SEPULVEDA CASE - ENOUGH DELAYS

The community will hear the results of the Modesto Police Department's
investigation into the shooting of 11-year-old Alberto Sepulveda no later
than Jan. 12. That's a firm commitment from Police Chief Roy Wasden, who
says it will be kept whether or not other law enforcement agencies want
further postponement.

The report is finished and it should be made public. Further delays risk
fueling suspicion and renewing the anger and distrust shown by some people
following the Sept. 3 shooting during a dawn drug raid at the boy's home.

It was an accident, police said. It still was a homicide, some community
members said. A full and frank account of exactly what happened, and how,
is important to the department's credibility and to understanding how
better to prevent such tragedies. The Police Department's inquiry is one of
five local, state and federal investigations into the shooting.

The chief has agreed to a request from other agencies to postpone releasing
the department's findings this week, as initially scheduled. Those agencies
said they need more time to complete their own investigations and expressed
concern about the investigations being "tainted" if Modesto's findings were
released before everyone was interviewed.

Frankly, we don't believe that's a problem. Only a small group of officers
and Sepulveda family members were involved, in a small space and during a
short window of time. They have already stated and restated what they know
to several investigators.

Certainly, it would have been a mistake to rush the department's
investigation. But it will be no less of a mistake to err on the side of
protraction and delay.