April 15, 2004

* Jan. 30, 2002: Denver Police Officer James Turney and Sgt. Bob Silvas shoot and kill Gregory L. Smith, 18, as he came up the stairs of his home armed with a knife.

* Oct. 25: Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter announces that no charges will be filed against the officers in the shooting because of a lack of evidence.

* July 4, 2003: Turney allegedly phoned his former mother-in-law In Iowa and threatened to kill her. Later, Iowa prosecutors agree to drop the misdemeanor harassment charge against Turney in exchange for his promise not to have any contact with her for five years.

* July 5: Turney fatally shoots Paul Childs, a 15-year-old developmentally disabled youth armed with a knife, after family members called police to their home for help.

* July 8: Turney is suspended with pay while internal affairs investigates.

* July 10: A community march to demand justice for Childs draws about 600 people.

* Oct. 16: Ritter concludes that Turney perceived the boy, armed with a knife with an 8-inch blade, as an imminent threat. Consequently, Ritter said Turney could not be charged with a crime.

* Oct. 20: A group of protesters gathered outside Denver Police headquarters to demand that Turney be fired. Four people are ticketed after they sat in front of the headquarters' doors and refused to leave.

* Dec. 16: Mayor John Hickenlooper orders a comprehensive package of police reforms, including additional training for police, more alternative weapons and increased citizen oversight.

* Jan. 6, 2004: Childs' family files notice of its intent to seek at least $5 million from the city in a federal lawsuit alleging civil rights violations.

* Feb. 17: Attorney Johnnie Cochran and members of Childs' family met with Hickenlooper and urge him to seek the removal of Turney.

* Mar. 1: A police disciplinary review board recommends that officer Jim Turney receive a written reprimand for his role in the shooting death of Paul Childs. The board, made up of four officers and two civilians, reduced a recommendation by an all-officer panel to suspend Turney for 30 days.

* April 1: Denver Police Chief Gerry Whitman recommends a 20-day suspension without pay for Turney.

* April 2: The Greater Denver Ministerial Alliance calls on Hickenlooper to push for a minimum one-year suspension of Turney.

Compiled by News librarian Carol Kasel.

Copyright 2004, Rocky Mountain News. All Rights Reserved.