Bar owner refuses to give up lobsters
PETA says lobster's tank is unethical
July 3, 2008
CENTENNIAL (KWGN) — A local bar owner and his lobsters are caught in the middle of a boiling debate.
The owner of JD's Bait Shop is being asked by PETA to remove his lobster tank because they feel it's unethical and abusive. But he says a majority of his customers don't want it to go. The tank is actually a game where people can pay to catch a lobster with a claw and if they do, they get a free lobster dinner.
A customer made a complaint about the game several weeks ago. "I wanted to take it out just for this lady because it offended her and I don't want to offend anyone, but when PETA got involved, I said I'm going to leave the machine here until they get off my back," said owner Dennis McCann.
PETA contacted McCann about the machine. They sent a letter, asking him to get rid of it but he said once they started calling his home to bully him, he had enough. "I don't have nothing against them, I just don't want them telling me how to run my business," says McCann.
PETA responded by saying, "incarcerating lobsters in filthy tanks inside of a boisterous bar and making an abusive game out of their capture and then finally ending it all by boiling them alive is as reprehensible as abusing cats, dogs or any other animal."
McCann says he has a vending license for the machine and isn't breaking any laws. An inspector even looked at the tank and found nothing wrong with it. Several customers say they don't understand the controversy over the crustaceans and if they don't stay, they're not coming back.
"I had all these phone calls saying don't take it out, don't bow down to these people," said McCann. PETA says several other establishments in Denver have similar tanks and they too will be contacted to remove them.
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PETA, get over yourself. The lobsters are there to be EATEN. Eat all the grass you want, but leave us MEAT eaters the HELL alone!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
BOGOTA, Colombia (CNN) -- Government agents posing as rebels tricked a gang of armed desperados into handing over 15 hostages during a rendezvous deep in Colombia's unforgiving jungle.
Gen. Mario Montoya leads freed hostages across the tarmac Wednesday at the Bogota, Colombia, airport.
The Colombian government's bloodless rescue of the hostages Wednesday was the product of a perfectly executed ruse that depended on old-school spy games rather than high-tech gadgetry.
Agents spent months worming their way into the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, an insurgent force that has waged war on the Colombian state for 40 years, Gen. Freddy Padilla de Leon told CNN.
The agents gained the rebels' trust and rose to the top of FARC's leadership council as well as a team assigned to guard the hostages.
When the time was ripe, the moles used the authority they'd gained within the group to order the 15 hostages moved from three separate locations to one central area, and the game was on. Watch how the operation went down »
"We convinced the FARC that they were talking to those of their own," said Gen. Mario Montoya of the Colombian army. "It was all human intelligence."
Once the hostages -- including former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and three American contractors -- were gathered, the agents ordered a 90-mile march through the steamy jungle, Montoya said.
Such relocations were not unusual for the hostages or the rebels, who constantly move about to avoid detection by the Colombian military.
Little did the rebels know that the military was about to pull off a bait-and-switch that would leave them standing in a jungle clearing, not realizing they'd just been hustled out of their most valuable assets. See former hostages, officials exult »
The agents told their FARC comrades that an "international mission" -- such as the Red Cross or a U.N. delegation -- was coming to visit the hostages, Montoya said.
At the appointed hour, an unmarked white helicopter set down in the jungle along the trekkers' path. Colombian security forces posing as FARC rebels jumped out, some wearing shirts emblazoned with the likeness of revolutionary icon Che Guevara.
The helicopter crew told the 60 or so real rebels that the chopper was going to ferry the hostages to the meeting with the "international mission," Montoya said.
During their 22 minutes on the jungle floor, the government pilot and co-pilot spoke in code with their colleagues, authorities said, using phrases such as "Generators OK" that carried a secret meaning to the security forces.
All 15 hostages were handcuffed and placed aboard the helicopter, along with two of their guards, leaving the rest of the FARC detachment on the ground.
Once the chopper was up and safely away from the landing zone, the fake rebels persuaded the real ones aboard to hand them their weapons. Moments later, both rebels were on the floor of the aircraft, cuffed and blindfolded by their erstwhile comrades, Betancourt said.
A crew member turned and spoke to the hostages.
