- Police Brutality Watch

38th consecutive time that Prosecutor declined to prosecute a Denver officer after a fatal shooting

A Denver grand jury charged with investigating the police shooting death of an innocent man deadlocked on whether to indict or exonerate officer Ranjan Ford Jr., the district attorney's office announced Wednesday. The stalemate left open the option for District Attorney Bill Ritter, who has never charged an officer involved in a shooting, to charge Ford in the July 11 killing of 63-year-old Frank Lobato. But Ritter told a press conference Wednesday afternoon that he couldn't "ethically go forward believing that I can convince 12 people beyond a reasonable doubt that he's committed the elements of the crime charged." Police were sweeping through Frank Lobato's home in July, searching for a domestic-violence suspect, when an officer saw a can of soda in his hand, thought it was a gun and fired into the 63-year-old's chest, authorities said. The decisions made by the jury and Ritter outraged Lobato's family and raised concerns within the community. "How Bill Ritter, as the guardian of justice for residents of Denver, could turn his back on fairness and responsibility, is despicable," Lobato's children said in a written statement. Members of City Council also expressed disappointment. "This is the type of thing that really spreads concern in the community," Council President Elbra Wedgeworth said. "This is a prime example of where we need a police monitor." Lobato's death was the latest in a series of controversial police shootings that triggered reforms in the police use-of-force policy and the department's civilian oversight. [more] and [more]

Lobato was shot in his bed while holding a soda can, which investigators said Ford likely mistook for a weapon. The shooting sparked community controversy. Lobato was shot after officers climbed a ladder and went through a window into a home at 1234 W. 10th Ave. while looking for a domestic-violence suspect. Lobato was not involved in that assault case.[more]
Officer argues for 1-day penalty [more]
Latino Man had a Soda Can in his hand, NOT A GUN. Police shoot and kill. [more]
Shootings by Denver Police Prompt Outcry: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH [more]