This was not very surprising. Three New York City Police Department detectives have been acquitted on all charges in the shooting death of Sean Bell, who died in a barrage of more than 50 police bullets outside a nightclub in Jamaica, Queens. Bell was an unarmed groom-to-be and the dramatic death happened on his wedding day, in yet another case that involved allegations of excessive police firepower.
The New York Post describes the scene in the Queens courtroom:
"Packed with spectators, including victim Sean Bell's fiancee and parents, and at least 200 people gathered outside the building. The verdict provoked an outpouring of emotions: Bell's fiancee immediately walked out of the room. His mother cried.
Outside the courthouse, which was surrounded by scores of police officers, many in the crowd began weeping as news of the verdict said. Others were enraged, swearing and screaming "Murderers! Murderers!" or "KKK!"
The three detectives sought a bench trial. Justice Arthur J. Cooperman delivered the verdict and said many of the prosecution’s witnesses, including Bell’s friends and two wounded victims, were simply not credible. "At times, the testimony of those witnesses just didn’t make sense," reports the Daily News.
The detectives who fatally shot Bell and wounded his two friends were performing an undercover sting operation at the Kalua Cabaret in Jamaica. Sean Bell was 23-years-old and died only hours before his death. Bell leaves behind a fiancee and two children.
Officers who shot Sean Bell aquitted of all charges [NYDN]
3 NYPD Detectives Acquitted [NYP]
Well, I can watch Reverend Wright's sermon about America again and again, and give it an "Amen" over and over.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 25 April 2008 at 11:47
I have no words.
Posted by: Taylor Siluwe | 25 April 2008 at 11:50
The defense attorneys gambled they could get a fairer case with a bench trial. This is not to say that the officers didn't shoot this man down in cold blood, it just wasn't proven. And that sucks.
Posted by: Greg G | 25 April 2008 at 12:02
Duh. Thanks for the heads up, KB! Not enough coffee!
Posted by: Rod Mc | 25 April 2008 at 12:07
Co-Signs on everything "Derrick from Philly" said!! Reverend Wright speaks the truth this verdict only proves what he was saying is true...America, America my country. But are we really surprised this is the NYPD!
Posted by: jb | 25 April 2008 at 18:29
The black officer Cooper is the only one who seemed generally sorry for what happened and was the only one who apologized to the Bell family. It must be the hardest thing in the world to be a black police officer because you are truly caught between a rock and a hard place. You want to protect and serve your community but you also have to play the game with white police officers who hate or don't give a damn about the people they serve. If your too close to the black community your not part of the "brotherhood" but if you do your job you my be seen as an uncle tom. I'm not sure if many of you know this, but the case of the four murdered teens in Newark last summer which Rod updated, the entire investigation was spearheaded by a young black detective who took an active and personal interest in these kids especially the young lady that survived.
Posted by: Dluv | 26 April 2008 at 08:59
Dear Friends,
An earnest and respectful request that the US Attorney General commence a federal probe of the shooting death of Sean Bell, and the subsequent astonishing and distressing acquittal of the NYPD officers responsible for Sean Bell's untimely and violent death.
Please go to the online petition site below:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/federal-probe-into-the-shooting-death-of-sean-bell-and-subsequent-acquittal-of-those-nypd-officers
Robert Lewis Foley, Jr.
Please unite your voice with ours and share this with everyone you know who is concerned about justice, human rights and the sanctity of human life.
Posted by: Robert Lewis Foley Jr | 30 April 2008 at 16:02