"We are the national military," he said, Betancourt recalled. "You are free."
________________________________________________________________
So now that you have pulled a fast one, why don't you brag a little louder? I don't think they heard you over there. All your bragging has done is guaranteed that the next hostages will be killed instead of held. Do you think they will let this happen twice? Why is it so important to flaunt your coup? You did a great job and saved lives. But use your common sense. You just killed the future hostages by opening your big fat mouth.
Gen. Mario Montoya leads freed hostages across the tarmac Wednesday at the Bogota, Colombia, airport.
The Colombian government's bloodless rescue of the hostages Wednesday was the product of a perfectly executed ruse that depended on old-school spy games rather than high-tech gadgetry.
Agents spent months worming their way into the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, an insurgent force that has waged war on the Colombian state for 40 years, Gen. Freddy Padilla de Leon told CNN.
The agents gained the rebels' trust and rose to the top of FARC's leadership council as well as a team assigned to guard the hostages.
When the time was ripe, the moles used the authority they'd gained within the group to order the 15 hostages moved from three separate locations to one central area, and the game was on. Watch how the operation went down »
"We convinced the FARC that they were talking to those of their own," said Gen. Mario Montoya of the Colombian army. "It was all human intelligence."
Once the hostages -- including former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and three American contractors -- were gathered, the agents ordered a 90-mile march through the steamy jungle, Montoya said.
Such relocations were not unusual for the hostages or the rebels, who constantly move about to avoid detection by the Colombian military.
Little did the rebels know that the military was about to pull off a bait-and-switch that would leave them standing in a jungle clearing, not realizing they'd just been hustled out of their most valuable assets. See former hostages, officials exult »
The agents told their FARC comrades that an "international mission" -- such as the Red Cross or a U.N. delegation -- was coming to visit the hostages, Montoya said.
At the appointed hour, an unmarked white helicopter set down in the jungle along the trekkers' path. Colombian security forces posing as FARC rebels jumped out, some wearing shirts emblazoned with the likeness of revolutionary icon Che Guevara.
The helicopter crew told the 60 or so real rebels that the chopper was going to ferry the hostages to the meeting with the "international mission," Montoya said.
During their 22 minutes on the jungle floor, the government pilot and co-pilot spoke in code with their colleagues, authorities said, using phrases such as "Generators OK" that carried a secret meaning to the security forces.
All 15 hostages were handcuffed and placed aboard the helicopter, along with two of their guards, leaving the rest of the FARC detachment on the ground.
Once the chopper was up and safely away from the landing zone, the fake rebels persuaded the real ones aboard to hand them their weapons. Moments later, both rebels were on the floor of the aircraft, cuffed and blindfolded by their erstwhile comrades, Betancourt said.
A crew member turned and spoke to the hostages.
"We are the national military," he said, Betancourt recalled. "You are free."
________________________________________________________________
So now that you have pulled a fast one, why don't you brag a little louder? I don't think they heard you over there. All your bragging has done is guaranteed that the next hostages will be killed instead of held. Do you think they will let this happen twice? Why is it so important to flaunt your coup? You did a great job and saved lives. But use your common sense. You just killed the future hostages by opening your big fat mouth.
Kindergartener's fight for long hair
FORT BEND COUNTY (KTRK) -- The parents of a kindergartener in Fort Bend County are fighting for his right to have long hair in school. They say it's about freedom of religion. The Needville Independent School District says it needs proof.
When Adriel Arocha, 5, was born, his father, Kenney, vowed to teach him his heritage.
"We feel that it's important to raise him as Native American until he's able to make a choice," said Kenny. And part of that heritage meant he would not to cut his son's hair, believing hair holds spiritual meaning
"It tells us how long I've been here, by your hair, so it's your history," Adriel said.
"It's our tradition it's what we do," Kenney said.
All that was fine until Adriel's parents planned to enroll the five-year-old at Needville Elementary School. Despite promising to keep his hair neatly braided, the district refused to accept him.
"I knew they would probably be a little difficult but I didn't expect it to be this bad," said his mother Michelle Betenbaugh.
District policy clearly states student's hair needs to be kept out of the eyes.
