Wednesday, News Channel 3’s Amy Speropoulos spoke with West Memphis Police Chief Bob Paudert. I know Mr. Paudert fairly well from my days as a reporter and I can tell you he is always very honest and open with his thoughts but even I was surprised with what he said to Amy. Poudert was giving his response to the Farrow/Sammis situation, both the event and the reactions to the department being cleared by several agencies. Paudert also talked about Crittenden County Judge Victor Hill and his decision to have a special grand jury hear the case. In his decision, Hill was very critical of city leaders and especially the West Memphis police department, calling the assistant chief a racist several times. Paudert said he believes there are just a few people in the black community trying to stir up trouble, “They say they want justice, well that’s the American justice system. that’s what they’ve been served. we’ve given them justice. they want black justice. they are vigilantes, not accepting the American way. even the city council members are vigilantes.” Paudert says the community, the whole community, needs to come together, “I’m gonna call for community meetings. black, whites all come together and lets run these idiots out of town. it’s time for them to shut up and quit causing this dissension.” One radio station said the chief should perhaps apologize for his comments. Others say it’s about time someone spoke out and told “the truth.”
Please watch the RAW interview, click HERE, and then tell me what YOU think about it.
Please be respectful in your comments and refrain from derogative words or else I’ll have to edit posts. G
Good for you, Chief Paudet. Don’t you dare apologize for your comments, you have nothing to apologize for. You are merely stating the truth. The truth is what it is, and cannot be manipulated by a few disgruntled, ignorant people trying to throw fuel on the fire. Thank God the Arkansas Supreme Court is showing it has some sense by stopping the Grand Jury order by Judge Hill. The West Memphis City Council is Ignorant Incarnate.
The only “ignorant incarnate” are the defenders of this racist, murderous cop and the ignorant police chief who speaks about the “families of these two murderers and how they have suffered”. What about DeAunte Farrow’s family? They had a loved one taken from them by a trigger happy bigot, then had no one held accountable for his murder. If this is “white justice”, it’s no wonder that African Americans want “black justice”. Exactly what that is, I have no idea. The West Memphis City Council have an obligation to listen to the concerns of their constituents. If the public at large no longer feels safe with Erik Sammis “protecting them”, then the Council wa right to ask for the resignation of this bigot. The fact of the matter is, no one believes the findings of any of the government entities, his mother has claimed that evidence was planted in order to clear this racist, and there are entirely too many questions that have not been answered. There needs to be further investigation in order for the citizens that community to be able to move on with their lives. I could care less about Erik Sammis, his family’s or his partner’s “suffering”. For what he did to that child, he deserves to suffer…behind bars.
If Deauntae Farrows Mother had a been taking proper care of her son he would be alive today. She should be charged with Child Endangerment and Child Neglect.
As far as the Chiefs remarks I see nothing wrong with his response. After reading Judge Hill’s remarks I don’t see how anyone could be upset with what the Chief said.
This incident shows just how divided and racist this town is. In 2008, I am leaving little boy arkansas.
The above comment is exactly what Paudert means by “Black Justice.” Those who are yelling in West Memphis won’t believe anyone unless at least one officer is behind bars. I feel for DeAunta’s mother and friends but I also feel for the officers. I don’t believe you think shooting and killing a child doesn’t scar you for life. You may not agree with what happened that night but don’t let a few trouble maker racists who make their living off “crying wolf” tear us apart more than they’ve done. Lack of trust of police in the black community has been passed down, at one point for good reason, but that needs to stop. It’s gotten to the point where we are either suppose to let black people do whatever they want or only put black officers in predominantly black areas. Notice I said black since they are no more African American than I am Irish American. We are all AMERICANS!!!
I commend you Chief Paudet for standing up for what is right, and YES, don’t you dare apologize
to anyone for your remarks. It is high time those few ignorant people who have been trying to get more than justice has been stopped in their tracks by the Arkansas Supreme Court. Now if
those few idiots will simply leave West Memphis and Memphis proper maybe things can settle down.
For George Brown – Why do you ask for comments from the public and then say you might have to edit or change their comments? What they say is their comments, not yours. If you do not allow the truth to be voiced then you are part of the problem.
FROM GEORGE:
I say that because a few people have been using words, one especially, that are extremely offensive to some and really don’t move the conversation along. I’ll allow partial spelling of such a word but not the whole word. Generally, we allow here what we would allow on television.
Chief Paudert is one of the finest law enforcement administrators that I know. He has always stood up and fought the good fight. It is unfortunate how the thuggish mindset of convicted felons, racist city council members, racist Circuit Court Judges, “cocaine” pastors, and radical idiots like Joyce Gray, Hubert Bass, Sandra Hebron can even be granted a format to speak. These morons have plagued the city of West Memphis for some time now and now we have Lorraine “Stand up for sex offenders” Robinson, Marco “I can’t read or write” McClendon, and James “I have a background in everything but don’t know s**t” Pullium that are ELECTED OFFICIALS sitting on the WM City Council.
The have played their games for as long as they possibly can, and now the Chief has decided to speak out. It’s about damn time.
If you think for one minute that Sammis and Evans won’t own the City of West Memphis if they fire them, then I have this prime lakefront real estate in Orange Mound for sale.
McClendon and Robinson have written a resolution claiming that Sammis and Evans “breached the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics”. The question that people need to ask is, “Which Code of Ethic was breached and how?” Lorraine Robinson has ZERO right to claim breach of ethics when she goes on record defending a registered sex offender. Her husband shoots a guy running AWAY from him, and she wants to cry “ethics violations.”
James Pullium might need to tread a little lightly as well. This bumbling idiot claims he has backgrounds in damn near everything and is an expert of nothing. He has a few skeletons in his closet as well. Let’s see…..He beat a handcuffed prisoner in an elevator while he was charged with his care as a Crittenden County Deputy. He has been arrested for battery, he doesn’t reside in the district that he represents on the City Council.
Marco McClendon has proven over and over again, that stupidity and ignorance are ever so present in WM politics. Just watch him as he speaks. He can’t even, for a single second, rid himself of “GHETTO”. This hood rat can’t even think for himself. Instead he uses the National Action Network to pull his strings like a puppet.
Phillip Carter seems to be the ONLY logical black city council member although he is wavers from time to time. He should know first hand what these two officers were faced with. He is a juvenile officer with a background as a West Memphis Reserve Officer. He knows how tough the streets of WM are.
These are the “few” that Chief Paudert speaks of. Unfortunately, they have a little power and alot of press behind them and they corrupt the good. I compare them to the Islamic Fundamentalists. They both preach truth and justice, but twist it to promote hate and evil. They both SAY they believe in God, Allah, or a higher power only to prove themselves as agents of Satan. They are both cancers to society and when Chief Paudert said if they don’t like it get out, then I think we all need to stand up as a community and back this chief, this mayor, the entire West Memphis Police Department, Sammis and Evans to insure that they have a ride waiting. This is beyond insane. Yes, Lorraine, you were correct in your statement that EVERYONE is looking at West Memphis now….BECAUSE YOU AND THESE OTHER MORONS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT.
All of the “cocaine” pastors….BEWARE…you are getting ready to be exposed for who you truly are…CRIMINAL RECORDS AND ALL.
TJ,
you are exactly what is wrong with this community. These policemen did absolutly nothing wrong they were simply protecting themselves from a gun yeilding thug. The city council members are only responding to what “their” people want, they have no clue, all they know is one of their innocent children who was running around in a drug infested area with a gun was shot, well personally I applaud the policemen for protecting themselves. Ask yourself this, if it had been a real gun and he shot the officer what would you be saying? Would it be the officers fault for being in his hood? would you be demanding that this little boy be strung up in the town square?
