Evan Semon © News Alex Greer, 13, holds a sign that says "He will kill again," referring to Denver officer James Turney, who fatally shot teenager Paul Childs in 2003. Greer, his 11-year-old brother Andre Greer, left, and 10-year-old Greg McCoy, center, joined the protest Friday at East 34th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard.

By Brian D. Crecente, Rocky Mountain News
April 3, 2004

One day after Denver Police Chief Gerry Whitman recommended a 20-day suspension without pay for officer James Turney, a group of ministers made their own recommendations.

The Greater Denver Ministerial Alliance on Friday morning called on Mayor John Hickenlooper to push for a minimum one-year suspension of the officer, who fatally shot developmentally disabled teen Paul Childs.

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The alliance also is asking that Turney have regular mental health checks and that his access to a weapon be limited.

The alliance made two general requests of the mayor as well - that he restore dignity to the community and protect minorities.

"Enough is enough," said the Rev. Reginald Holmes, president of the alliance. "Our backs are against the wall; we have nothing left to do except fight."

Holmes said the community is outraged by Whitman's decision regarding Turney, who killed the 15-year-old Childs when the youth approached him wielding a kitchen knife.

The recommendation was passed on to Manager of Safety Al LaCabe, who has until April 16 to make the final decision on the disciplinary action.

"If this recommendation is allowed to stand, we plan to protest vigilantly and use whatever tactics of civil disobedience that are at our disposal," Holmes said.

The Rev. James Peters, another member of the alliance, said he was outraged by the chief's recommendation, which bumped up an earlier recommendation from a review board of police and civilians that Turney receive a letter of reprimand.

"This is totally inappropriate, and we are totally disgusted, and we are going to call on everyone we know to confront this crime," Peters said.

The Rev. Michael Thompson, Childs' uncle, said the teenager's family is not prepared to accept anything less than a firing of Turney.

"This man doesn't need to be on the street with a gun," Thompson said. "Our goal is to get Turney off the force, that's the goal.

"Don't give him a gun and put him back on the streets."

crecenteb@RockyMountain News.com or 303-892-2811

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