Police Use of Deadly Force
Denver - Summer 2003
“The Paul Childs Shooting”
Background:
History of Police Shootings, 1990-Present:
Denver Review of Police Shooting:
Investigation Procedures (MS-WORD document)
Denver District Attorney Investigations of Past Police Shooting
Police officer shoots disturbed black teenager with knife:
Teenage shot by Denver police (DP - July 6, 2003)
The 911 call (RMN - July 8, 2003)
The 911 call (DP - July 8, 2003)
History of 911 calls (RMN - July 12, 2003)
List of 911 calls (RMN - July 12, 2003)
911 Operator broke no rules (RMN - July 12, 2003)
The Funeral (RMN - July 13, 2003)
The Funeral (DP - July 13, 2003)
Childs faced police officer when shots were fired (RMN - July 18, 2003)
Cop gives account of Childs death (DP - August 12, 2003)
Autopsy-Childs shot in chest and back (DP - August 22, 2003)
Brief, fatal confrontation: He was gonna stab me (DP - October 17, 2003)
What's next? (RMN - October 17, 2003)
The Victim - Paul Childs:
How teenager died (DP - July 11, 2003)
Slain teen loved cops (RMN - July 8, 2003)
Teen only wanted to show he was normal (DP - July 13, 2003)
The Police Officer - James Turney:
Officer Turney (DP - July 11, 2003)
Threat alleged (RMN - July 10, 2003)
Threat unheeded (RMN - July 11, 2003)
Ongoing feud (RMN - July 12, 2003)
Officer who fatally shot teen sought (DP - July 19, 2003)
Threat charge could cost officer his badge (DP - July 22, 2003)
Cop faces prosecution (RMN - July 25, 2003)
Photos:
Photo1 (DP - July 6, 2003)
Photo2 (DP - July 11, 2003)
Childs and prom date (DP - July 13, 2003)
Ashley and Helen Childs (DP - July 13, 2003)
Funeral – family (DP - July 13, 2003)
Funeral – Rev. Patrick Demmer (DP - July 13, 2003)
Funeral – Johnnie Cochran (DP - July 13, 2003)
Funeral – pall bearers (DP - July 13, 2003)
DP_photo of James Turney_101703 (DP - October 17, 2003)
Community Reaction:
Shooting provokes outrage (DP - July 7, 2003)
Independent probe sought (RMN - July 7, 2003)
Clerics urge removal of cop (DP - July 9, 2003)
Alliance calls for inquiry (RMN - July 9, 2003)
List of ministers demands (RMN - July 9, 2003)
Rev. Peters speech (RMN - July 9, 2003)
Hundreds call for justice (DP - July 11, 2003)
Remembering teen (RMN - July 11, 2003)
Police absent (RMN - July 11, 2003)
Rev calls friend for justice (RMN - July 11, 2003)
Cochran to represent family (RMN - July 10, 2003)
Leaders decry call for revenge (RMN - July 11, 2003)
Grief doubled for kin of teen shot last year (DP - July 9, 2003)
Shooting of teen sends shivers in the community (RMN - July 12, 2003)
Ministers plan for action and comfort (DP - July 13, 2003)
Mayor Webb says flier written by outsider (DP - July 13, 2003)
Outreach preached (RMN - July 14, 2003)
Cochran mystique able to tip legal scales (DP - July 18, 2003)
Forum seeks solutions (RMN - July 24, 2003)
Childs tragedy spurs change (RMN - July 28, 2003)
Training sought to help police aid disabled (DP - July 29, 2003)
Death spurs disabled youths into action (RMN - July 30, 2003)
Education, parental involvement key to salvaging Denver children (RMN - August 3, 2003)
Wedgeworth asks for Childs probe (DP - July 24, 2003)
Station aims to bind cops & residents (DP - August 12, 2003)
Teen's death spurs "Paul's Law" plan (RMN - August 13, 2003)
Group seeks dialogue after 2 police shootings (RMN - August 18, 2003)
Forum explores police shootings (RMN - August 20, 2003)
Forums to focus on recent fatal shootings (RMN - August 18, 2003)
Leaders pledge to end police shootings (DP - August 20, 2003)
Activist says cops harassed him (DP - August 20, 2003)
Minister's solution: Sue (RMN - August 22, 2003)
Residents demand justice in death of innocent kid (DP - October 17, 2003)
Support for Childs family grows (RMN - October 18, 2003)
