By April M. Washington, Rocky Mountain News
April 16, 2004

Al LaCabe choked back tears when he recounted how he arrived at the toughest decision of his career.

"It's been unbelievable," said Denver's manager of safety, as he looked toward the floor. "Don't ask . . . because I won't hold it together."

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The mayor's news conference room in the basement of the City and County Building fell almost still as LaCabe announced Thursday his decision to suspend officer James Turney for 10 months without pay, effective immediately, in the shooting death of 15-year-old Paul Childs last summer.

LaCabe, 56, invested himself in his own investigation, often sleeping little as he methodically carried out the task of re-interviewing all those involved.

In making the tough call, LaCabe said he tried to put himself in the shoes of both Turney and Childs, returning to the Childs home on Thrill Place in northeast Denver to re-enact the tragic incident.

He met with Turney's attorney. He spoke again with Police Chief Gerry Whitman a day before the decision.

LaCabe, a former prosecutor and cop, said he studied every witness statement, every video related to the shooting and all police reports detailing what happened that fateful day.

He visited Helen Childs, the boy's mother, again Tuesday.

"It's been unreal," LaCabe said. "I don't think I've slept more than two hours a night in the past two weeks. You're tossing and turning all the time . . . It's been emotional . . .

"In this case, I know you have to find within the policies and rule of law. Yet you get to the emotions, and you say that this kid didn't have to die."

In the end, LaCabe concluded that Turney could have used better judgment. He could have simply backed away from the door.

"We determined what we believe (is) a fair and reasonable decision in the case," LaCabe said.

Mayor John Hickenlooper praised LaCabe's decision.

"The situation is fraught with heartfelt emotion from all parts of the community and the police department," Hickenlooper said.

"I know he faithfully applied the law and fact to reach this very difficult decision."

Council members Michael Hancock and Rosemary Rodriguez praised LaCabe for holding Turney accountable.

"Al demonstrated extreme competence under pressure," Rodriguez said. "It doesn't get worse than this."

LaCabe, a veteran of three decades in law enforcement, said he will now work to institute police reforms.

washingtona@RockyMountain News.com or 303-892-5086

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