No hair can cover any part of the ear, a standard collar and no tufts or tails are allowed. The superintendent says exceptions are made for religion, but Adriel's parents have yet to provide proof of their beliefs.
"I was trying to find out what recognized religion they are that discusses they cannot cut their hair and the information I received then was basically it's their choice," said Needville ISD Superintendent Curtis Rhodes.
Near the school some residents felt the district was going too far.
"I don't think longer hair than their ears is going to hurt their education," said Needville resident Jana Hausler.
"If it has to do with his religion, I don't think anyone should infringe on their religious rights," resident Jamie Hausler said.
Adriel's parents say they plan to appeal the decision, even if it means going to court.
"You can't deny a person their rights," Kenney said.
As for Adriel himself, he's pretty clear what he wants.
______________________________________________________________
THE DAYS OF FORCING A NATIVE AMERICAN TO CUT THEIR HAIR TO CONFORM TO WHITE STANDARDS IS LONG PAST. THIS IS 2008, NOT THE 1800'S. AND WHO THE HELL IS ANYONE TO TELL ANYONE TO CUT THEIR HAIR. THIS IS NOT A MILITARY INSITUTION. IT IS A SCHOOL. GET OVER IT. LONG HAIR NEVER STOPPED ANYONE FROM GETTING AN EDUCATION.
AND WHO THE HELL DOES THE SCHOOL BOARD THINK THEY ARE? NO ONE HAS TO PROVE THIER RELIGION TO ANYONE EXCEPT THIER GOD. GET OVER YOURSELF.
When Adriel Arocha, 5, was born, his father, Kenney, vowed to teach him his heritage.
"We feel that it's important to raise him as Native American until he's able to make a choice," said Kenny. And part of that heritage meant he would not to cut his son's hair, believing hair holds spiritual meaning
"It tells us how long I've been here, by your hair, so it's your history," Adriel said.
"It's our tradition it's what we do," Kenney said.
All that was fine until Adriel's parents planned to enroll the five-year-old at Needville Elementary School. Despite promising to keep his hair neatly braided, the district refused to accept him.
"I knew they would probably be a little difficult but I didn't expect it to be this bad," said his mother Michelle Betenbaugh.
District policy clearly states student's hair needs to be kept out of the eyes.
No hair can cover any part of the ear, a standard collar and no tufts or tails are allowed. The superintendent says exceptions are made for religion, but Adriel's parents have yet to provide proof of their beliefs.
"I was trying to find out what recognized religion they are that discusses they cannot cut their hair and the information I received then was basically it's their choice," said Needville ISD Superintendent Curtis Rhodes.
Near the school some residents felt the district was going too far.
"I don't think longer hair than their ears is going to hurt their education," said Needville resident Jana Hausler.
"If it has to do with his religion, I don't think anyone should infringe on their religious rights," resident Jamie Hausler said.
Adriel's parents say they plan to appeal the decision, even if it means going to court.
"You can't deny a person their rights," Kenney said.
As for Adriel himself, he's pretty clear what he wants.
______________________________________________________________
THE DAYS OF FORCING A NATIVE AMERICAN TO CUT THEIR HAIR TO CONFORM TO WHITE STANDARDS IS LONG PAST. THIS IS 2008, NOT THE 1800'S. AND WHO THE HELL IS ANYONE TO TELL ANYONE TO CUT THEIR HAIR. THIS IS NOT A MILITARY INSITUTION. IT IS A SCHOOL. GET OVER IT. LONG HAIR NEVER STOPPED ANYONE FROM GETTING AN EDUCATION.
AND WHO THE HELL DOES THE SCHOOL BOARD THINK THEY ARE? NO ONE HAS TO PROVE THIER RELIGION TO ANYONE EXCEPT THIER GOD. GET OVER YOURSELF.
Mom Charged With Denying Son Cancer Meds
SALEM, Mass. -- A Beverly woman faces charges for allegedly withholding cancer medication from her 8-year-old son.
Jeremy Fraser, who is autistic, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2006. He was treated and went into remission, but the cancer has returned. Jeremy's doctors said that would not have happened if he were on his medications.
