By Javier Erik Olvera and Sarah Huntley, Rocky Mountain News
April 15, 2004

Manager of Safety Al LaCabe has decided that Denver Police Officer James Turney will be suspended for 10 months in connection with the shooting of a 15-year-old developmentally disabled boy, according to the boy's mother who was notified by Mayor John Hickenlooper by phone this afternoon.

Helen Childs said the mayor told her, in a 10-minute conversation, that Turney will not be allowed to return to the streets but will be offered an office job instead.

"I feel some kind of relief," said Childs, who had previously called for Turney to be fired. "At least this is some kind of recognition and they are doing something."

LaCabe is scheduled to announce his decision publicly with the mayor at 1:45 p.m. today.

LaCabe's decision followed a recommendation earlier this month from Police Chief Gerry Whitman that Turney be suspended for 20 days without pay in connection with the shooting. The chief also recommended an additional 5-day suspension for allegations that Turney threatened to shoot his former mother-in-law in the head during a telephone conversation the day before the shooting.

Two internal police boards reviewed the shooting, with one recommending that Turney receive a 30-day suspension and the other calling for a letter of reprimand.

The Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance, other minority community leaders and those close to the Childs' family had demanded the officer be fired.

Turney, 30, has been under intense public scrutiny since July 5 after he and two other officers went to the home of Paul Childs at 5550 E. Thrill Place. Police were responding after the 15-year-old's sister called 911 to say he was threatening their mother with a knife.

When officers arrived, the boy came to the door with the knife. Childs did not respond to police orders that he drop the weapon, and Turney opened fire, shooting the teen four times. The other officers drew their Tasers, which are used to stun suspects, but didn't fire the weapons.

Childs, who was developmentally disabled and taking medication for seizures, died from his wounds. His family has retained attorney Johnnie Cochran to represent them in a lawsuit against the city.

The fatal shooting was Turney's second since he joined the department in 1998. The first occurred Jan. 30, 2002, when the officer and a sergeant shot and killed 18-year-old Gregory Smith Jr. in Smith's mother's home.

Smith, who was hearing impaired, was armed with a pocketknife, which he refused to drop. Police said the teen was advancing toward the officers. The boy's sister, who witnessed the shooting, said he was standing still in a stairway leading to the basement.

Smith's family had called police when the teen broke through his mother's back door after smashing her car window earlier in the day.

The Denver District Attorney found that Turney was legally justified in both fatal shootings. No criminal charges were filed.

Turney can now appeal LaCabe's decision to the Denver Civil Service Commission.

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