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Trooper Norman Sentenced To Jail
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T O P I C
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Discussion Started: 06-28-2007, 12:29 PM
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A circuit judge in Benton County has ordered a 90-day jail sentence for an ex-state trooper who fatally shot an unarmed mentally-disabled man who was mistaken for a fugitive. What do you think of the sentence? Too harsh? Not enough?
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View Messages: [newest first] | [oldest first]
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kvaughn6
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11-26-2007, 4:48 PM
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I am so sick of hearing everyone condemn trooper norman. I use to work with his wife at the sheriffs office. They are 2 of the nicest people i have ever met. He did not do this on purpose you want to make it seem like he purposefully went out to shoot someone. He didnt go out that morning wanting to shoot and kill someone. I feel for the family of the boy that was killed I have a aunt that is mentally disabled. And i know how scary it is to think that that can happen. did yall know that he has wanted to kill himself everyday for what has happened. they have lost everything. do you really think that he would want to go thru this on purpose??? it was a horrible accident that never should have had to happen. but still it did. and people like you are treating it like the salem witch trial you want to hang him from the tallest tree!!!! leave this poor family alone and get a life already
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docnoller
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10-15-2007, 8:03 PM
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Oh my gosh. You mean to tell me that this is all time he gets. He murdered someone. Even though some people think it was a mistake. He still killed a mentally challenged human being. Speaking because I have a mentally challenged son and a physically disabled daughter. I would hate to think that this could happen to them. I respect the police but when do we have to say excuse me that was someone who can not defind themselves
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bluck
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07-03-2007, 8:24 PM
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You know, after this situation occurred, I was pulled over for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign. My 16 yr. old son who has Asperger's (autism) was seated next to me and was freaking out. He didn't know what to do. After the officer gave us a warning and we drove off, my son said "I almost jumped out of the car and took off running, I was so scared." Erin had been shot the week before. It made me realize that my son could have had the same thing happen to him. So, I called the school resource officer and one day when the school was not in session, she taught my son what to do if he was ever in a car and it was stopped by the police. She taught him where to keep his hands while seated in the car, and how to follow the verbal commands an officer might give. She had him get down on the ground and cuffed him, in the event he had to folow orders. What happened to Erin deepened me sadly. People with disabilities need to be able to go about their communites with the same freedom that is afforded all. I would have never thought my son would have been so scared as to take off running from such a usual situation as a traffic stop. Along with having children with disabilities comes responsibilities we don't have to think about with our children who are typically developing. I can't speak to the Troopers feelings. I am saddened for all involved. It is a very tragic situation but hopefully lessons will be learned by all of us.
let us learn
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Spianalto
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07-02-2007, 4:42 PM
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I know it has to be hard for eveyone involved. I work with kids with disabilities everyday during the school year. I can very easily see how this mistake could have happened. I understand the trooper did somethings that were wrong. But where was the mom of this young man? Why was he so far from home? The way I understand this was not the first time he was a long way from home. I think most people need to put their self in the troopers shoes. It is a no win situation. My heart goes out to everyone involved.
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micalsolom
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07-02-2007, 1:18 PM
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He should have gotten more of a punishment then what he got. He desobed a order to block traffic. If i did that at my work I would be fired, not be able to retire to keep benefits. If that was me who killed and innocent person, they (prosecutors) would have charged me with murder, not neglengant homicide. Is charges differnt for public officials? I THINK THEY ARE?
james solomon
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JWilliams5
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07-02-2007, 10:59 AM
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Are we becoming a race of people that put no value on human life??? Trooper Norman's sentence seems to bear witness to that. I would hate to think that 90 days is sufficient sentence on the scales of justice to equal that of human life. I also am saddened that a mother would say that justice has been served. Obviously we know what her value of her son's life was---$1,000,000!!! Yes, Trooper Norman made a sad mistake; but having done so (ie: not following proper procedure and taking a human life), he must take responsibility. 90 days, some community service and a neglible fine are pathetic displays of punishment for shooting a man, albeit mentally challenged. I am extremely upset and disappointed in Trooper Norman, Erin's mother and our society---I feel like all have missed the boat on this one! Perhaps Trooper Norman is a fine man, but why should he be any different than any other person that takes a life needlessly. I'm sure that his family will not miss him anymore than Erin's family will miss Erin. Plus Trooper Norman's family will be able to share time, life and love with Trooper Norman once his sentence is served. Sadly Erin's family will no longer share those qualities with Erin. All I can sum this up with is---doesn't the law enforcement community take excellent care of their own. "State Trooper justice" is far more lenient than justice for the rest of us. Would Erin have fared as well if he had pulled the trigger on a State Trooper???? I think not.
JWilliams
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CHAS76
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07-02-2007, 8:07 AM
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THINK ABOUT THIS WHY WAS THIS KID DRESSED TO MATCH THE DISCRIPTION OF LEDFORD AND WHY WAS HE MILES FROM HOME. HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU SEE SOMEONE WALKING DOWN THE ROAD AND THINK THIS GUY LIKES LIKE A WANTED MAN LETS CALL THE POLICE. I THINK THERE IS MORE TO THIS THAN WE KNOW EVERYONE WANTS TO PUT DOWN THE POLICE UNTILL SOMEONES STEALING THIER VET OR BMW I THINK WHAT HAPPENED WAS A BAD THING BUT IT HAPPENS BUT LETS BLAME THE COPS BECAUSE ITS EASIER TO DO THAT THEN PARENTS TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIER CHILDREN
CHAS
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sherrenee9
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07-01-2007, 9:34 AM
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I watched the video of the shooting for the first time just moments ago, and I must say I am still in shock. Erin Hamley was clearly laying on the ground, when shot (did he have his hands in his pockets, I dont know I was not there and in the video you cant tell). Forgive me if I am wrong but I thought the idea was only to shoot to stop the suspect and gain conrol of the situation, not shoot to kill.
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B.Runns
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06-30-2007, 1:10 PM
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Since when did walking down the highway become a crime? Handicapped or not, what crime was commited by Erin? He was not guilty of a crime. As for his not responding to verbal commands, it is understandable that the young man was a little nervous, given the situation. I believe the sentence was too light myself. Just one more reason to never trust law enforcment.
The Right Reverend Bernie Runns
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arwonder
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06-30-2007, 7:38 AM
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This sentence is way to light. But he should have been charged with Murder to begin with. Norman was a STORM TROOPER,the kind that rides in , I am here kiss my feet I,m the Cop God. Instead of blocking traffic as he was told he just didn,t want to do such a minimal act. So out jumps SHOTGUN NORMAN,and the day is saved. This just another case of cops doing what they want to do and not paying for it like normal citizens would have to do. Is Norman feeling any remorse or guilt I really doubt it. The only thing he regrets is he can,t run up and down the highways with his shotgun ready to take aim again. And when is he going to make payments to the state for the million bucks he cost us?
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