Pubdate: Tue, 30 Apr 2002
Source: Modesto Bee, The (CA)
Copyright: 2002 The Modesto Bee
Contact:  http://www.modbee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/271
Authors: Erin C. Kenney, Lydia Berton

NO PROOF OF DRUGS

It is obvious that Karen Kent has no idea what she is talking about. 
Alberto Sepulveda's father is completely innocent! The police never found 
any drugs in the Sepulvedas' home, car or on their bodies. Nor is there any 
proof that Moises Sepulveda was manufacturing any drugs. So why should he 
go to prison?

The government knows that it made a mistake by raiding the home. In regard 
to Officer David Hawn, who cares? Common sense should tell you not to point 
a loaded shotgun at a scared, defenseless child who is lying face down in 
his bedroom first thing in the morning. Because of his clumsiness, a child 
is dead.

Erin C. Kenney,
Modesto

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SEPULVEDAS DESERVE CASH

I can't believe that anyone could suggest that this young boy, Alberto 
Sepulveda, was justifiably shot by Officer David Hawn because the father 
was accused of manufacturing drugs ("Sepulveda settlement," Letters, April 
24). No child deserves to die just because a parent is a suspect of a crime.

We have a court system. This family deserves a big settlement for the 
mistake that Hawn made. Yeah, money can't bring Alberto back. But as 
citizens, we should not have any tolerance for compromising children's 
safety. No matter what kind of background these children have to live 
under, children should be first.

If parents don't give a child a sense of security, shouldn't our law 
enforcement (police) make a child feel a sense of security? So, put it 
where it hurts. In the Sepulveda pocketbook. Thank God we do have good 
officers in Modesto.

Lydia Berton,
Salida
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MAP posted-by: Alex