WEBB MEETS WITH MENA INVESTIGATOR

Report is expected Friday on death during police raid

Jefferson County District Attorney Dave Thomas met with Denver Mayor
Wellington Webb on Tuesday as Thomas prepares his report on a police
shooting.

Thomas, who was named a special prosecutor in the Sept. 29 shooting
death of Ismael Mena during a police raid that may have been carried
out on the wrong home, is expected to announce his findings Friday.

A leader of a group calling for an independent investigation said
Tuesday he was anxious to see Thomas' report.

"We don't feel the Denver Police Department nor any of the metro DA's
offices can complete an unbiased investigation of the Denver Police
Department, based on the close working relationships that they have,"
said LeRoy Lemos of the Justice for Mena Committee. "The blue code of
honor crosses city limits."

The closed-door meeting with Webb came a day after Thomas met with
Denver Police Chief Tom Sanchez.

Officials at the Mexican Consulate in Denver also expect to meet with
Thomas to discuss the investigation.

Denver police obtained a "no-knock" warrant for the home where Mena
was living, 3738 High St. During the raid, according to police, Mena
confronted officers with a gun.

He died in the ensuing gunfire after firing at least two shots, police
said.

However, within hours, concerns arose that the warrant may have been
written for the wrong home.

According to neighbors, another home in the same block is well-known
for drug dealing. Officers found no drugs in Mena's home or on his
body.

As Thomas looked into the incident, a well-respected Denver police
officer said she felt pressured by supervisors to make it appear as
though there had been a history of complaints about Mena's home.

The officer, Susan Scott, filed a complaint with Denver's Internal
Affairs Bureau.

Thomas is investigating that allegation, as well.