Prosecutors said his mother, Kristen Anne LaBrie, 36, failed to fill more than half of those prescriptions. The boy's father, Eric Fraser, said that he is outraged.
"There was no medication found in his system for his at-home chemo that was supposed to be given to him at night," Fraser said.
Doctors and Salem police hold LaBrie responsible. They said she has not filled the boy's prescription since last summer and she canceled or delayed hospital treatments. Now instead of being in remission from non-Hodgkin's with a 90 percent chance of survival, he has leukemia with a 10 to 20 percent survival rate. Treatment has stopped on the advice of doctors.
"I am beyond the point of being angry and being mad. Right now, I am taking care of my son and enjoying every second I spend with him," Fraser said.
LaBrie was released on personal recognizance after Monday's arraignment. Phone calls to LaBrie and her attorney Tuesday were not returned.
Fraser's father and sister are helping with Jeremy's care.
Fraser said that he had to stop seeing his son last year because every contact with his former wife was volatile.
"If I had those answers, this would be a lot easier for me to handle. This is something I am going to take to my grave," Fraser said.
Fraser now has full custody of his son. He said that right now, Jeremy's life is a waiting game and that every day is a gift.
---------------------------------------------------------
WTF!? I want 5 minutes with this woman. Just 5.
Jeremy Fraser, who is autistic, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2006. He was treated and went into remission, but the cancer has returned. Jeremy's doctors said that would not have happened if he were on his medications.
Prosecutors said his mother, Kristen Anne LaBrie, 36, failed to fill more than half of those prescriptions. The boy's father, Eric Fraser, said that he is outraged.
"There was no medication found in his system for his at-home chemo that was supposed to be given to him at night," Fraser said.
Doctors and Salem police hold LaBrie responsible. They said she has not filled the boy's prescription since last summer and she canceled or delayed hospital treatments. Now instead of being in remission from non-Hodgkin's with a 90 percent chance of survival, he has leukemia with a 10 to 20 percent survival rate. Treatment has stopped on the advice of doctors.
"I am beyond the point of being angry and being mad. Right now, I am taking care of my son and enjoying every second I spend with him," Fraser said.
LaBrie was released on personal recognizance after Monday's arraignment. Phone calls to LaBrie and her attorney Tuesday were not returned.
Fraser's father and sister are helping with Jeremy's care.
Fraser said that he had to stop seeing his son last year because every contact with his former wife was volatile.
"If I had those answers, this would be a lot easier for me to handle. This is something I am going to take to my grave," Fraser said.
Fraser now has full custody of his son. He said that right now, Jeremy's life is a waiting game and that every day is a gift.
---------------------------------------------------------
WTF!? I want 5 minutes with this woman. Just 5.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Victim's Parents Find Justice In Schwab Execution
STARKE, Fla. -- The man who was convicted of raping and killing a Brevard County boy was executed at the Florida State Prison on Tuesday.
Mark Schwab's body was taken from the prison in Starke in an unmarked hearse. His victim was Junny Rios Martinez, 11, who had a passion for baseball and was tied up and strangled. His body was stuffed in a footlocker.
"I'm sure that the victim did not die as peaceful as he did today. The torture, the last few minutes of his life, were nothing like this," father Junny Rios Martinez said.
Schwab, who was described as an emotionless killer, remained expressionless to the last. When the warden asked Schwab if he had a final statement, Schwab ignored the question.
But WESH 2 News reporter Dan Billow watched the execution and said his rapidly blinking eyes appeared to be blinking back tears. Schwab then closed his eyes and never moved again.
"You have no idea how hard it was for me not to get up and pound on that glass just to make sure that he knew we were there," Rios Martinez said.
Junny and Vicki Rios Martinez sat about 6 feet from Schwab during the execution. The father had vowed that his face would be the last one Schwab ever saw.
The mother had spent 17 years praying that she would someday be able to find peace and joy again.
"His realm of evil has come to an end. The universe has brought about balance, justice and the law of consequence. I have closure," Vicki Rios Martinez said.
Executions Resume At Florida State Prison
The state of Florida's new execution procedure passed its first test.
"We should all be so lucky to go this way," Vicki Rios Martinez said.
