Posted on 06/27/2006 10:19:51 AM PDT by beaversmom
Michael Julius Ford did not drink. He did not smoke. He did not have conflicts with people.
He did not run with gangs. He wasn't moody. He never was known to carry weapons.
What isn't known is why the 22-year-old walked into work on Sunday at the Safeway distribution center and started shooting at his co-workers with a long- barreled handgun and setting fires inside the building.
"I never would have expected Michael," said his uncle, Roy Ford. "I'm trying to understand what happened and what went wrong. It's a puzzle that needs to be put together."
The day of the shooting, Ford went by his family's Montbello house to visit. Accounts differ about his state of mind.
Sister Beyonca Ellis says she saw her brother Michael briefly before he left for work between 2 and 2:15 p.m.
"He was normal when he left," she said. "He was not acting out of the ordinary. He gave me his usual hug and kiss."
However, Ford's younger sister Khali told 9News her brother was upset because people were making fun of his religion at work.
"I don't know what happened to him yesterday. It was like everything changed," Khali said. "He told me that Allah was going to make a choice and it was going to be good and told me people at his job was making fun of his religion and he didn't respect that."
Ford was born and raised in Denver. He attended Montbello High School, and family members say he converted to Islam when he was 18.
The family's Islamic minister, Gerald Muhammed, declined to comment about the religious aspects of Ford's life.
Ford's father said he did not want to talk about the shooting while the police investigation is underway.
"At first I was told my son was a victim, and now I am told he is a suspect," his father said.
Family members described the 6-foot-5-inch Michael Ford as a person who gave to charity, who never swore and who only spoke when spoken to.
The only blip on his record in Colorado is an Oct. 19, 2002, arrest for wrongs to minors. The outcome of that case was not available. The municipal code defines the violation as allowing the well-being of a minor to be endangered.
Bobby Ford, 30, last saw his brother four days ago.
"He was in a great mood, playing video games," Bobby Ford said. "He liked to hang out with his girlfriend. He loved working. He was never late. He took no sick days, and he would take overtime."
Another brother, Sean Ford, said his brother worked constantly and did not have problems with the law, school or other people.
"There were no signs of anger or nothing," Sean Ford said.
Neighbors at a west Denver apartment complex where Ford used to stay with his mother said he was a smiling, helpful young man.
He often carried Ida Medina's groceries into her apartment for her.
"We're all surprised that something like this could happen," Medina said.
Paul, a maintenance worker at the apartment complex at 1280 Wolff St., said he got close to the family while they lived there. He declined to reveal his last name.
"His mother said his work was going good," Paul said, wiping tears from his eyes. "There was no red flag there. No one understands why."
Ford often went to work early so that he could use the gym at the distribution center.
"He was going to school and he was going to buy a house," Paul said. "As far as I know, he liked his job."
IT'S THE ISLAM, STUPID
Religion of peace
He had islam on the brain, that's the problem.
Islam in the Membrane
It's always the ones who don't look suspicious.
That's why I always maintain a suspicious look.
Islam again?!? Why am I not surprised.
Sudden Jihad Syndrome?
LOL... Everyone had the same response:
It's the Religion of Peace, stupid!
Scum who joined the cult of a pedophile madman.
It is the Evil One, working through the Islam religion.
What we need is an old fashioned Christian Crusade, to rid the planet (somewhat) of this influence before more innocent people are killed.
I thought an earlier article said he had been off for 3 mnths or so for "personal reasons". That doesn't sound like "never missing work" to me.
"he converted to Islam when he was 18"
The answer.
Very clever! Or cleaver...:)
"The family's Islamic Minister..."
Yup.
That's all the info needed.
And he "declined to comment about the religious aspects of Ford's life" because he told the guy to Jihad the infidels most likely.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.