ALL SIDES ANGRY AFTER DAD ON METH IS GUNNED DOWN

Julian Navarro Jr., a 20-year-old Peoria man, was shot dead by a
police sniper in a case that continues to rock the city.

There is outcry, not only by Navarro's family, but by two police
officers who were disciplined in the aftermath of the Nov. 20, 2001,
shooting.

Karen Carrillo and Julian Navarro Sr. are suing Peoria in the death of
their son, a self-employed landscaper. The lawsuit, filed in July,
followed a $55 million claim.

Through the family's attorney, Carrillo described her son as a "bright
light in the family," and a junior deacon in their church.

The younger Navarro Jr. was shot after issuing what police interpreted
as a threat to his child, with whom he was barricaded at a Peoria
home. Police were responding to a domestic disturbance call.

Julian Jr., who later tested positive for use of methamphetamine, came
into the front yard empty-handed but was shot when he tried to go back
inside, where he had a loaded shotgun, police said.

His parents insist he never would have harmed the child and would have
surrendered peacefully. Police maintain they had to shoot him because
he posed an immediate threat to the child.

Officer Norman Brice, 38, the shooter, was suspended for 30 days Aug.
13 by Police Chief David Leonardo and demoted to a civilian position.
Lt. Mark Shepard, 39, was fired for failing to take control of the
standoff. Both are appealing their discipline.