My hubby goes to a coffee shop every morning and there are a lot of cops who come in to get coffee to go when starting their shifts. He said he can see a change in their demeanor. Most of them seem edgy and are looking around at the door and customers coming in and will rest their hand close to their holster where they have their gun strapped in.

So sad.

imo

 

[Missizzy]

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Why-was-Clemmons-released-from-jail-78185982.html

I'm confused about the amount of bail that was put up. Det. Troyer mentioned $40,000 in an interview I listened to. The article linked above also states that amount. Would he actually have had to put up $40,000 in cash? That's a lot for friends and family to pull together for a crazy man. I just can't imagine who would have thrown some money in that pot.

 

[raisincharlie]

Hi Charlie, I wonder too! It would be pretty stupid for a man with a $125,000 price on his head and every cop in Seattle looking for him to hang around a running car with the hood up, eh? It would be like a beacon in the dark saying 'here I am, come get me', and after all the hiding he had done it doesn't seem to make sense.

xox

I suspect you are right Scandi - seemed like a setup when I read it and now that seems to be true according to this:


http://www.seattlepi.com/local/412791_kelly01.html


Some Seattle police said Tuesday they believed the South Seattle incident may have been an attempted ambush by Clemmons - a man who had told aquaintences he would hurt cops.
Assistant Seattle Police Chief Jim Pugel said Clemmons approached Kelly from behind and had left the stolen car running with the hood up.

 

[Searchfortruth]

Which case is that? because I know I heard his name long before this shooting. I just cant find what case it may be.
Would you know?

Hi Songline, yes here's a brief part of the story Texas Mist linked...by the way, this was a great summary of the many holes in the sidewalks that are in need of repair, in our justice system. Of course, it's only a start, but when people ask "where do you begin", I think this article might provide some guidance.

Four days in May set stage for Sunday's tragedy

After his release on May 10, Clemmons' mental state degenerated, with his wife saying he was acting "crazy," according to a Pierce County sheriff's report.

At about 1 a.m. May 11, Clemmons appeared naked in his living room and demanded that two young female relatives — ages 11 and 12 — sit on an ottoman and fondle him, one of the girls later told police. They obeyed, the girl said, because they were "scared." The 11-year-old soon fled, and wasn't seen for days.

But Clemmons continued to assault the 12-year-old until she cried herself to sleep, police records say. Clemmons, still naked, soon woke her and demanded she join him and his wife, Nicole Smith, in their bedroom. Clemmons referred to himself as Jesus and Smith, naked and wrapped in a bedsheet, as Eve. Smith begged her husband to let the girl go, and Clemmons complied, the girl later told police.

More at link...

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010392869_shootingjustice01m.html

 

[oceanblueeyes]

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Why-was-Clemmons-released-from-jail-78185982.html

I'm confused about the amount of bail that was put up. Det. Troyer mentioned $40,000 in an interview I listened to. The article linked above also states that amount. Would he actually have had to put up $40,000 in cash? That's a lot for friends and family to pull together for a crazy man. I just can't imagine who would have thrown some money in that pot.

IIRC, he mentioned they put up property as well as money for his bail.

imo