No i doubt you would you would say well he has had a bad childhood and he has no father I am sure you would make excuses for whay he shot someone and expect him to be released with a I am sorry.
Well I tell you what this child got exactly what he deserved.
Was Debra Farrow at the scene? How does she know that “evidence has been planted”? I am truly sorry for Ms. Farrow’s loss. This is a tragedy, an accident, and unfair. However, sometimes in life, the only blame to be cast is on the circumstances, not the individuals. I have been in WM for 10 years, and have had a few encounters with the police. I have dealt with black and white officers, and all have been nothing but courteous and professional to me and my family. In my opinion, the WMPD does not see color or race, but actions. Erik Sammis and Jimmy Evans are not bigots, but people out doing a job, serving and protecting the citizens of WM. They have every right to call upon their training when they feel their life is in danger. I doubt Officer Sammis feels good about himself because of what happened, and maybe he doesn’t WANT to come back to work as a police officer. Since he has been cleared by THREE levels of the justice system, he has a right to return to work if he wants to. As for the WM City Council, if they are so concerned about the safety of their constituents, perhaps they should focus on what they can do as a community to keep children from running the streets in crime ridden areas at 10:30 at night. That would be alot more productive than trying to ruin the lives of two public servents. It’s bad enough that Ms. Farrow is suing everybody. It is sickening at what a feast of vultures this tragedy has become.
VERY well said Chief!!!!!!!!!!!
TJ must have been arrested by Eric Sammis or Jimmie Evans before for something along the lines of beastiality or something. He definitely has an axe to grind. Sammis a bigot huh? I bet that you didn’t know that Sammis has FAMILY that is black? How can you be a bigot, a racist, and a KKK member with family that is black?
What will they come up with next?
I wouldn’t go so far as to say the kid got what he deserved. I would say that he made a very bad choice and paid for it dearly. You don’t point things at cops that resemble guns. Look at the Bartlett TCBY robbery. They had a TOY gun that they PAINTED to make it look real. Guess what….people thought it was real. I guess if the police would have shot them, then it would be as heated as it is over here huh? I didn’t think so.
Soory a child with no home training and a neglectful mother let her little boy out late at night in a bad dangerous area only to be killed by a cop following government training. Maybe he could have made a less than lethal shot but many other officers have and the criminal had enough in them to still shoot the officer. This guy did his job and was protecting a neighborhood by approaching someone in the wrong place. Now a (somehow elected) judge wants to cry racism????He is a freakin’ joke to society. He is a backwoods idiot. What is a racist? someone who differentiates or segregates by a persons color? I’m not sure but I think that is close, so this clown (sounding a lot like that other bonehead Ray Nagen wanting his “Chocolate City”), want to tell people if it don’t go the black way and you don’t like black people and his rants on other black needs and black wants, well he sounds like the biggest RACIST around. Maybe if these retards saying everything is because they are black, would only rephrase their statements stating they have been treated unfair as a citizen, people would be more understanding and sympathetic to their plight, or maybe not. Since the Supreme court has now gotten involved, hopefully they will have the power to send this black boy Hill back to the hills….HA
Victor Hill will have some SERIOUS ethics violations to contend with if he wants to keep practicing law.
Remember what your attorney told you Erik…..you will have the last laugh and will come out on top…hang in there.
To everyone:
The problem isn’t black or white, it’s corruption! It’s supposedly called “law inforcement” but what law was inforced in gunning down a child! Everyone sees it from their own point of view and it is sickening how nonchalant the government is treating this case. Noone has the right to judge but God and whether those police officers see their day of judgement on this earth or not they will definitely see it before God. True enough, it’s said that poor DeAunte lost his life because of the ignorance of the officer, but it is also sad that the American “justice system” chooses to just over look what has happened. We as a people need to stop all of the violence and hatred against one another. It’s so sick for someone to say this child deserved what he got. How could you be so cruel? I can tell YOU one thing that DeAunte is in a better place and he doesn’t have to deal with the ignorance and corruption in the world.
All of this makes me question the training of the officers. If he was so ignorant to the fact that this child had a “toy gun” then how can he judge any situation that he is in on the job. What is he going to do, gun down anyone HE thinks COULD be a threat? These officers need extensive training if this is the case. He needs to be evaluated because being an “officer of the law”, how is he going to protect people if he’s gunning down children?
Paudert is no different than the councilmembers that he speaks out against. His words offer no comfort; they only incite further unrest. The lines are further cemented.
For those who blame Debra Farrow, I would only like to see how you would feel if your child or loved one should ever fall to violence. It is unfair to judge her, just as it is to claim that DeAunta had no home training. He has never been in trouble with the law before. By all accounts, he was a good kid. That sounds like a well-raised child to me.
Sammis, I don’t know what else to say about him. He and his family have suffered too, but that’s because of his own actions. It’s another incident on his file. He should have used better judgment. Maybe, police work just isn’t for him.
You idiot, this officer is the best trained officer in that department. His training records reflect it too.
And yes, you are ignorant. You spell enforced with an “e”. You and Marco McClendon must have went to the same school.
Sammis is the epitome of police work. Most cops there want to model themselves after him. He is extremely trained and well versed. He is one of the best and hard cops they have and NEED.
There isn’t enough nerve gas in the world for all these fools.
FINALLY SOMEONE WITH THE FORTITUDE TO STAND UP AND SAY IT LIKE IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE SAID. WE AT THE MEMPHIS POLICE DEPARTMENT WISH YOU WERE OUR DIRECTOR INSTEAD OF THE BONEHEAD THATS IN THERE NOW. WE ALSO SUPPORT YOU AND THE TWO OFFICERS. THOSE PEOPLE DONT WANT THE TRUTH, THEY WANT A REASON TO ACT LIKE THEY ARE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, AND WISH THOSE TWO FINE OFFICERS A GOOD RETURN.
Good going Chief….You are a good man. You have been doing a good job in WM keeping the crime down. I stand behind the Chief and his fine officers.
Farrow — another welfare case closed.
I was glad to see Chief Paudert finally able to defend himself, The Officers involved and the city against the radical black racist faction that has infested the city in the recent months. After reading of the veiled threats on the officers lives by a black city council member, It reminded me of the unrest in Cairo Illinois back in the late 1960’s when the black community rioted to take over the town. They drove out all the white business and what is left is the armpit of the earth. The only discernible business in town is the grocery store that looks more like a prison than a piggly wiggley. What was once a charming small town on the river looks like it was built in the center of a garbage dump. That’s what the council members that trashed Paudert’s reputation want. They want that power so they can stuff their pockets the ill gotten buck and clear out before anyone notices.
There is a question that needs to be asked: Who taught Deauntae Farrow that he did not have to do what a police officer commands? If my son is told by a police officer to do jumping jacks, I have told him to do exactly as he is told – you do as you are told and you WILL have your day in court. If the police officer is wrong, then it will be brought out – but under no instance is anyone supposed to do as they please when an officer is handing out commands, especially if the officer has his weapon drawn. I know, along with many others know, if Deauntae Farrow had done as he was told that night, he would still be here. Where is my proof – look at the cousin, he did as he was told and he is NOT dead. In my opinion the guardian of the child is supposed to teach their children – therefore the guardian is the one responsible for the death of Deauntae Farrow.
