UNWARRANTED DEATH

From all I have heard of the 14-year-old Ashley Villarreal being shot
by the DEA, it appears to me this was a case of a "cowboy agent" who
got too excited to keep his senses.

I spent almost 15 years as an investigator, have been involved in
drug-related cases (even undercover) and have seen law enforcement
people get caught up in the moment of excitement - yet I never saw
anyone lose control.

Regardless of the circumstances, law enforcement officers need to
exercise restraint - not aggression. This girl was frightened and
trying to get away from a threat that she was too young to understand.

The surveillance was inadequate if the agents did not communicate
accurately what was going on in that car or who was operating it. Any
reasonable officer would opt for "catch them later" rather than shoot
at an unconfirmed driver.

Shooting is a final act. It is terminal. And in this case, I don't
believe it was warranted.

Bob Stickney