It was Florida's first execution since 2006.
Most executions draw demonstrations, and Schwab's was no exception. About 50 people were there. Some of them were for and others against the death penalty.
Schwab began his day with a last meal of fried eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, buttered toast and chocolate milk.
It was the same meal he refused to eat in November when the state delayed his execution.
Family, Friends Remember Junny
The day began with a remembrance service for Junny. Family and friends said they opted to focus on the boy's life and not on Schwab.
Friends tied blue ribbons to a tree in front of his parent's yard in Cocoa. Blue was Junny's favorite color.
Some who knew the boy well said even though his life was cut short, he's still helping children everywhere.
"This was a very unusual boy, just a top, top kid ... His life has saved the lives of many, many others because of the change of laws. Pedophiles like Schwab can't get out on half time anymore," the Rev. Tony Fadely said.
The community erected signs to honor Junny at a park named after him. The signs show 17 years of frustration with one meaningful message, justice for Junny.
Schwab's execution leaves 78 inmates from Central Florida on Death Row. Almost one-third of those committed crimes in Orange County. Fifteen inmates are from Volusia County, and Lake and Brevard counties each have 11 inmates on Death Row.
------------------------------------------------------------
Another child killer pays the fiddler. Bout time. ALL child killers deserve the death penalty. It is the ONLY way to ensure they NEVER commit this crime again.
Mark Schwab's body was taken from the prison in Starke in an unmarked hearse. His victim was Junny Rios Martinez, 11, who had a passion for baseball and was tied up and strangled. His body was stuffed in a footlocker.
"I'm sure that the victim did not die as peaceful as he did today. The torture, the last few minutes of his life, were nothing like this," father Junny Rios Martinez said.
Schwab, who was described as an emotionless killer, remained expressionless to the last. When the warden asked Schwab if he had a final statement, Schwab ignored the question.
But WESH 2 News reporter Dan Billow watched the execution and said his rapidly blinking eyes appeared to be blinking back tears. Schwab then closed his eyes and never moved again.
"You have no idea how hard it was for me not to get up and pound on that glass just to make sure that he knew we were there," Rios Martinez said.
Junny and Vicki Rios Martinez sat about 6 feet from Schwab during the execution. The father had vowed that his face would be the last one Schwab ever saw.
The mother had spent 17 years praying that she would someday be able to find peace and joy again.
"His realm of evil has come to an end. The universe has brought about balance, justice and the law of consequence. I have closure," Vicki Rios Martinez said.
Executions Resume At Florida State Prison
The state of Florida's new execution procedure passed its first test.
"We should all be so lucky to go this way," Vicki Rios Martinez said.
It was Florida's first execution since 2006.
Most executions draw demonstrations, and Schwab's was no exception. About 50 people were there. Some of them were for and others against the death penalty.
Schwab began his day with a last meal of fried eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, buttered toast and chocolate milk.
It was the same meal he refused to eat in November when the state delayed his execution.
Family, Friends Remember Junny
The day began with a remembrance service for Junny. Family and friends said they opted to focus on the boy's life and not on Schwab.
Friends tied blue ribbons to a tree in front of his parent's yard in Cocoa. Blue was Junny's favorite color.
Some who knew the boy well said even though his life was cut short, he's still helping children everywhere.
"This was a very unusual boy, just a top, top kid ... His life has saved the lives of many, many others because of the change of laws. Pedophiles like Schwab can't get out on half time anymore," the Rev. Tony Fadely said.
The community erected signs to honor Junny at a park named after him. The signs show 17 years of frustration with one meaningful message, justice for Junny.
Schwab's execution leaves 78 inmates from Central Florida on Death Row. Almost one-third of those committed crimes in Orange County. Fifteen inmates are from Volusia County, and Lake and Brevard counties each have 11 inmates on Death Row.
------------------------------------------------------------
Another child killer pays the fiddler. Bout time. ALL child killers deserve the death penalty. It is the ONLY way to ensure they NEVER commit this crime again.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Veteran dies, family notified 38 days later
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) -- A family is looking for answers, wanting to know why a veterans home never told them that their loved one had died at the facility. The man was laid to rest before they were notified.