Does anybody really think that the officer went to work with the intention to shoot or kill a child? As police officer myself I know that killing anybody is the last thing any police officer wants to do. This situation is truly a tragic event for both sides involved. But no matter what happens, the childs mother will never have her little boy back and the officer will never forget the events that took place that night. This was not a white on black crime. It was an accident and race had nothing to do with it. I am so sick and tired of hearing the race card being thrown down every time a white officer has to deal with a black. If a black person gets stopped for speeding, they believe it is because they are black, and not doing 20 miles per hour over the speed limit. Just drive down I-55 and look who is driving the cars that are passing you at 90 and 100 mph. Why are the parents not being held responsible or being asked why their son was out at night walking around with a toy gun. I remember when I was a kid, you had better be in the house when the sun went down. I praise the Chief for the comments that he made. Everything he said is the truth. The justice system was used excatly the way it was designed. Justice does not see black or white. It only sees right and wrong. Do you think Al Sharpton would really be involved in this case if it was not receiveing so much media attention. If anybody is a racist it is Al Sharpton. He uses his own people for his own benefit by pointing his finger at the white man. Maybe the white people should start marching and protesting everytime a black on white crime occurs. Take the Rodney King incident. The blacks felt he was discriminated against, so what do they do. They burn, burglarize and destroy their own city. Now ask yourself how much sense that makes. Maybe Al Sharpton should quit pointing fingers and showing blame, and instead work with his people to understand the law, clean their neighborhoods up, and thrive in society. Quit blaming others for your shortcomings and look in the mirror and correct the real problem. If you don’t like the way the laws are written and the justice system works, you can always move to another country and see how you like their rules.
Obviously, none of you have actually read a copy of the state investigation. If you did, you wouldn’t be posing such inane questions about what DeAunta did and didn’t do. What he didn’t do was point the gun at Sammis. The report says that Sammis reacted when he saw Farrow’s arm start to rise. That’s when he fired. The report also says that the gunlight from Sammis’s gun was bright enough to where DeAunta possibly couldn’t tell who was ordering him to get down. It would have been extremely difficult for him to know if they were police. It is also possible that he didn’t hear them yell police; his cousin said he only got down because he thought they might be police — not because he heard them say they were or saw what they were wearing. DeAunta was carrying a toy gun, and he could have been trying to explain to the officers that it was a toy. In fact, those were his last words as Sammis let him bleed to death. Still, unlike the crooks in Bartlett who painted a toy gun to make it look real, Farrow was just a kid, a normal kid, with a toy gun that still had the ORANGE safety cap on so you could tell that it was fake. How could Sammis a trained officer miss that ORANGE safety cap especially if he had a light trained on Farrow and the gun was unobstructed? If Farrow did point it at him (which he didn’t), then Sammis or Evans should have seen that orange cap and knew –based on their training — that it was no real gun. More than 3,000 hours of training allowed him to spot what appeared to be a handgun based on a shadow; but that same 3,000 hours worth of training couldn’t stop him from identifying an unobstructed toy gun up close? Puhhhlease.
Also, the report states that Debra Farrow didn’t know that DeAunta left the house with a toy gun. She says in the report that there’s no way she would have let him go out (and he was headed to a family member’s house) with a toy gun. She knew what could happen, but DeAunta, being a kid, apparently left out with one anyway. Read the damn report. You can get one at the courthouse. Hell, it even has pictures.
I heard Amy do some of the worst journalism that I’ve ever heard. This thug who is doing the interview say its a Amercian justice system but OJ Simpson was found not guilty and he can’t get job no where in America. What about the double standard on the OJ case, at least we know killed DeAunte Farrow.
Also, in that situation, why put the onus of protecting the safety of all involved on a 12-year-old child?
That’s the officers’ job!!
And for the record, according to the state report, Ms. Farrow didn’t know that DeAunta had that toy and if she did she wouldn’t have let him out the house with it. Yet, he left anyway. A kid being a kid, heading to a family’s members house.
Read the damn report. It’s at the Crittenden County Courthouse.
Some of you are pathetic. So he has a “Black family member”. Is that supposed to prove anything? That is the moral equivalent of some bigot…as most of you probably are…saying that “I have a black friend. Therefore, I’m not racist.” That is so lame.
For one thing, the fact of the matter is, despite the chief’s ranting, he did not give us “justice”. What was given was yet another whitewashing by the police of West Memphis. If you would have read, you would have seen that I said there were still some unanswered questions. From what I have seen and read, I do believe Sammis is a murderer.
This so-called “Republican revolution” may have emboldened many bigots, but I am not concerned with that. All I see is the same old story that has happened in this country for centuries: When it’s a killing involving a black person and a white officer, the “justice” system invariably sides with the officer, and we just need to accept it. Please. That is nothing close to justice. For all of you too slow to see it, it’s called a pattern of abuse. The bottom line is, since we have had centuries of so-called “white justice”, it may be time for some “black justice”. I am not interested in color coded justice; I am only interested in real justice, whatever it may be.
By the way, if I would have been arrested by that bigot, in light of his recent history, I think I wouldn’t be alive to write this opinion. If a grand jury can find that this man acted appropriately, I can live with that. When you have an administration such as this one that is so lax on civil rights, exactly how can you trust any official findings?
So what if the kid was out late. It was summer! Hello!? So I guess there is some unknown curfew in West Memphis which prohibits children twelve and under from being outside after dark, huh? I think not.
West Memphis should be proud to have a police chief that stands behind what is right and wont bow down to the ignorant racist blacks that are keeping this stirred up.What more can you say, a neglected but seemingly good kid died tragically at the hands of an officer who feared for his life and was doing what he was trained to do in that situation.Cleared by everyone,Justice Dept.,FBI,State police etc.,its time for this to stop and if there is any other justice that can come from this incident it will be for the ARK Supreme Court to investigate and get rid of that idiot Judge Hill.Go getum Chief and way to go!
My hat is off to The Chief of Police of West Memphis and all the citizens that stand with him. Apparently neither of these people who are stirring up this stink have never been in a shoot no shoot situation. I have. In the early 80’s I shot and wounded a 13 year old black male who had raped a white female up the street from me and then came and broke into my home. It is a terrible thing to have to shot another human being but when you are in fear for your life or the lives of others you have to make that decision in a split second. If you hesitate it could be you that is the one that is dead. My prayers are for the officers that had to make such a decision. They have to live with their decision for the rest of their lives. God will give them peace in this matter. As for the ones that are causing the trouble I say to them; ( VENGENCE IS MINE SAITH THE LORD), You people have no right to cast a stone at anyone. You people need to read Matthew 5:38-39, Matthew 7:1-6.
I think the chief was exactly right with what he said. All it is racial tentions and just because it was white officers and a black boy they had to turn it in to somethings its not! The boy had a gun and was a threat to that officer and his partner. If anything why was he out that late at night to begin with? I hope the chief of West Memphis will continue to be the chief
You Go, Chief! I agree with everything Cief Paudert has stated. The majority of the council members seem to be black and biased and, therefore, should not hold ANY city office. There is no room for prejudice in this or any other city within the U.S. The only problem I have perceived is from the majority of the black community in West Memphis. They will hold on to there racial thoughts for as long as they live and continue to cause violence and hatred. This includes most of the black ministers. Chief Paudert has done a terrific job ridding our city of drug dealers and violence yet the black community does not or will not see that.
