Ezell Ford was shot and killed by LAPD officers in August 2014. The killing of Ford, who is described as mentally ill, made worldwide headlines. The officers were found to have no legitimate reason to stop him. In a timely article released by the LA Times, on Friday, June 5, 2015, coincided with former LAPD officer Mary O’Callaghan’s conviction for using excessive force, under the color of the law, on the now deceased Alesia Thomas. The LA Times cited an internal report finding the LAPD concluded the officers involved did nothing wrong. Los Angeles residents aren’t buying it.
LAPD Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff claims no decision has been made by the commissioners, which will be made public at tomorrow’s commission meeting. What we do know is this same commissioner covered for Police Chief Charlie Beck, when he was found lying to the public, over all things, a horse owned by his daughter. In fact, Mayor Eric Garcetti supported our lying police chief too.
In December 2014, Ezell Ford’s autopsy report was released, concluding that the findings corroborated the stories of Officers Sharlton Wampler and Antonio Villegas.
The June 5, 2015 LA Times article titled “LAPD finds officers were justified in fatal shooting of mentally ill man, sources say” describes Ford’s DNA being found on the gun, NOT his fingerprints. With the autopsy report detailing Ezell Ford was shot at “close range” which left an imprint of the gun on his body, would we NOT expect his DNA to be on the gun?
The LA Times went further to point out that both Ezell Ford and Officer Sharlton Wampler had scratches on their hands and scratches were also found on Wampler’s holster. If scratches were found on the holster, as reported, the autopsy should be able to corroborate that claim with material from the holster being under Ford’s fingernails, no?
The article further states LAPD Inspector General Alex Bustamante found the officers at fault for not having sufficient cause to detain Ford. The officers contend the reason they were detaining Ford was due to him trying to “dispose of drugs”. No mention has been made of whether drugs were found on the scene.
Fords mother, Tritobia Ford, was present at court Friday, June 5, 2015, arriving after the reading of the guilty verdict for former officer Mary O’Callaghan. She faces three years in state prison for using excessive force under the color of the law. When Ms. Ford was asked for her comment on her attendance, she stated “I am here to support Ms. Thomas”. Ms. Ford went further to exclaim, “Thank God.” when assembled reporters shared O’Callaghan was found guilty.
Several members of Black Lives Matter-LA, have camped outside of the Getty House, the official residence of the mayor of Los Angeles, demanding the firing of the two officers involved and Police Chief Charlie Beck. Back when residents were fed up with former Police Chief Darryl Gates, former mayor Richard Riordan was tasked with convincing him to retire at the request of then Mayor Tom Bradley. Does Mayor Eric have someone doing the same?
The findings of the LAPD Police Commission will be heard tomorrow at 9:30 A.M., in the Police Commission Board Room, located at 100 West 1ST Street.