Newspaper Editorial Opinions:
RMN Editorial I: Keep Childs probe with DA (July 8, 2003)
DP Editorial I: Rethink rules on deadly force (July 8, 2003)
DP Editorial II: Cops need training on disabled (July 31, 2003)
RMN Editorial II: Escalating rhetoric is out of line (July 10, 2003)
RMN Editorial III: A cop's kick and a fatal shooting (August 19, 2003)
RMN Editorial IV: No crime in Childs shooting (RMN - October 17, 2003)
DP Editorial III: Turney doesn't serve or protect (DP - October 17, 2003)
DP Editorial IV: High standard in cop shootings (DP - October 21, 2003)
RMN Editorial V: Independent probe holds no answers (RMN - October 21, 2003)
Newspaper Columnists:
Spencer I: Teen death shows police not prepared (DP - July 8, 2003)
Carman: Cops excuses have fatal shortcomings (DP - July 9, 2003)
Littwin I: System to blame for 2nd tragedy involving cop (RMN - July 10, 2003)
Rodriguez I: This officer failed pledge to protect (DP - July 11, 2003)
Johnson I: History marches on despite death's anger (RMN - July 11, 2003)
Littwin II: Questions remain (RMN - July 12, 2003)
Carroll: Rush to judgment is reckless (RMN - July 12, 2003)
Stein’s view (RMN editorial cartoon - July 12, 2003)
Spencer II: Citizens call for justice not revenge (DP - July 13, 2003)
Rodriguez II: Nothing short of change will bring justice (DP - July 14, 2003)
Littwin III: New phone line could have avoided tragedy (RMN - July 16, 2003)
Spencer III: Cop's account of shooting raises doubts (DP - August 14, 2003)
Spencer IV: Professionals? Police failing to make grade (DP - August 21, 2003)
Johnson II: A gut-wrenching, but correct decision (RMN - October 17, 2003)
Littwin IV: Mayor too careful in Childs tragedy (RMN - October 18, 2003)
Spencer V: Can you spell insult-Cop transcripts do (DP - October 19, 2003)
Rodriguez III: City yearns for justice in cop shootings (DP - October 20, 2003)
Torkelson: Area churches had glimpse of Paul Childs (RMN - October 20, 2003)
Littwin V: Amid Childs tragedy opportunity comes to light (RMN - October 21, 2003)
Johnson III: Protester pushed me to a place I didn't want to go (RMN - October 23, 2003)
Rodriguez IV: Protests of police force lack coalition (DP - October 24, 2003)
Other Published Perspectives and Opinions:
Don't rush to judge police (DP - July 14, 2003)
Fix thyself (DP - July 17, 2003)
Four who got it right (DP - July 17, 2003)
What about help for families (DP - July 17, 2003)
Concerned readers send letters (RMN - August 6, 2003)
Perspectives-Policing deadly force (DP - August 10, 2003)
Perspectives-Is the job's danger a self-fulfilled prophecy (DP - August 10, 2003)
Perspectives-Police policies need fresh eyes (DP - August 10, 2003)
Letters to the Editors:
Rocky Mt. News (July 10, 2003)
Rocky Mt. News (July 14, 2003)
Rocky Mt. News (July 15, 2003)
Rocky Mt. News (August 7, 2003)
Denver Post (October 21, 2003)
Analysis:
Factors influencing use of deadly force (DP - April 20, 2003)
Less-Deadly Weapons (RMN - July 9, 2003)
Training (RMN - July 9, 2003)
Cuts erode public safety (DP - July 11, 2003)
Lawmakers seek tighter police rules (RMN - July 15, 2003)
Fatal shots echo for cops who fired (DP - July 16, 2003)
The Animals (DP - September 21, 2003)
Employment of Blacks by the Denver Police Department
Black cop's battle to join force (DP - August 1, 2003)
Melinda Carney's fight to be a Denver cop (RMN - August 1, 2003)
Goals for minorities on force have roots in 1975 suit (RMN - August 1, 2003)
Hiring now is done with due diligence (RMN - August 1, 2003)
Donning her police blues (RMN - August 1, 2003)
Denver Police Department Reaction
Police employee group will pose hurdle (DP - July 27, 2003)
Feds may review Denver cops use-of-force policy (RMN - July 25, 2003)