It seems to me that if the black make enough noise the get their way. But if a White person says anything it is racal. All of this mess about shooting of the kid is just another way the black a call racial atempts of the whites. What has happen to our rights as whites. If a black cop had shoot him there wasn’t be all this stink about it. I’m glad to hear a white man finally speak up. more whites need to do so. If a black cop shoots a white person we should call it racial. Black need to get over it.
I wish director Godwin had half the balls to take up for his officers. I would work for him anyday! Great job chief Paudert
Chief Paudret is a good man and has never been in any corruption. I am glad he said what he did because it is all true. Mrs. Farrow is an ignorant idiot and is trying to get he 10 seconds in fame its her fault that her son died she should have been watching him. It’s sad he was young but you don’t carry a gun around even if its fake. That culture thinks you’re cool if you are carrying “Heat”. WELL I HAVE SOME NEWS….ITS NOT COOL TO CARRY A GUN AND SHOOT PEOPLE! It’s people like the one’s that are making this a bigger deal that it is that all the crime is happening…and to end my rant the two officers have been through TWO(2) federal investigations YES THEY DESERVE TO GO BACK!!!
If this was a white boy, or any other color for that matter, would the black community of West Memphis be carrying on and making a fuss over him as they are for this one? no Would you see Jessie Jackson or Al Sharpton fighting for a child that was a different color? no This is still a child no matter what color.
Way to go Marc Logger!!! You couldn’t be more right. Even thou the officers was doing there job. Blacks see it as a opportunity to profit from it…..from getting the officers fired to suing someone for money.
All Chief Paudert was doing is speaking the truth, sometimes the truth hurts, but it is still the truth all the same. This incident, though tragic, has been settled by the investigations, Lets stop pointing fingers and get on with the healing process.
Finally, someone who tells it like it is – Chief Paudert has the backbone to take care of this situation! The mess has been investigated ad nausem. It’s time to give it up.
Were it not for outsiders coming in with the express purpose of monetary benefit, this uproar would not have happened. The out-of-state agitators need to go home and leave their mess for Chief Paudert and his department to handle. And please, don’t come back, ever again.
I just realized Sgt.Sammis was the leader or one of the leaders of the swat team.In my humble opinion the Sgt of a swat team should surely be able to identify a toy gun from a real gun.If he cannot,and that seems to be the case here, how can he train or lead a group of people under his command.I was told you lead by example. I hope this is not the example Chief paudent is displaying per his interview with channel 3.If so the feds might want to do a clean sweep of the west memphis polce dept before more innocent children are killed.
Finally, someone who tells it like it is – Chief Paudert has the backbone to take care of this situation! The mess has been investigated ad nausem and it’s time to give it up.
Were it not for outsiders coming in with the express purpose of monetary benefit, this uproar would not have happened. Those out-of-state agitators need to go home and leave their mess for Chief Paudert and his department to handle. And please, don’t come back, ever again.
TJ
How could the West Memphis Police “Whitewash” anything when they didnt do the investigation?
The State Police DID!
I challenge you to go read the reports! Not just the lies that Thaddeus Matthews and Jay Bailey send out.. or the number of times the story has changed from the Farrow family.. there has been one story that hasnt changed a bit.. and that’s the officers.
YOu talk about REAL Justice? what is real justice to you? It’s not two independent investigations both finding that the officers did nothing wrong! So, it’s not any investigation based in FACTS or EVIDENCE
It’s not the DOJ who said there was NO Civil Rights violation
And if you believe for a SECOND that the DOJ wouldn’t indite an officer in a racial charged case if they had enough evidence, then you’re crazy
Just look at the numbers of officer indited by the FEDS in the past couple years..
SO what is it? What is real Justice? Hangman justice because you BELIEVE that the officer is a murderer? But of course, There’s no REAL EVIDENCE to show that side is there???
Cause I dont believe for a second that even if a Grand Jury was seated, and they found the officer Innocent that would be the end of it..
It would be just one more “WHITEWASH” by “THE MAN”
Ditch the victim mentality and accept some PERSONAL responsibility for what happend that night..
The boy left the house with a toy gun.. the boy did not put the gun down.. the gun was in the boys right hand..and he raised it up toward the officers.. the officers did what they are trained to do, which is deal with the threat..
Look at the crime scene photos.. No bag of chips.. No coke.. only a realistic toy gun laying next to the body as the paramedics worked on him..
Deal with it..
First, anyone who would remark that this 12 y.o. got what he deserved is under the influence of Satan. A 12 y.o. does not have the judgment and maturity of an adult.
Second, a local example of “white justice”:
A middle aged white man has dinner with his wife somewhere around Beale Street. At some point, the couple decides to cross Beale Street; however because the wife has a drink, she is told by a young black male working security that the drink can’t be taken on Beale and must be discarded.
The white man becomes enraged and starts pushing the security guard. During the scuffle, the white man falls and is injured. The security guard is charged with aggravated assault. The white man is charged with nothing. Translation: a white man has a right to push and shove a black man; a black man has no right to defend himself.
In the aftermath of the incident, the white community (white media included) is outraged. The scuffle is labeled as a ‘body slam.’ The white anchorman of the lowest rated newscast in Memphis may as well have been wearing a Klan uniform while reporting on this story. The local newspaper has such an interest that an incident involving the black man – instigated by a white Memphis police officer following a court hearing – is the next day’s headline – trumping the murder of a University of Memphis football player.
That’s “white justice”. If you disagree, reverse the roles (racially speaking) and ask yourselves how you would feel about the situation.
The same people denigrating DeAuntae would be denigrating a black man who began pushing a white security guard over a drink. I admit that just about everyone has a double standard and one’s view of the situation largely depends on whether the person of your race is the victim or the accused.
If Sammis had killed a 12 y.o. white boy, there would not be this controversy. That’s b/c both races respond to intraracial incidents differently.
WREG.COM-THE RANT!
I have to correct/clarify a few things. Witneses say Dray Davis (the secuity guard) was overly aggressive with the couple and got into the mans face. It appears Dan Hamilton (the man who was hurt) did push Davis. The issue considered by police is that Davis’ job is to keep order and be able to handle and defuse potentially volatile situations, not inflame them. Also, Hamilton was hospitalized in critical condition with a fractured skull and broken ribs. The officer involved in the altercation with Davis was black, not white as you can see by the video. The “white community” was not in an uproar but the incident did get a lot of media attention because of where it took place. The U of M shooting happened near press time for the Appeal which is mean it had to be squeezed in and there was not much information. Here is a link to the exclusive News Channel 3 video of the incident at 201 Poplar http://wreg.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?ClipID1=1798121&h1=EXCLUSIVE%3A%20Beale%20Street%20guard%20taken%20down%20by%20police&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=192233&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&playerVersion=1&hostPageUrl=http%3A//wreg.com/Global/story.asp%3Fs%3D7152833&rnd=19471228
I support the Chief. The simple facts of this case are that an adolescent (who was much older than the school shots I keep seeing on the news) did not get on the ground when he was told to. I assure you, my family would hit the ground if told to by the police, and we’d work out the details later. The other youth wasn’t shot because he did what he was told. The black community certainly calls on the police often enough, so they must trust them. I have several co-workers who call the police for one reason or another every weekend. Frankly, I’m really sick of the double standard in some communities. If it had been a black policeman there would have been one news item, a few grumbles, and it would never have made the news again. Why do things only matter when it’s black vs. white? Why aren’t people outraged and protesting the fact that a young, black athlete, with a promising career was gunned down in Memphis by four black men? Can you imagine the outrage if it had been four whites that did the killing?
