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girldetective · 03-02-2010, 08:41 PM

I am concerned.
I am concerned about justice.
I am concerned about a school teacher who I know.

Craig is one of the nicest people i have ever met. Years ago he worked for a successful hometowngonenational brewery, selling their stuff. He was happy enough but it didnt satisfy him, and he went back to school for his masters in teaching. He is one of the favorites at his middle school, with a good reputation among his peers, parents, and students. A fund in his name was set up by parents for Craig because in 11/08 he was charged with first-degree manslaughter.

Late one afternoon a man was picking beargrass in the woods, working with two other men. That man died of a gunshot wound where he stood in the forest. It was hunting season and he was reportedly shot in the shoulder, with the bullet stopping in his abdomen. He wore no color to identify him to hunters. It was close to midnight before detectives arrived on the scene according to the paper.

Craig's description, first name, and vehicle make were broadcast by the local news, asking for help locating him. He heard this and telephoned the police station, asked for the detective the news indicated, and left a message in his voicemail identifying himself and leaving his phone number. Craig was arrested and put in jail with a $750,000 bailout (no criminal record). His car was confiscated (and kept x1 year). His house was searched. He was put on leave at school (temporarily, he is back now). All of his money went to bail and attorney fees and attorney fees and attorney fees. Every step of the way has been unbelievable and with an attitude that of course this would never go to trial, this would never happen to a good man. Jury selection is scheduled for later this month or next.

Why is this not a hunting accident rather than manslaughter? Why would it be assumed that out of 100 or so hunters in the area, Craig was the one who shot this poor man? There is no forensic evidence that Craig shot this man. The bullet was not able to be used in identification of a particular weapon, however, the bullet is said to have come from a gun that was of the same class (?) as Craig's gun. It is felt by many that Craig will serve time not because he is guilty, but because the county has a reputation of ensuring that their police officers reputations on arrests remain untarnished. Some people have suggested it as an investigative reporters dream.

What would you do if you felt justice was not being served? What would you do if you were in Craig's shoes? What if it were likely you were going to purposefully walk out of your house one morning and perhaps not be back for 6.5-8.5 years, instead going to prison by mistake?

More info (but not much more): The Columbian (WA newspaper).

03-02-2010, 08:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
girldetective sufferable	Manslaughter & Mayhem I am concerned. I am concerned about justice. I am concerned about a school teacher who I know. Craig is one of the nicest people i have ever met. Years ago he worked for a successful hometowngonenational brewery, selling their stuff. He was happy enough but it didnt satisfy him, and he went back to school for his masters in teaching. He is one of the favorites at his middle school, with a good reputation among his peers, parents, and students. A fund in his name was set up by parents for Craig because in 11/08 he was charged with first-degree manslaughter. Late one afternoon a man was picking beargrass in the woods, working with two other men. That man died of a gunshot wound where he stood in the forest. It was hunting season and he was reportedly shot in the shoulder, with the bullet stopping in his abdomen. He wore no color to identify him to hunters. It was close to midnight before detectives arrived on the scene according to the paper. Craig's description, first name, and vehicle make were broadcast by the local news, asking for help locating him. He heard this and telephoned the police station, asked for the detective the news indicated, and left a message in his voicemail identifying himself and leaving his phone number. Craig was arrested and put in jail with a $750,000 bailout (no criminal record). His car was confiscated (and kept x1 year). His house was searched. He was put on leave at school (temporarily, he is back now). All of his money went to bail and attorney fees and attorney fees and attorney fees. Every step of the way has been unbelievable and with an attitude that of course this would never go to trial, this would never happen to a good man. Jury selection is scheduled for later this month or next. Why is this not a hunting accident rather than manslaughter? Why would it be assumed that out of 100 or so hunters in the area, Craig was the one who shot this poor man? There is no forensic evidence that Craig shot this man. The bullet was not able to be used in identification of a particular weapon, however, the bullet is said to have come from a gun that was of the same class (?) as Craig's gun. It is felt by many that Craig will serve time not because he is guilty, but because the county has a reputation of ensuring that their police officers reputations on arrests remain untarnished. Some people have suggested it as an investigative reporters dream. What would you do if you felt justice was not being served? What would you do if you were in Craig's shoes? What if it were likely you were going to purposefully walk out of your house one morning and perhaps not be back for 6.5-8.5 years, instead going to prison by mistake? More info (but not much more): The Columbian (WA newspaper). __________________ As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons...be cheerful; strive for happiness - Desiderata