|
Law and Legal News
PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVES FROM SEND2PRESS® NEWSWIRE
NOTICE: THIS IS ARCHIVAL CONTENT AND LIKELY OUT OF DATE.
Article Editor: Christopher Laird Simmons
Justice Betrayed? Tulsa D.A. Refuses to Prosecute Brutal Slaying In Midst of Violent Crime Wave
TULSA, Okla. - July 28, 2004 /Send2Press Newswire/ -- The family of a slain
businessman, Shawn Howard, is seeking justice for their son in a case that has many
questioning the judgment of the Tulsa County prosecutor's office.
On June 25, Mr. Howard, owner of a downtown tavern, located at 23 North Cheyenne
Avenue, died from wounds received during an assault by a vagrant in the early morning
hours of June 24. Howard was hit in the head as many as 10 times with a steel pipe. His
teeth were broken out. His skull was destroyed.
The killer pursued Howard after he was left stunned and helpless. Howard was attempting
to flee when he was hit from behind. After the victim was rendered unconscious, his
killer beat him savagely. Tavern manager Josh Martin was also severely beaten.
The night of the attack, Terry Badgewell, a transient with a documented history of
violent crime, fled the crime scene and was later arrested on two complaints of assault
with a deadly weapon. He was covered in the blood of Martin and Howard. Howard's family
and friends trusted that charges would be filed.
They were wrong.
Without even interviewing Martin, the only witness to the killing, Tulsa District
Attorney Tim Harris declined to press charges and released Badgewell on the grounds of
self-defense. Why? Because, in part, Howard struck Badgewell with a single light blow
with a set of brass knuckles he was carrying for protection while transferring receipts
for deposit. The eye witness stated Howard was attempting to warn Badgewell away.
Indeed, Badgewell's booking photo showed no visible marks of any kind.
The decision has created a polarizing firestorm of discussion and speculation among
local residents that leaves many scratching their heads. The police investigation came
to a halt after Harris' announcement.
The Howard family is, however, determined to expose the facts, protect their son's
memory, and pursue justice for him.
"We just want the facts of this case to come into the open, and let the chips fall
where they may," Kay Howard, Shawn's mother, said. "We wanted our report to be
objective, and we think it is."
Based on the D.A.'s pledge to the family that he would consider any additional evidence
they uncovered, an attorney was hired to conduct an investigation, produce a report and
share the results with Harris, who asked for a copy.
The family had faith in the D.A.'s promise. That faith was soon betrayed.
Two days before a meeting was to occur, the family was shocked to read the D.A.'s
office statement to the press: They revealed that the upcoming meeting was merely a
matter of "courtesy to the family", and that, in effect, their minds were closed.
Mrs. Howard reacted with bewilderment. "We did everything we could. If they have
additional information, as they have implied, they at least need to show it to us.
After all, we've shared our information with them."
The family's attorney stated: "Under the law, this was not an act of 'self-defense.'
Lethal, disproportionate force was used after any credible claim of threat from Shawn
toward his killer has disappeared."
Harris has been repeatedly criticized in the community for what seem to be inexplicable
decisions not to prosecute violent crimes. This leaves residents struggling to cope
with a skyrocketing crime rate that has sent Tulsa into the top 15 cities in the
nation, prompting Attorney General John Ashcroft to deploy a task force of FBI agents
to help local law enforcement cope.
Citizens who look forward to the success of the City's revitalization projects are
concerned that safety issues may become a major stumbling block. And those residents
outraged at the D.A.'s refusal feel their only option is to gather the 5,000 signatures
necessary to petition to constitute a Grand Jury under the Oklahoma Constitution. Mrs.
Howard comments: "Shawn worked tirelessly to make downtown a safer, more interesting
place. All we want is justice for Shawn."
Viewed by the media ***
COMPANY DIRECTLY AND NOT THIS WEBSITE.
DISCLAIMER: the above article is believed accurate but not guaranteed, and is based on business news supplied by the organization mentioned and/or quoted in the story. The organization providing the news to Send2Press is solely responsible for its accuracy. Financial/Stock news may contain forward looking statements and public companies should be thoroughly researched before considering material investment. Neotrope/Send2Press makes no claims of accuracy or suitability for any purpose. Any opinions expressed by representatives of company(s) mentioned in news item are solely those of the person indicated, and do not reflect any opinion or policy of Neotrope/Send2Press. Your use of any information contained herein is done solely at your own risk, and you are fully responsible for using any information herein, or on sites mentioned or linked to in the article. All trademarks acknowledged.
USE OF THE ABOVE NEWS ARTICLE
News is Copr. © 2004 Neotrope/Send2Press. Reproduction of this news article in any form requires written authorization. You may freely link to this article, or republish the "news release" text version linked to above under "Journalist Tools" without restriction except websites must retain /Send2Press Newswire/ as the source. Sites which offer/sell PR services or newswire services may not reprint our content without express written permission.
|