It’s abouttime someone stood up and told the truth about how they and so many of us feel, too. I am so tired of everytime something happens and if the blacks don’t get their way , , they call “Racial”!!!! This is not about black or white. Everyone is sorry for the family and the police officers involved but this is our U.S.A. and we have laws we live by and if the officers were investigated and cleared of any wrong doing by our system, we should all respect the decissions of the courts. Our hearts go out to the family of the child and our prayers are with them I would have called for a investigation of the events , too but to keep on and on and on about “RACIAL” it’s getting real old and people are just tired of it. It’s time to get on and let that child rest in peace. Has anyone thought about those officers feelings ? They have to live with this death on their hands the rest of their lives and I can’t believe in my heart , those officers killed this child for something to do. It’s time for everyone to come together , forgive each other and live in peace. It’s not about us , this is the way of our God . It is Christmas and the season for peace on earth so show the world what loving and f forgiving people West Memphis , Ak has. LET THE CHILD REST IN PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This child was murdered yes it was a bad area but the time of the shooting it was day light he did not have fire his weapon two times to kill a child who just wanted to play…..
The chief of police has a right like all other americans to speak his mind. The chief spoke from with his firm belief in the criminal justice system.
It is sad whenever a young life is taken. BUT, we must accept the findings of the 4 separate investigations. People,we named a street after DeAunte,and we have given our love,and support to his family. NOW IS THE TIME TO HEAL !!!!!!!!
You can be upset,and hollar and scream,but its not going to change anything. We should look for better training for the officers on the police dept. We should do better background screening on new police officers. We should think about that night.. We should teach our children how to behave around police officers. The police dept should teach to our children,and us why they make us get down on the ground,why its important to show you hands to the police officer,and why its important and their reasoning..
We should work together to prevent another tradegy from happening again……
Rick I hate to burst your bubble but though it may have daylight up near the arctic circle, Here in West Memphis the sun sets before Ten PM all the time. That kind of shoots your well thought out murder theory all to hell. Sorry
Offical Time of Sun-set for Jun 22, 2007: 8:11 PM (National Weather Service)
The shooting took place at nearly 10PM
So needless to say, it was pretty dark..
If this was a black cop and a white child this would be a dead issue. Why? Because whites would realize the policeman was only doing his job in a tough situation. NOT keep the pot stirred as the blacks is West Memphis are continuing to do.
It is a sad situation all the way around. Like everything else this story has been run to the ground and people are getting tired of hearing about it. Everyone involved had a different story every time it was told. It is no longer about the Farrow child. It has turned into a racial issue and who can get the most money. Everybody needs to get over it and go on with their life the best they can. Let the child rest in peace.
If you watch Amy’s story tonight (Thursday December 6), she reported that 25 people got before the councal and spoke against the officer and the chief. She was wrong, there were 25 people on the list to speak, at least 10 of the 25 were about other zoning. Some of the other spoke about peace and unity in the city. The media is part of the problem – not telling the truth – only telling what they think we want to hear. This is not the first time the media was wrong – Amy shame on you. Are you trying to keep the pot stewing. This needs to quit. The media has a habit of this. Amy if you lie about this what else have you or will you lie about.
I agree Deaunta shoud be able to rest in peace. The Department of Justice, The Arkansas State Police, The Special Investigators and the Judge all say he should rest in peace. The only people that don’t think so are the Farrow’s family who are on the lookout for a big payday and the racist councilmembers who want to seize power and turn the part of the city that isn’t ruined into a trash slewn dung pile. They will eventually get it, Property values slide every time Farrow or one of her supporters opens their piehole and for sale signs are blooming all over the west side of town so it’s a given that within the next ten years the council will have it’s black utopia. They just won’t have enough money to pick up the trash….
The West Memphis police chief is a good man and he sees what is going on. He has a right to speak how he feels just like all the other people. If they fire the police chief, God only knows WHAT they would put in to replace such a good man.
The Mayor, the Chief, Assistant Chief and Lt. Billy (Tiny) Sanders; in charge of Criminal Investigation Division, should all be relieved of duty. Two years ago Nick Wilson was killed in a Arson Fire, and the only person at the home was his mother, she was never questioned, interrogated or given a polygraph test. Nick and his mother were/is white. Nick was 15, and his mother had been arrested a week prior to the fire for assaulting him; he wished to live with his Dad, and his Dad was desparetly trying to make that happen; to have full legal custody of Nick. Nick’s mom stated Nick would “NEVER LIVE WITH HIS DAD”. He didn’t, he died right before they were to go to Court. Lt. Sanders was/is a friend of Nick’s mom. Nick’s Dad tried to see Nick on the weekend prior to his death and Lt. Sanders came over on his “personal time”, with his stepson in the car and told Mr. Wilson to leave or he’d arrest him, and that Nick didn’t want to see him, and that Nick didn’t love him! Nick had just called his Dad telling him to hurry; his mom had him locked in the house. Lt. Sanders paid no attention to Mr. Wilson, or what he had to say. The result, Mr. Wilson had to leave, and the following Monday night/Tuesday morning Nick was killed. Lt. Sanders was in charge of the investigation.
Who was arrested in this case? A black boy named Keltric, who happened to frequently ride by the townhouse on the way to Kroger’s and Walmart (on his bicycle). He happened to be in the neighborhood in the early morning hours when the townhouse caught fire; he saw the smoke and fire coming from the townhouse and alerted the tenents on the other side, and helped Nick’s mom out of one of the windows; he was considered a hero and hailed as such in the local newspaper. When she told him her son was still inside he tried to go in to save him, but she said don’t bother, “it’s to late, he’s already dead.” How could she know this, how WOULD she know this? As mentioned before, “mom” was never interrogated or given a polygraph, even after the fire was proven to be an Arson Fire by ATF.
There were only 5 ways out of the burning townhouse; 3 upstairs windows and downstairs front door and back sliding doors. The two front upstairs windows were still shut with screens still intact, back upstairs window was open. Front door was locked shut, sliding back door was unlocked. According to Keltric, Mom was in upstairs window crying for help, and had on blue bathrobe. Nick had a blue bathrobe which he kept in his bedroom (on a hook, just next to the bathroom door), so this means she had to go through the hallway to the bathroom, and then into Nick’s bedroom to grab his blue robe; and then to his window to try and escape. Nick was found in his bedroom on the floor, she would have had to STEP OVER HIM to climb out his bedroom window! Did she start the fire to kill Nick, or did she just leave him there to die, to die alone? Many people think she’s responsible for the fire, and death of her son; especially since she had moved out most of her belongings prior to the fire, and Nick’s clothes were found in the garbage can out on the patio. Still, Lt. Sanders never questioned her????
The Mayor is an old family friend of her family, the Sharpes and O’Neals. He used to live on the same street as she and her mother; back when she was in high school and dating his son; they became quite involved romatically. When he heard of the fire he called to offer Nick’s mom his personal sympathies. Keep in mind, the Mayor is in charge of the Police Dept.
Where was Dad when the fire took place? Dad was in Jackson MS, in the middle of relocating his office to Memphis so Nick could live with him, and at the same time still be close to his friends in West Memphis; also, he was in the process of buying a home for he and Nick. As Lt. Sanders had refused to allow him to have Nick for the weekend, he went back to Jackson MS and resumed packing his belongings for the upcoming move. While packing his personal belongings he had layed down for a nap and fallen asleep when he received that early morning call that his son, Nick was dead. He immediately made the long lonely drive to West Memphis, in total shock.
Where were his fraternal grandparents? Jonesboro AR, home & asleep. Received telephone call at 6:30 AM that Nick was “GONE”! Total shock set in….got dressed and went straight to W. Memphis.
