DON'T BLAME LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR BOY'S DEATH

Rethink Actions

As a mother, it's very easy for me to put myself in the position of
Sonia Sepulveda, the mother of Alberto Sepulveda. The loss of a child
seems to go against the natural cycle of life.

I, however, find it appalling that rumors of protests against the
Modesto Police Department, as well as lawsuits, are even being
considered.

The fact is that the choices we make as parents have a direct effect on
our children. This story is a prime example of the child paying the
ultimate price in the end. I hope this child has not died in vain. I
plead to parents everywhere to rethink actions that put their children
at risk.

Alison Vega, Modesto, Sept. 21

What About Officer's Pain?

It seems the media and public have decided that the death of the
11-year-old boy was the fault of law enforcement. (Published: Sunday,
September 24, 2000)

The death of Alberto Sepulveda was unfortunate. Has anyone thought of
the pain that the officer (David Hawn), whose gun went off and
contributed to the death of the boy, is going through? A man who has 21
years of service in law enforcement.

The family declined the offer of the Modesto Police Department to pay
funeral expenses. I surely hope that drug money was not used to pay the
funeral expenses. I expect a lawsuit will be forthcoming.

The father was released on bail and was able to attend his son's
funeral. In the future, if the father is convicted of distributing
drugs, where will his fault lie in the boy's death?

It is so very unfortunate that many parents or older adults expose
their families to the actions of police or rivals in the drug
business. And we all know it happens every day. When such tragedies
occur, why isn't the adult (or adults) living in the home charged with
murder?

The television media (channels 3, 10 and 13) have been so biased in
their reporting against law enforcement, that it is just nauseating.

I am not accusing the father or mother of drug dealing, nor am I
accusing the officer of murder, as no actual fault has been determined
as yet. But it seems to me that the media and public have decided that
law enforcement committed murder.

The reaction to this event has been totally irrational. Let the
investigation be completed and all of the facts be reported without
bias.

Charlene Olson, Jackson, Sept. 21

Saddened By Reaction

I am very saddened by the death of young Alberto Sepulveda. But I am
also saddened by much of the reaction as reported in The Modesto Bee.
There is too little grieving and too much finger-pointing and
(Published: Sunday, September 24, 2000)

I have known David Hawn as a neighbor and friend for several years. I
find him to be one of the most calm, respectful and professional
individuals I have ever met. Not once have I ever heard him say or do
anything that would indicate any type of prejudice or racism. For
others
to claim he is racist or incompetent is irresponsible. They are
responding from emotion without basis for their comments. These
individuals and the organizations they represent have lost all
credibility.

This was a tragic accident that should never have occurred. But David
Hawn is not the villain; he is a dedicated public servant who was doing
his job in a potentially dangerous situation. The villain here is drugs
and the environment it creates.

Dennis Wetherington Oakdale, Sept. 21

Drug Users Responsible

To All Illegal Drug Makers, Users And Sellers: (Published: Sunday,
September 24, 2000)

It is your fault that 11-year-old Alberto Sepulveda is dead. If there
had been no market for your "product," this child would have had a
chance to grow up.

Without alleged methamphetamine trafficking, there would have been no
reason for Modesto police to be raiding. Our Modesto police Chief Roy
Wasden eloquently spoke for us -- the entire Modesto community.

SAUL and LYNNE McGARIT, LEROY and NICOLETTE RUSHING
Modesto, Sept. 14