$1 million annually to boost police training ((DP - July 25, 2003)
Force policy facing review (DP - July 25, 2003)
The right resume for a safety chief (RMN - July 24, 2003)
There has to be something other than a bullet (DP - July 29, 2003)
Death prompted changes in police training (RMN - October 17, 2003)
District Attorney - Official Review of the Paul Childs Shooting
Cop cleared in shooting (DP - October 17, 2003)
No charges in killing (RMN - October 17, 2003)
Officer will not be charged in killing (RMN - October 16, 2003)
Officer won't be charged in Childs shooting (DP - October 16, 2003)
Denver DA Decision on Childs Shooting (October 17, 2003)
DA's Web Site (PDF file)
CU copy of decision (PDF file)
Key points of DAs decision (RMN - October 17, 2003)
Bitter postscript-Childs family finds 4th bullet (DP - October 18, 2003)
Political and Institutional Oversight
Mayor tries to ease pain (RMN - October 18, 2003)
Hearing assesses success of civilian review panel (DP - October 17, 2003)
Protesting the District Attorney's decision
March protests Childs decision (DP - October 20, 2003)
200 march in police protest (DP - October 21, 2003)
Childs case sparks protest (RMN - October 21, 2003)
Marchers protest police shootings (DP - October 23, 2003)
Protesters call for cops badge (RMN - October 23, 2003)
The Civil Lawsuit
Cochran working on Childs' lawsuit (RMN - September 10, 2003)
Family of slain teen will sue officer (RMN - October 17, 2003)
DP_Childs family plans suit_010704 (DP - January 7, 2004)
DP_Childs family firm on suing city_021804 (DP - February 18, 2004)
RMN_Cochran, mayor meet_021804 (DP - February 18, 2004)
Editorial: High standard in cop shootings (DP - October 21, 2003)
Independent review sought for DA decisions in police shootings (DP - November 21, 2003)
Editorial: Add review in cop shootings (DP - November 22, 2003)
March 2004
RMN_Firestorm over Turney_030604 (RMN - March 6, 2004)
DP_Police urged to alter shooting policy_030604(Web)
Editorial: Take away Turney's badge (Web) (DP - March 6, 2004)
Spencer: Slap on wrist for cop, Slap in face to city (March 7, 2004)
Turney's charge in Iowa dropped (RMN - March 13, 2004)
Editorial: Full disclosure key to Turney decision (RMN - March 10, 2004)
Barnes-Gelt: Turney storm brewing (DP - March 11, 2004)
April 2004
Chief seeks suspension for officer who shot Childs_040104 (DP - April 1, 2004)
RMN_Suspension recommended for officer who killed teen_040104 (RMN - April 1, 2004)
DP_Police chief urges suspension of cop_040204
Editorial: Turney should be fired (DP - April 2, 2004)
RMN_Chief--Suspend officer_040204
RMN_He's going to do the right thing_040204
RMN_Johnson: What's it take, Chief, to fire one of your officers?_040204
RMN_What Whitman recommended_040204
RMN_Al LaCabe at a glance_040204
CH9_Ministry group wants tougher punishment for officer who shot teen_040204
RMN_Littwin: Politics 101 - Why it's so hard to fire a cop_040304
RMN_1 year suspension urged for officer_040304
DP_Cops proposed suspension too lenient protesters say_040404
Newsum: Killing culture (DP - April 6, 2004)
DP_Activist--Police to limit patrols by criticized cop_040604
Editorial: Open police shooting reviews (DP - April 7, 2004)
10 month suspension for Turney announced
DP_Punishment in Childs case a 'no-win' test for mayor_041404
DP_Shootings by police an issue in DAs race_041404
RMN_Turney receives 10-month suspension_041504
DP_Turney's punishment to be announced today_041504 (online)
DP_Turney gets 10-month ban_041604
Rodriguez: Taking cop off the street empowering (DP - April 16, 2004)
DP_Childs family, neighbors pleased, not satisfied_041604
DP_Council members want change in rules_041604
RMN_All Childs mother wanted was simple justice_041604
