Officer Won't Face Charges in Shooting Death (Fairfax, VA)

The Washington Post ^ | 03/23/2006 | Tom Jackman

[caa26]

Original thread from from when this orginally occurred: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1565720/posts

Just remember if you "accidentally" shot your friend, the charges wouldn't be dropped and you would be in the hole for a long time. Another example of the militarization of our law enforcement. A swat team was sent to serve a warrant to a small time gambler???

[caa26]

ping

[dead]

Fairfax Commonwealth's Attorney Robert F. Horan Jr. said that when a person fires a gun without malice and unintentionally kills someone, "they do not commit a crime."

They do if they are not in the employ of the government at the time.

[DBrow]

Wonder what Mr. Culosi would have said on the stand. Wonder if anyone was worried about that.

The investigatin seems to be over soon, I wonder if they looked for connections between the shooter and other gamblers?

As to how the "accident" happened, finger in the trigger guard shortly after draw, and sights lined up on target. Then, any accidental 10 pound pull will fire a loaded DA semiauto.

[joesnuffy]

Fairfax Commonwealth's Attorney Robert F. Horan Jr. said that when a person fires a gun without malice and unintentionally kills someone, "they do not commit a crime."

What planet is this again?.....the charge "MANSLAUGHTER" comes to mind for one...negligant homicide...reckless endangerment.. violating the rules of engagement?..

The military is ten times harder on our own troops for this kinda stuff in a war zone and in a hostile environment... with insurgants shooting from crowds of innocent collateral damage recipients for crying out loud.

[Sir Gawain]

JBTs > serfs

[Crucis Country]

Instances like this is why we're in a Police State. The police get off where a Citizen is looking at 20-to-life.

[caa26]

The investigatin seems to be over soon, I wonder if they looked for connections between the shooter and other gamblers?

Good point, maybe Culosi was winning a lot of money off the cops and pissed off the wrong persons.

[SoftballMominVA]

Dr. Culosi was from my town. He was one of the optometrists that did free eye-exams for kids who couldn't afford them. Just call him and he'd make it happen. This whole situation is very sad -- he was a nice guy.

[Rodney King]

that when a person fires a gun without malice and unintentionally kills someone, "they do not commit a crime."

So I can just go out in my back yard and start firing rifles around and if they kill someone will "hey, it was unintentional and without malice"?

The reality is that there is no excuse for accidentally firing as you draw your gun. You should not put your finger on the trigger while you draw. Now, perhaps it is fair to say that the city is responsible for not training the cop properly, but somebody ought to be paying up BIG to the victims family.

[vrwc0915]

see
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1602336/posts

[takenoprisoner]

I'm hamazed and shucked.

[Mark was here]

Whoopsie, oh well another civilian bites the dust.

At least the murderer says he feels bad... but not bad enough to turn his government pension over to the family of the individual he had a whoopsie with.

[Spirited]

Sounds as though Alex Jones is right.

[KarinG1]

I'll have to remember that defense. Sure I was aiming the gun at the middle of his chest when I shot him there and killed him. But I didn't mean to pull the trigger so I committed no crime. I'm sure no charges will be filed.

[calljack]

Fairfax Commonwealth's Attorney Robert F. Horan Jr. said that when a person fires a gun without malice and unintentionally kills someone, "they do not commit a crime."

What about involuntary manslaughter?

[csvset]

Culosi, an optometrist with offices in Manassas and Warrenton, was a sports bookmaker.

Hmmm... Perhaps the cop was paid by a rival bookmaker to take Culosi out . What better cover than having a cop do your dirty work?

[CobaltBlue]

Memo to family. Might be a good idea not to sue in Fairfax Circuit Court. Try US DCT in Alexandria. Bigger jury pool, they draw from Alexandria all the way down to Stafford.

Elaine Bredehoft is good, put her on your list of lawyers to contact.

[Looking4Truth]

Fairfax Commonwealth's Attorney Robert F. Horan Jr. said that when a person fires a gun without malice and unintentionally kills someone, "they do not commit a crime."

Funny how that doesn't apply to the other civilians without a badge.

Cops are supposed to be civilians but a lot of them want to play soldier and they love that power rush it gives them.

Before I get flamed, read the last sentence. I said 'a lot', not 'all'.