LOCAL News :: Civil & Human Rights : Police State
Agent Walker Found Not Guilty
This morning, a San Jose jury reached a 'not guilty' verdict in the voluntary manslaughter trial of state drug agent Michael Walker. According to a Mercury News online report, a scuffle erupted outside the courtroom when 2 dozen protesters encircled Walker's defense attorney as he adressed reporters. No arrests were made.
If convicted, Walker would have faced a maximum of 11 years in prison for fatally shooting Rodolfo 'Rudy' Cardenas on Feb 17, 2004.
Cardenas, a 43 y/o father of five, was shot in the back while fleeing from plainclothes narcotics officers who mistook him for a wanted drug dealer. After a high speed chase, Cardenas ran down an alley, jumped a chain linked fence and continued running. Undercover agent Mike Walker of the CA Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement, followed behind with his gun drawn, and fired twice through the fence, hitting Cardenas with both shots. Cardenas, who was completely innocent of any crime, didn't realize Walker was a cop. The agent claimed self-defense, insisting he saw a gun in Cardenas' hands. He was not armed, though police say they found an unopened, 3-inch knife, inside Cardenas' pocket.
The Cardenas family has filed a wrongful death suit which is still pending.
Family members and supporters will gather at 6:30 pm tonight in San Jose, to honor Rudy and remember all those who've been wrongfully killed by police. The vigil takes place at Fourth St. & St. Jammes Place, the scene where Rudy was killed.
Comments
Re: Agent Walker Found Not Guilty
--- PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY--
**MARCH AND VIGIL FOR JUSTICE DENIED**
The Man Who Killed Rudy Was Found Not Guilty
WHEN: December 13, 2005 at 6:30 pm
WHERE: Starting at the courthouse at 190 Hedding Street and going to the
scene of the murder at 4th and St.James
WHAT: A march to voice the outrage at an unjust verdict, and a vigil to
remember Rudy and the continued struggle for justice.
CONTACT:
Regina: 408-449-2121
De-Bug: 408-453-2517
Re: Agent Walker Found Not Guilty
fleeing from plainclothes narcotics officers who mistook him for a wanted drug dealer. After a high speed chase, Cardenas ran down an alley, jumped a chain linked fence and continued running.
Re: Agent Walker Found Not Guilty
Justice Denied: A History of the Walker Trial
indybay.org/news/2005/12/1790235.php
Vigil Expresses Sadness and Outrage at Verdict in Cardenas Killing
indybay.org/archives/archive_by_id.php
Michael Walker, Killer of Rudy Cardenas, Goes to Trial
indybay.org/archives/archive_by_id.php
San Jose Marks One Year Since The Murder Of Rudy Cardenas
indybay.org/archives/archive_by_id.php
Re: Agent Walker Found Not Guilty
How can you possibly know Cardenas didn't realize Walker was a cop? Did he tell you that?
Re: Agent Walker Found Not Guilty
The point is:
It is unlawful for law enforcement to shoot at an UNARMED person who is fleeing, and poses NO THREAT of bodily harm to the officer.
Re: Agent Walker Found Not Guilty
Stating otherwise as if it were factual is basically just a lie.
Re: Agent Walker Found Not Guilty
Re: Agent Walker Found Not Guilty