Pubdate: Sat, 15 Feb 2003
Source: San Antonio Express-News (TX)
Copyright: 2003 San Antonio Express-News
Contact:  http://www.mysanantonio.com/expressnews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/384
Author: Roger Hoover

FATHER SHARES BLAME

I was deeply appalled by Ashley Villarreal's death at the hands of DEA 
agents. No 14-year-old girl should die the way she did.

I don't know if the officers really felt threatened, but I do know Ashley 
would still be alive if they had tried to make a positive identification 
instead of assuming the person they were after was in the car.

If it was so dark that agents mistook Daniel Robles for her father, then it 
is easy to believe she mistook them for thugs. Regardless of the outcome of 
this investigation, I hope policies are changed to ensure agents have 
positive identification before they act.

I feel Ashley's father must share the blame and is morally as guilty her 
those agents. If he was dealing drugs, he knowingly placed his family in 
harm's way.

My prayers go out for Ashley and her family that she may find the peace she 
was denied on Earth. Her death never should have happened, regardless of 
whose version you believe.

Roger Hoover
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