RMN_LaCabe carefully examined every aspect of case_041604
RMN_Officer will appeal decision_041604
RMN_How the process could work_041604
RMN_Anger relief and pain greet ruling_041604
RMN_Experts--Little fallout for Hickenlooper_041604
RMN_Officers feel pinch of decision_041604
LaCabe statement suspending Turney (PDF)
RMN_Key figures in the case_041604
RMN_The Turney decision_041604
Editorial: LaCabe to police--Tactics matter_041604 (RMN - April 16, 2004)
RMN_Officer Turney in eye of storm_041504
Johnson: Sounds of children punctuate another you-hate-cops call (RMN - April 14, 2004)
RMN_Letters to the Editor_041304
RMN_6.5 million for police lawsuits_041204
RMN_Church takes tour of shooting sites_041004
Editorial: Justice served_041604 (DP - April 16, 2004)
Editorial: Fire Turney_041504 (DP - April 15, 2004)
DP_Police meet to plan ways to help Turney (on-line)_041604
Littwin: Turney suspension a step in the right direction (RMN - April 17, 2004)
RMN_Officers plan rally to back Turney_041704
RMN_Suspended cop cant carry gun_041704
RMN_Rally protests suspension_041704
RMN_Family hopes for deal_041704
RMN_Case could spur reform_041704
Spencer: Room 20-B can't fathom Turney case (DP - April 18, 2004)
DP_Cops rally for Turney_041704
RMN_Panel nears deadline_041704
DP_Angry cops set to visit mayor_041904
RMN_Police protest Turney decision_041904
RMN_Police letter to Hickenlooper_041904
RMN_Ministers join hands to mobilize dissent_041904
9news_Manager of Safety announces punishment_041504
9news_Officers show support for Officer Turney_041904
RMN_Show of support for Turney_042004
Littwin: Denver cops are one big aggrieved family (RMN - April 20, 2004)
RMN_Police Response_042004 (PDF)
DP_Cops seek answers training_042004
DP_Letters--Denver police shooting_042004
DP_Turney plans to appeal suspension_042104
RMN_Letters to the Editor_042104
Newsum: Their broken badge (DP - April 24, 2004)
RMN_Turney appeals to be reinstated_042404
RMN_Cops kin report threats_042304
RMN_Letters to the Editor_042204
DP_Police union apologizes for net link_042704
RMN_Web site clicks to controversy_042704
RMN_Letters to the Editor_042604
DP_Red tape ink slow cop reforms_042804
RMN_Letters blame mother neighbor of Paul Childs_043004
DP_Cops, mayor discuss Turney_050104
May 2004
RMN_Tense talks leave mayor bruised_050104
RMN_Appeal can aid police_050104
RMN_100 years of the Civil Service Commission_050104
RMN_Inside the commission_050104
RMN_Hearing officers are first stop_050104
DP_Police Tasers set to stun_050404
DP_Police say mayor stonewalling them_050204
Spencer: Police defend the indefensible (DP - May 7, 2004)
RMN_Mayor funds cop reforms_050604
Letters to the Editor (RMN - May 6, 2004)
Letters to the Editor (RMN - May 10, 2004)
Letters to the Editor (RMN - May 11, 2004)
Police-reform ideas on way (DP - May 11, 2004)
Police reform at an impasse (RMN - May 13, 2004)
Settling the Civil Suit
City settles Childs case (Denver Post - May 26, 2004)
Deal hasn't cooled police-reform effort (Denver Post - May 26, 2004)
Judge turned mediator played key role in pact (Denver Post - May 26, 2004)
Timeline (Denver Post - May 26, 2004)
Big payouts in Denver police cases (Denver Post - May 26, 2004)
Details of the deal (Denver Post - May 26, 2004)
Spencer: City's truth depends on venue (Denver Post - May 26, 2004)
Editorial: Childs settlement makes sense (Denver Post - May 26, 2004)
Childs family, city reach deal (Rocky Mtn News - May 26, 2004)
Cops: When will the city back them (Rocky Mtn News - May 26, 2004)
Deal saves city cash family pain (Rocky Mtn News - May 26, 2004)
Johnson: $1.3 million would start healing in Childs case (Rocky Mtn News - May 26, 2004)
On Point, May 26 2004 (Rocky Mtn News - May 26, 2004)
