BILL JONES ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE MURDER OF SAN FRANCISCO POLICE OFFICER ISAAC ESPINOZA
Costa Mesa, CA -- Bill Jones, Republican Nominee for U.S. Senate, has issued the following statement on the murder of San Francisco Police Officer Isaac Espinoza:
Isaac Espinoza, by all accounts, was a dedicated and popular officer in the San Francisco Police Department, with a loving wife and a beautiful three-year old daughter. He was murdered in the line of duty on April 10th, and his partner, Officer Barry Parker, was wounded.
Officer Espinoza was similar to the tens of thousands of other brave men and women who serve in our police and sheriffs stations, in our courts and in our corrections system. They dedicate their lives to protecting Californians.
Any brutal killer should face the strongest possible punishment under California law. In the case of a murdered a police officer, the law allows for the death penalty as just punishment. It is critical that our government send an unmistakable message that those who murder our public safety officers will pay the ultimate price, and that any potential killer knows that if they pull the trigger, justice will be swift and severe.
It is outrageous and unconscionable that District Attorney Kamala Harris would insert her own personal opposition to the death penalty into the case of the killing of this decorated and well-regarded officer. Her actions are disrespectful to the men and women in uniform protecting San Francisco every day, and make it clear once again that too many elected officials in San Francisco are interested in enforcing only those laws with which they agree philosophically.
I commend California's Senior Senator Dianne Feinstein, who spoke at Officer Espinoza's funeral and indicated that Californians reinstated capital punishment in 1977 precisely for situations such as the murder of a police officer.
I also support the San Francisco police officers who are marching today in support of their fallen comrade. They seek the death penalty in this case, and District Attorney Harris should put aside her own personal opinion and enforce the law.
Isaac Espinoza's family, friends and fellow officers deserve nothing less.