John Brookner is buried at a Grand Rapids veterans cemetery. Wilted flowers and a stake in the ground mark the 66-year-old's grave.
Brookner died May 20 at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. But it wasn't until more than a month later that his family, which lives in Grand Traverse County, was notified of his death.
"They actually had a service for my father. They had a viewing. He had an honors burial down there and we weren't even included in that," said Karin Cascadden, Brookner's daughter.
Brookner's family found out about his death when Spectrum Hospice sent them a condolence letter offering grief counseling and services. But the family says they have yet to receive a call from Grand Rapids Home for Veterans where Brookner lived for 10 years.
24 Hour News 8 obtained a copy of Brookner's Kent County death certificate, which states he suffered from lung problems and seizures. The cause of death was ruled natural.
The family didn't make it to Grand Rapids much to see Brookner, so they appointed a guardian from the courts to better manage his affairs. They say he was not always mentally stable.
Brookner's family believes he may have requested that they not be notified of his passing.
24 Hour News 8 went to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans for answers. The facility's director told us Brookner had indeed requested that the family not be informed of his passing and they respect his wishes. Whether that request was ever put in writing, the director is not sure.
The family argues Brookner was in no state to have such a request taken seriously.
"I just can't imagine my dad in his right mind doing that, or how someone who's in his right mind letting him make a decision like that," said Cascadden.
24 Hour News 8 spoke with two different attorneys to get some clarity, both of whom said if a court-appointed guardian was assigned for mental capacity then the family should have been informed about his care.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW MANY TIMES IN THAT 38 DAYS DID YOU CALL AND CHECK ON YOUR DAD? HOW MANY TIMES DID YOU VISIT HIM?
John Brookner is buried at a Grand Rapids veterans cemetery. Wilted flowers and a stake in the ground mark the 66-year-old's grave.
Brookner died May 20 at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. But it wasn't until more than a month later that his family, which lives in Grand Traverse County, was notified of his death.
"They actually had a service for my father. They had a viewing. He had an honors burial down there and we weren't even included in that," said Karin Cascadden, Brookner's daughter.
Brookner's family found out about his death when Spectrum Hospice sent them a condolence letter offering grief counseling and services. But the family says they have yet to receive a call from Grand Rapids Home for Veterans where Brookner lived for 10 years.
24 Hour News 8 obtained a copy of Brookner's Kent County death certificate, which states he suffered from lung problems and seizures. The cause of death was ruled natural.
The family didn't make it to Grand Rapids much to see Brookner, so they appointed a guardian from the courts to better manage his affairs. They say he was not always mentally stable.
Brookner's family believes he may have requested that they not be notified of his passing.
24 Hour News 8 went to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans for answers. The facility's director told us Brookner had indeed requested that the family not be informed of his passing and they respect his wishes. Whether that request was ever put in writing, the director is not sure.
The family argues Brookner was in no state to have such a request taken seriously.
"I just can't imagine my dad in his right mind doing that, or how someone who's in his right mind letting him make a decision like that," said Cascadden.
24 Hour News 8 spoke with two different attorneys to get some clarity, both of whom said if a court-appointed guardian was assigned for mental capacity then the family should have been informed about his care.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW MANY TIMES IN THAT 38 DAYS DID YOU CALL AND CHECK ON YOUR DAD? HOW MANY TIMES DID YOU VISIT HIM?
Man who killed burglary suspects cleared
HOUSTON, Texas (AP) -- A Texas man who shot and killed two men he suspected of burglarizing his neighbor's home was cleared in the shootings Monday by a grand jury.
Joe Horn shot and killed two men last November after he saw them crawl out a neighbor's window.
Joe Horn shot and killed two men last November after he saw them crawl out a neighbor's window.
Joe Horn, 61, shot the two men in November after he saw them crawling out the windows of a neighbor's house in the Houston suburb of Pasadena.
Horn called 911 and told the dispatcher he had a shotgun and was going to kill the men. The dispatcher pleaded with him not to go outside, but Horn confronted the men with a 12-gauge shotgun and shot both in the back.
"The message we're trying to send today is the criminal justice system works," Harris County District Attorney Kenneth Magidson said.