DA candidates offer views on cop-shooting probes (Rocky Mtn News - May 26, 2004)
Mixed reaction in Childs case (Denver Post - May 27, 2004)
Johnson: Childs case has brought police department together (Rocky Mtn News - May 29, 2004)
Childs considers next move (Rocky Mtn News - May 29, 2004)
Attorney's forte: tenacity in a fight (Rocky Mtn News - May 29, 2004)
Blake: Schaffer tries to get some traction with tax issues (See 2nd part) (Rocky Mtn News - May 29, 2004)
Letters to the Editor (Rocky Mtn News - June 1, 2004)
City backs 1-3 million Childs case settlement (Rocky Mtn News - June 2, 2004)
Council gives early OK to settlement in teen's death (Denver Post - June 2, 2004)
Letters to the Editor (Rocky Mtn News - June 3, 2004)
No deal in 02 shooting (Denver Post - June 3, 2004)
Childs case settled: mom plans gravestone (Denver Post - June 8, 2004)
Childs settlement puts city over 03 tally (Denver Post - June 8, 2004)
Editorial: A case ripe for a jury (Rocky Mtn News - June 6, 2004)
City Council OKs $1.3 million settlement (Rocky Mtn News - June 8, 2004)
Letter from the City of Denver to Helen Childs (Rocky Mtn News - June 8, 2004)
Helen Childs: Justice is done (Rocky Mtn News - June 8, 2004)
August & September 2004 - Reviewing Turney's Punishment
Appeal favors suspended cop_081704.htm (Denver Post)
Turney decision will be reviewed (Rocky Mt News)
Editorial: Flexible punishment for police shooting (Denver Post)
Suspension for Turney meets rules city says (Denver Post)
Court approves method in Turney's suspension (Rocky Mt News)
Judge upholds overall discipline for police officer (Denver Post)
Officers hearing delayed in Childs case (Rocky Mt News)
October 2004 - Turney Testifies at Civil Service Hearing
Turney's appeal begins (Rocky Mt News)
Officer's appeal begins in Childs shooting case (Rocky Mt News)
Officer in fatal shooting felt fear (Denver Post)
Officer who shot developmentally disabled boy appeals suspension (9News)
Turney describes day he shot teen (Denver Post)
Denver cop who shot teen testifies at appeal hearing (Denver Post)
Officer denies making threat (Rocky Mt News)
Cop recounts slaying of teen (Denver Post)
Spencer: Turney left time, space only to kill (Denver Post)
Turney testifies on teens shooting (Rocky Mt News)
Policy tallies cop's actions (Denver Post)
Childs' mom takes the stand (Denver Post)
Helen Childs tells of day her son was slain (Rocky Mt News)
Mayor testifies in appeal of Turney discipline (Denver Post)
Cops say shooting of teen was justified (Denver Post)
Views split on cop's shooting of teen (Denver Post)
Claim of deal in Childs case spurs denial (Rocky Mt News)
911 tape trips up Childs' sister (Rocky Mt News)
Experts split on Turney (Rocky Mt News)
Cop's appeal of suspension winds down (Denver Post)
Cop's suspension called deterrent (Denver Post)
Turney appeal closes (Rocky Mt News)
Turney case set standard (Rocky Mt News)
Cop who shot teen makes final appeal (Rocky Mt News - December 8, 2004)
Turney's "Final" Punishment - January 2005
Officers penalty eased (Denver Post)
Cop ruling ignores sea change (Denver Post)
Kin stung but not surprised (Denver Post)
Turney wins reversal (Rocky Mt News)
City seeks to reinstate Turney penalty (Denver Post)
City may reveal today whether it will appeal Turney ruling (Denver Post)
Denver to appeal decision reducing punishment for Turney (Denver Post)
Turney case warrants appeal (Denver Post)
City will fight Turney ruling in bid to reinstate suspension (Rocky Mt News)
Johnson: Two officers, two examples - too bad (Rocky Mt News)
City seeks to restore suspension of Turney (Denver Post)
Back on job Turney gets desk duty (Rocky Mt News)
KEY:
DP – Denver Post
RMN – Rocky Mountain News
© Copyright 2003 University of Colorado at Boulder