Anthony Diotaiuto – Update
Anthony Diotaiuto was a 23 year-old with a handgun carry permit (past posts here). Police busted his door in early one morning because he was allegedly dealing drugs. The put 10 rounds of 9mm in his chest and he died. They found less than an ounce of marijuana. Now, the latest:
Seconds after a SWAT team stormed his home, a suspected drug dealer ran to his bedroom closet and emerged pointing a gun at a detective, according to a grand jury report released Tuesday.
Police opened fire, and the man fell back into the closet. But when officers moved closer, they found him still breathing — his finger still on the trigger. Then, the suspect raised his gun again.
This time, he died in a hail of police bullets.
I think this is about the 5th time the story has changed. More:
Based on police testimony, the grand jury found police were right to worry Diotaiuto would fight back using a semiautomatic handgun he had a concealed weapons permit for and justified in shooting him as many as 13 times when faced with the barrel of his gun.
The number of rounds is now 13. He was killed, basically, for having a concealed carry permit. His neighbors have repeatedly testified that the police did not announce themselves when serving the warrant. If they had, he may well be alive.
The officers involved have been exonerated.
October 19th, 2006 at 9:43 am
“We’re the only ones legally immune enough…”
October 19th, 2006 at 10:04 am
Sons of bitches. They changed it again. He didnt actually get to the gun in the original story.
October 19th, 2006 at 10:04 am
And if the police dont announce themselves, isnt it logical to assume the guys kicking in your door at 5 am are there to rob you, not execute a search warrant?
October 19th, 2006 at 12:05 pm
The courts and legal bureacracy may not file or punish the police, but they haven’t been “exhonorated” by the people. They are guilty of contempt of the BOR, excessive force, and murder.
October 19th, 2006 at 4:49 pm
Murder? Doubtful. Murder requires intent and forethought, typically.
Negligent homicide seems more apt.
October 19th, 2006 at 5:38 pm
We’re promoting our police forces across the country to adopt such tactics as this. We put them on television, and give them lots of camera time as long as they’re kicking in doors and pointing MP-5’s.
You can BET this is going to happen more and more as we continue to encourage police to carry out warrants in just such a manner.
October 19th, 2006 at 11:06 pm
Did I find anything surprising about this (changing) story?
Nada.
October 20th, 2006 at 3:45 am
Sigivald, the cops kicked in a door. Didn’t announce. Not announcing made both those things illegal. When death occurs as a result of an illegal act the perpetrators have committed murder. Ask any prosecutor. Except, don’t tell them you are asking about the police upon whom they rely.
Corey Maye in Ms. has been convicted of murder for killing a cop who broke in his door in the middle of the night with a team. He fired when they entered the bedroom where his infant daughter slept. They didn’t announce. They had the wrong residence. But Maye is still in prison awaiting his appeal.
Funny how the rules change, ain’t it?
October 20th, 2006 at 1:47 pm
After seeing behavior like this, does anyone wonder why the SWAT characters don’t videotape the announcement and subsequent break-in?
Oh that’s right – it’s OK for US to be video’d, but not THEM. Got it.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:24 pm
It sounds as if you people think you’ve got rights or something. You should know better.
October 21st, 2006 at 5:56 pm
“In a world of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” -George Orwell
America just keeps pressing the Snooze Button as the Claire Wolfe Alarm rings loudly every 5 minutes.
-Abject.
November 22nd, 2006 at 10:41 am
[…] That’s what Chuck is fond of saying. But there are times when they don’t take prisoners. Drug warriors rely on bogus tips from paid informants and raid the wrong house or put on their gay little ninja outfits or use excessive force. Pete has a memorial page for drug war casualties. And someone dies. Well, it happened again and this time it’s so embarrassing that it’s getting press and blog play. The AP: A 92-year-old woman was shot to death Tuesday after she fired at three narcotics officers trying to serve a warrant at her house, officials said. […]