Where was Nick’s ex-stepfather and stepbrother? W. Memphis, home and asleep; received tel. call around 3:30AM. Both were horrified to hear the news of fire and Nick’s death; when straight to the scene. Nick was pronounced dead, shock set in.
Where was Nick’s maternal grandmother? W. Memphis, home & asleep. Equally horrified, worried about daughter, and in shock about Nick.
All who loved Nick will forever be heartbroken. There were over 2500 people at his funeral. He would have been 18 this month. He was only a couple of months away from getting his driving license, a very handsome boy with beautiful big blue eyes. He never met a stranger. He never had a chance to grow up, to be a full grown man; WHY is that?
Why go into the above story, another young teenage boy killed way before his time — in West Memphis AR. This boy was white; however the person the police decided to arrest was a young BLACK boy who had previously been involved in petty crimes (stealing CDs, copying them and then selling the copies), this boy got around on a bicycle and frequently rode by the townhouse that burned; and as stated earlier, was hailed a HERO for saving lives at the fire.
It is the feeling of MANY that Keltric was framed by the police, as in evidence was planted and a confession of sorts was given/forced without benifit of legal council. Further, Keltric was led to believe that if he didn’t “cop a plea” and go to trial, he’d face life in prison. He did as they wished and did a Plea Bargain, although he states he had nothing to do with the fire, he just didn’t want to go to prison for the rest of his life. Can anyone blame him? I wonder if anyone has made threats against him, or his family if he speaks the truth?
Again, I must say, the Mayor is in charge of the Police Department. Justice? Conviction is the KEY word. Get a conviction and the case is closed, even if the wrong person is convicted! The true offender is allowed to go free, and “the system” doesn’t care. It’s just very very possible Keltric did NOT commit this crime. I wonder why Nick’s mom was never polygraphed and interrogated? Political favors, personal favors, money, etc….WHY????
And, let us not forget the infamous West Memphis Three! Hmmmmmmmmmm, it’s beginning to look like they may not have had anything to do with the murders of those three little boys at all. Satanism, Devil Worship…get a grip W. M. Police Dept.!
D. Farrow, Nick Wilson and The West Memphis Three: 5 dead West Memphis boys, 4 possible erroroneous convictions and no conviction for D. Farrow. I wonder how many more cases such as this exist within the West Memphis Police Department?
Racism? Corruption? You bet it exists! It’s existed for years and years; I’ve heard about the police corruption in West Memphis since the days of Mayor Crump in Memphis, long before my time!
What’s it going to take to clean up West Memphis? They want people to move there; get real, I don’t like to even drive through the city. The police department is a joke, but they do what they want and arrest who they want, without answering to anyone. Not a good town to be in!
Maybe the Feds will investigate the whole mess…….sure hope so!
The kid confessed to the murder and arson so why are you whining about it after the fact?? Either you are related to the kid or you have a beef with one of the people you mentioned because they hauled your ass to jail and just because you were caught red handed and convicted of something you are still convinced you are innocent because you are black. Get a life, Preferably where there are no white people then you’ll have nobody to blame but yourself….
Yeah, I remember when whole Nick Wilson thing happened..
A young man admitted to setting the fires to conceal a burglary..
They found property taken from the house at his home..
The Mother shattered her leg when she had to jump out the window because of the fire..
Sounds like a set up to me..
By the way.. The FEDS HAVE investigated the “whole mess”
The Interstate unit was shut down.. officers arrested by the Feds.. High ranking supervisors resigned.. at least one was sent to Federal Prison..
All because Chief Paudert called in the FEDS..
Seems like strange behavior for a man who’s “Covering up” or running a “Corrupt” Department..
I’ve lived in W. Memphis for nearly 20 years, and EVERYONE knew about the problem with the Interstate Unit stealing money but not a single Police Chief had done a damn thing!
That Man stood up and was counted as an Honest Man!
He runs a GOOD department with GOOD officers!
I can remember when West Memphis had 10 or 15 homicides EVERY SINGLE YEAR! And After Chief Paudert and Mayor Johnson took office, the city is a MUCH safer place to live!
God Bless Them All!
I have been a resident of West Memphis for 36 years, I am married and we have raised two children in this community. I have known many of our policemen through out those years, most good, some bad. Of course, as with most any adminstration or organization you will this to be true.
My concern is the reaction of not only our african american residents, but most astounding, the direction in which some of our council members are taking. Racism will only survive as long as there are those who will take an incident , that has nothing to do with race, and call it racism. Not everything can be blamed on the color of someone’s skin. Sometimes incidents occur that require all parties concerned to take responsibility for their own actions. Let’s not scream horrific accusations at someone, when we ourselves have to also answer for what we have done. The accidental killing of this child and the outcome it has produced, did not require only one factor, it required many. Why was this young child, brandishing a toy gun, allowed out late at night in a high crime area. The officers were there because of the robberies that had been occurring. Regardless of how far or where he was headed. Chief Paudert has accomplished more in lowering crime than we have had in many years. In the future, I believe it should be a requirement that a City council member Have a clean legal record. Without any public support to convicted criminals.
The public wants protection, the police should protect themselves as well. It was late at night and a youth had a gun. The officer didn’t know it was not a real gun. I ask you “what would you do”? It is unjust to throw in the race card. Why was the child out so late playing with a toy gun? Where is the family’s responsibility in this? The death of any child is so sad, but trying to destroy officer Sammis’ career would be a tragedy as well. I pray for peace and forgiveness for both families. I pray for all involved to calm down and think clear about the facts as sad as they are. I have children and grandchildren, I see both sides to this. Don’t you think officer Sammis is hurting as well as the Farrow family?
When Black City Council members make threats toward White Police Officers, Maybe it is time to call in the feds to investigate the council members for violating the civil rights of Sammis and Evans. If an elected community leader makes the threat of mob retaliation toward an individual trying to perfrom their sworn duty, It seems like a civil rights violation to me….
I lived in West Memphis for 33 years. I have been watching all of the news cast and news articles on the turmoil that certain black citizens and some the City Council members are causing. I am thankful I no longer live in a town that would allow racists and thugs to claim mutiny over this community. The Council member who have continuously referred to the offcials as racist, need to take a long look at themselves.
Are you a racist?
Why has this incident become a black or white issue?
WHy are law breakers allowed to speak out?
Why are there some who are so concerned about stopping the flow of drug money?
Why would the so called “Pastors and Concerned Citizens” group not allow a white minister to attend?
Why would Mrs. Robinson speak out in defense of a convicted criminal?
Why aren’t the african americans who do not support this vigilante group, not stepping up to say their piece?
The tragic death of this child is being used by many to spew their hatred and bigotry. What mother, be they black, white or green, allow their child to be out at 10:00 p.m. , in an area known for high criminal activity? Why is this child’s mother not accepting her part of the responsibility and blame for this tragedy? Had this mother been alert and vigilant in the parenting of her child, this tragedy would not have occurred.
Spy, X and Citizen,
Hey Guys, First of all, I’m white and not a criminal and I do have a life. Yes, I DO KNOW there are some good police officers in W. Memphis, but there are some that are NOT. Those that are NOT good, hurt those that ARE. Because of the last few years, I’ve lost trust and faith in the W. Memphis Police Department. West Memphis is in serious trouble, and making the NATIONAL NEWS…is this good? I think not.
