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ACLU/SC Troubled by the Orange County District Attorney’s Clearing of an Officer Who Fatally Shot an Innocent Resident

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The ACLU of Southern California is troubled by the Orange County District Attorney’s recent determination not to criminally charge an Anaheim police officer who tragically shot and killed Julian Alexander, an innocent 20-year-old resident, during a pursuit.

“We are very concerned that this questionable officer shooting has not gotten the full and transparent scrutiny that the Alexander family and the public deserve,” said Hector Villagra, director of the ACLU/SC’s Orange County office. “There has been no explanation as to why the fatal shooting of a man in front of his own home warrants not a single criminal charge.”

“We will closely monitor the continuing law-enforcement investigation into this disturbing and tragic shooting,” said Belinda Escobosa Helzer, staff attorney with the ACLU/SC. “We want to make sure the details of the shooting and investigation are exposed to the light of day, so the public can judge for itself.”

On Oct. 28, an unnamed Anaheim officer shot Julian Alexander shortly after the newlywed had come outside his home to investigate a nighttime commotion in his yard. Alexander was carrying a broomstick to protect himself and defend his 19-year-old pregnant wife and in-laws who were in the home. Alexander was shot twice in the chest and then handcuffed. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Alexander’s widow has filed suit for wrongful death and his parents have filed a civil rights action against the city of Anaheim for negligent hiring, training and operations which resulted in the shooting death of their son.

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