Under The Shadetree

OAKLAND BART POLICE OFFICER KILLS YOUNG MAN


Oscar J. Grant III, 22, was shot in the back and killed by 27-year-old Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) police officer Johannes Mehserle early on New Year’s Day.

John L. Burris, long-time civil rights attorney who is representing Grant’s family, called the death “the worst I’ve ever seen in a shooting case” and said that it “cries out for criminal prosecution.” The family filed a $25-million wrongful death claim against the agency Tuesday.

Graphic video of Grant’s death shows Mehserle shooting the unarmed Grant in the back as he lay face down while other officers restrained him.

Just a day later, a police officer in Bellaire, Texas, shot Robert Tolan, the 23-year-old son of World Series Champion Bobby Tolan outside of their home.

Two young, black, unarmed men shot by those who are supposed to serve and protect.

2009 TO BE YEAR OF TOTAL DECLINE