The police officer that shot D. Farrow, in my opinion, should leave the city and get another job. I would think the P. Chief would be more than happy to assist him in relocating. Staying in W. Memphis is only going to cause problems. In reality I think he should be fired, but that will never happen. My opinion is that he’s short tempered and trigger happy…but that’s just my opinion from what I’ve read from his background.
I’ve lived in Memphis and now Arkansas for years; therefore I’ve been in and out of W. Memphis for years, and know many people there. In a way, I almost feel I’ve lived there; I know the town well.
Interstate Unit Shut Down: Perhaps when Mayor Johnson and Chief Paudert were newer to their jobs things were different. They’ve been in them for awhile, and sometimes power itself corrupts….time moves on and favors are owed, and so it goes.
“The Nick Wilson Thing”: Yes, the young man did admit to setting the fire to conceal he had been inside (fingerprints); however, he also admitted to stealing CDs from the SUV in front of the townhouse. If he felt he had to burn the townhouse to destroy his fingerprints why didn’t he also burn the SUV to destroy fingerprints also left there? For that matter, why didn’t he wear gloves? Perhaps he didn’t take anything from the townhouse or SUV? Perhaps these things “found” at his home were planted by over anxious police; police anxious to get an arrest and conviction. The police are professionals at getting confessions, real or otherwise. The young man in question has a low IQ and is considered borderline retarded. It would have been very easy to direct him to say what they wanted. All interrogations are supposed to be tapped…go watch the tapes, you have the right under the Freedom of Information Act.
“Mother shattered her leg when she jumped out of the window because of the fire”; yes, she broke her ankle and injured her knee. She stated she injured herself when she hit the awning. The only awning she could have hit was at the back of the townhouse (there were no other awnings). This awning was actually the roof of the storage shed on the patio. To have hit this awning she would have had to have gone out the back bedroom window, which was Nick’s bedroom window. In otherwords, she left him in the bedroom to die, and saved herself, without trying to save him. She had to climb over him to get out the window, she even had his blue housecoat on. He was found on the floor; right next to his bed, and next to his window. If she were alive and able to get out the window, he should have been too….unless something had been done to him earlier to cause him to go into a deep sleep?
The whole thing just sounds fishy, and I don’t understand why the police didn’t interrogate her and give her a polygraph; if nothing else it would have cleared her of any doubt. There will now always be doubt and wonder…who REALLY killed Nick? Did I know Nick, yes I did. His death was a terrible blow. Was the fire set to kill him, or was he just in the wrong place at the wrong time?
One big question remains, that has to do with with Nick’s mom. How could she just leave her child in a burning building to die? Especially when she had to go right past/over him as he slept to get out the window. This is cold blooded. Wouldn’t this be called Negligent/Homicide, or something similiar???
Nothing will bring Nick back, or any of the other boys. But, when someone is murdered, the CORRECT person should be convicted. That’s true Justice.
We agree on one thing, Erik Sammis has no future with the WMPD but I have to say that it’s not his fault. He has been villified by Farrow’s supporters for the sake of a lynching and if he were to return there would sure as hell be a cop killed and then an all out race war in a small town. So even if Debra or Deborah or whatever alias she’s using Farrow isn’t going to hear that big vault in the sky raining down a fortune, She will at least have provided a police department somewhere with an experienced SWAT officer. As for the Nick Wilson stuff, A conspiracy theory is just that. You have a theory and half of the information you need to make a half assed guess. Now neither you or I knows what went on in that apartment but I guess it’s safe to assume that it was filled with fire and smoke. Was the power on or off? was there light coming in from the window? There are too many variables to warrant a polygraph when you have a kid that admitted to setting the fire. Did you see the place after the fire? I live down the street from it and it looked like a pretty bad fire to me. Case closed, Murderer caught….
STOP WITH THE MONDAY MORNING OUARTER. NO ONES KNOWS BLACK OR WHITE, WHAT THEY WOULD WHEN A WEAPON IS POINTED AT YOU. THE OFFICER DID THE RIGHT THING, HE FELT HE WAS IN DANGER. A POLICE OFFICER IS TRAINED TO STOP THE THREAT A PERSON WITH A GUN IS A THREAT. YOU DO NOT HAVE TIME TO THINK IS THE GUN REAL OR NOT. IF THE BOY WOULD HAVE DONE WHAT HE WAS TOLD TO DO THIS WOULD HAVE NOT HAVE HAPPEN. NOW IF THE BOY WOULD HAVE KILLED THE OFFICER WE WOULD NOT HEAR ANY OF THIS, ONLY THAT HE CAME FROM A BROKEN HOME AND HOW POOR THEY ARE. THE CHIEF IS RIGHT IF I WERE THE CHIEF AND THE OFFICERS I WOULD NOT STEP DOWN. GOD FORBID THAT A KID IS KILLED AGAIN, BUT IF IT EVER HAPPENS AGAIN LET SEE HOW THE BLACKS ACT WHEN A BLACK OFFICER KILLS A BLACK KID.
Good job its about time someone stood up and told it like it is don’t back down chief. AND THOSE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS should be HELPING instead of STIRING it up more
TO MISSY you are mistaken about many of your comments about Nick Wilson and his tragic death and cannot see anyone with good sense comparing this to that,without fail you must be the wife of that idiot ex stepfather of Nicks.We didnt live on the same street,were broken up way before I even knew the boys daddy but just for the record she was a very caring and loving person and I’m sure she still misses her son today.To suggest she “murdered” her own son is preposterous and insane,also the boy confessed to commiting burglary and setting the fire to cover it up.This was a tragedy as well,but murder and coverup?Get your facts straight and think for yourself,dont form your opinions based on revenge and ignorance.
I guess this is an example of the “angry white male” they spoke so much about in the 80’s. It’s also an example of just how far many of you still have to go.
For one thing, I don’t really care about the “official” report. As I said earlier, usually an “official” report in a shooting involving a white officer and a black victim follows the same script: It’s deemed “tragic”, the officer’s “training kicked in” and this was the result. How pathetic. There is no other way to say this bt how pathetic. How pathetic but typical of you to blame the victims. Who out there among you knows if this kid was just another “gun-toting thug”? Who out there among you knows if Ms. Farrow was or is on welfare? To the clown that said “another welfare case closed”, since there are more whites than blacks on welfare, would you feel the same way ig the victim was a white kid?
While so many of you are whining about what if the roles were reversed, let’s reverse them totally. I doubt very seriously if a black cop could use the same lame excuse as most of you have used for Erik Sammis. Many if not all of you would have been clamoring for the officer’s head on a plate. But when we do it, we’re “causing trouble”. What a double-standard. These people want justice, and the West Memphis Police Department—who provided most of the evidence to the state—the Arkansas State Police and the Justice Department all failed miserably in giving them justice. For Mr. Sammis to be “the epitome of a police officer”, then tell me why did this “exemplary officer” have trouble at his last two stops?
Praise your chief all you want. Call reverse racism all you like. The truth does not bear out your claims. Sammis is a murder; end of story. As Ms. Farrow stated, the chief can keep his prayers. He and Sammis are going to need them. He needs them for his bigoted defenders as well, as most of you are far from Christians. Quote all the Bible scriptures you want. It also said that you are supposed to forgive someone seventy times seven. This is one time where the black community will need to be forgiven, because we are not going to stop until someone pays for this murder. All of you have bloood on your hands.