Horn's attorney, Tom Lambright, has said his client believed the two men had broken into his neighbor's home and that he shot them only when they came into his yard and threatened him.
The two Horn suspected of committing burglary, Hernando Riascos Torres, 38, and Diego Ortiz, 30, were unemployed illegal immigrants from Colombia. Torres was deported to Colombia in 1999 after a 1994 cocaine-related conviction.
The episode touched off protests from civil rights activists who said the shooting was racially motivated and that Horn took the law into his own hands. Horn's supporters defended his actions, saying he was protecting himself and being a good neighbor to a homeowner who was out of town.
"I understand the concerns of some in the community regarding Mr. Horn's conduct," Magidson said. "The use of deadly force is carefully limited in Texas law to certain circumstances ... In this case, however, the grand jury concluded that Mr. Horn's use of deadly force did not rise to a criminal offense."
Lambright did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment from The Associated Press.
Texas law allows people to use deadly force to protect themselves if it is reasonable to believe they are in mortal danger. In limited circumstances, people also can use deadly force to protect a neighbor's property; for example, if a homeowner asks a neighbor to watch over his property while he's out of town.
It's not clear whether the neighbor whose home was burglarized asked Horn to watch over his house.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I got nothing against those who protect themselves and their property. I even applaud those who care enough to watch out for their neighbors. But, am I the only one who caught this "Horn called 911 and told the dispatcher he had a shotgun and was going to kill the men. The dispatcher pleaded with him not to go outside, but Horn confronted the men with a 12-gauge shotgun and shot both in the back.". So, he premeditated 2 murders, AND shot the men in the back. Now I ask you: how threatening are 2 men who have their backs to you? And the law let it slide? Only in Texas. 2 things come out of Texas. I will let you draw your own conclusions.
Joe Horn shot and killed two men last November after he saw them crawl out a neighbor's window.
Joe Horn shot and killed two men last November after he saw them crawl out a neighbor's window.
Joe Horn, 61, shot the two men in November after he saw them crawling out the windows of a neighbor's house in the Houston suburb of Pasadena.
Horn called 911 and told the dispatcher he had a shotgun and was going to kill the men. The dispatcher pleaded with him not to go outside, but Horn confronted the men with a 12-gauge shotgun and shot both in the back.
"The message we're trying to send today is the criminal justice system works," Harris County District Attorney Kenneth Magidson said.
Horn's attorney, Tom Lambright, has said his client believed the two men had broken into his neighbor's home and that he shot them only when they came into his yard and threatened him.
The two Horn suspected of committing burglary, Hernando Riascos Torres, 38, and Diego Ortiz, 30, were unemployed illegal immigrants from Colombia. Torres was deported to Colombia in 1999 after a 1994 cocaine-related conviction.
The episode touched off protests from civil rights activists who said the shooting was racially motivated and that Horn took the law into his own hands. Horn's supporters defended his actions, saying he was protecting himself and being a good neighbor to a homeowner who was out of town.
"I understand the concerns of some in the community regarding Mr. Horn's conduct," Magidson said. "The use of deadly force is carefully limited in Texas law to certain circumstances ... In this case, however, the grand jury concluded that Mr. Horn's use of deadly force did not rise to a criminal offense."
Lambright did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment from The Associated Press.
Texas law allows people to use deadly force to protect themselves if it is reasonable to believe they are in mortal danger. In limited circumstances, people also can use deadly force to protect a neighbor's property; for example, if a homeowner asks a neighbor to watch over his property while he's out of town.
It's not clear whether the neighbor whose home was burglarized asked Horn to watch over his house.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I got nothing against those who protect themselves and their property. I even applaud those who care enough to watch out for their neighbors. But, am I the only one who caught this "Horn called 911 and told the dispatcher he had a shotgun and was going to kill the men. The dispatcher pleaded with him not to go outside, but Horn confronted the men with a 12-gauge shotgun and shot both in the back.". So, he premeditated 2 murders, AND shot the men in the back. Now I ask you: how threatening are 2 men who have their backs to you? And the law let it slide? Only in Texas. 2 things come out of Texas. I will let you draw your own conclusions.
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