TJ, You just admitted what Chief Paudert said is true. You don’t want justice, You want black justice. No matter what the facts are you won’t believe them because some racist radical says you shouldn’t. Also, This has been mentioned about 15 times already and it’s also in the report you refuse to believe because somenody told you not to believe it but the evidence at the scene was collected by the Arkansas State Police. The made up evidence was collected by Javier Bailey in one of the stupidist moments on tape I have ever seen. I bet that clip ends up on every law school’s “What not to do when suing for millions of dollars” curriculum. It’s clear that the black community in West Memphis isn’t going to be happy till they can kill somebody they feel would be important enough to make up not so much for the loss of Deaunta but more because they feel Debra Farrow got screwed out of millions when every investigating agency cleared Sammis and Evens.
Why has noone said anything about a self-proclaimed racist judge sitting on the bench in West Memphis. Shouldn’t his resignation be sought, also. How can a white person go into his court and expect a fair judgement.
The blacks in West Memphis who are complaining are impatient, unreasonable, ignoring facts and threatening civil unrest while claiming they are the only ones who know the truth……..and WREG is assisting those who want to cause unrest by keeping the matter so prominently in the public’s eye. All the white folk in West Memphis city government should quit, give it to those who are complaining and let the citizens of West Memphis enjoy the secure, serene, crime free community that is enjoyed by the citizens of Memphis.
I had to chuck. His tirade kinda sounded like a scene out or the movie “Mississippi Burning:.
What is easy to see, is that the race card is in play! NEW FLASH!!!!, it will stay in play as long as the black people keep using it! News Flash, had the race roles been reversed, there would not have been all this uproar, federal investigation, state special investigations, etc. Whites have been giving blacks every consideration possible for the last 30 years, and it will never be enough. The more considerations given and special rights given will never be enough.
The majority of the white people have gone out of their way to attempt to correct actions that occured too many generations ago. We have federal hate crimes that put whites in jail for crimes aginst blacks. My question is why are only whites charged with hate crimes? Where is the cry from the black community about this injustice?
Our federal government spends a lot of tax dollars to investigate “skin heads” and other hate groups in this country. Properly so, but not credit is given by black leaders. Where is the black people when hate crimes are commited aginst whites by blacks?
I spent a lot of my younger years supporing equal rights, “for all americans” regardless of race. I did not support the “equal right admendments” because I believed that we only need one set of laws and only one Constitution, to govern all americans. I believe in equal rights, NOT SPECIAL RIGHTS.
After the West Memphis meeting it is clear that the black community there expect SPECIAL RIGHTS, not afforded to others.
This is not what I worked so hard to achieve. This is not what MLK worked to achieve. We do not have a white cacus in Congress. We do not have a White Entertainment Network. We do not have a National Association for the Advancement of White People. Nor do we have any of all the other special black orginations which the blacks do. ALL OF THESE ASSOCIATION PROMOTE RACE PROBLEMS. If not, there would be no complaint if whites were to form these type of groups! But we know what the reaction of the black community would be if thes groups were formed.
Don Imus got fired for saying what he said, yet black rappers make a fortune saying MUCH, MUCH, WORSE! Where is the cry from all the black leaders and the black community about this type of entertainment. Are Black Only allowed Freedom of Speach?
The time is now passed when spcial consideration should be given anyone because of race. Its time for everyone to be treated the same. It WELL PAST TIME FOR THE BLACK RACE TO STOP ASKING FOR SPECIAL RIGHTS!
If not, at some point in time, they will loose all the support that has been freely given them by the majority of the white community. At some point in time, they could bring back the rioting of the 50’s and 60’s, except in a reversal of roles. I hope the black people will at some point understand that they could have never have been elected to government offices without the support of the majority of whites working for their freedom, and their rights!
There will always be those of each race who will never accept the other. The history of man, has always been such, that if you were not the same, you were not equal. The majoriaty of the black community need now to speak out for equal rights. They need to shout down those who keep promoting race issues. They need to relevel the playing field.
The Reprehensible Racist Judge Victor Hill is a Circuit Court Judge for the state and not the Judge of the West Memphis District Court…
WOw.. TJ.. you do just sum up the very nature of the problem…
This is one time where the black community will need to be forgiven, because we are not going to stop until someone pays for this murder. All of you have bloood on your hands
You know what TJ..
Compared to YOUR BRAND of JUSTICE where people are Guilty even when proven innocent..
I’ll accept the blood on my hands as you put it..
So when does the Farrow Family accept theirs???
I agree that there should be some resignations over the recent incidents. Lorraine Robinson and Judge Hill should be the first two to resign. Both refuse to accept several independent investigations which came up with results that they did not like. The police chief was on the right track. People such as Robinson and Hill do not want justice they want revenge. The state is currently looking into the comments and actions of Judge Hill and I hope they do the right thing and disbar him and remove him from the bench. Anyone who makes comments such as his and then abuses his position to institute vigilante justice has no right to hold a position on the bench. I can only hope that the justice department will consider looking into the actions of Ms Hill and other council members. Their comments and action clearly fit within the guideline of actions that violate civil right laws. They are using their position to try and force the removal two officers from the job who have been cleared of any wrong doing. The vote shows their actions is clearly based entirely on race. The number of federal civil rights laws violated in this incident by certain members of the court and city council is staggering. Legal action both criminal and civil should be taken against each. Based on comment spoken on air by the families attorney the Tennessee state bar should also look into disbarment of the attorney. To go on air and openly call one of the officers a racist without any proof is a flagrant example of slander.
I cant understand why someone hasnt asked this mother where she was the night of the shooting. What does a 12 year old have any business being outside in a bad neighborhood after dark. Also where did a kid learn how to carry any type of gun real or not. I am a mother of a 16 year old and she knows you dont play with any type of gun. This is a prime example it will get you killed. I do not think this is a white/black issue with most people. This is appearing to be a money issue. If my child was killed money would be the least thing from my mind. Our police officers face more difficult problems this day in time than ever. I feel the police officer would have not shot a child if he didnt feel threatened himself. Maybe the news reporters can let this die. I feel alot of people are just looking to see themselves on TV. Let this child lay in peace with the Lord.
Not too long ago, less than 10 years, the fire department had a white chief. The black made such a big deal that the city finally got a black chief. Now the fire department is lazy and worthless. Mostly black who do not want to work. The blacks gets the better shifts. Mostly black get promotions. The blacks got their way once now that are trying again. I was going to go to the meeting yesterday but I was afraid for myself and property. Debra Farrow needs to go back to work and quit living off of others.
I swear that if Darwinism was allowed, West Memphis would have a population of about 1000.
Memphis would fall to around 35,000. The country would have the overall population of around 4 million.
Anyone want to speculate what the demographics would be?
THERES GOING TO BE TROUBLE OVER THERE
THATS CLEAR
I HOPE NOT BUT IT LOOKS THAT WAY
THE BLACK PEOPLE OVER THERE ARE BREWING UP TROUBLE
LIKE I DONT KNOW WHAT
THEY DONT WANT TO LOOK AT THE FACTS AS SOMEONE ON HERE AS ALREADY STATED
I AM BLACK AND I LIVE IN MEMPHIS
I CAN SEE WHATS GOING ON
BUT THEY WANT TO KEEP THE HATE GOING
NOT MAKING THINGS ANY BETTER
THEY DONT WANT TO SEE THE FACT THAT THAT
CHILD THAT WAS WITH THE CHILD
HE TOLD THREE OR FOUR DIFFERENT STORIES
THEY DONT WANT TO LOOK AT THE FACT THAT THAT BOY TOLD WHAT HAPPENED TO THE POLICE WITH HIS FATHER… THEY SHOWED THAT ON THE NEWS
AND TH POLICE READ THE STATEMENT BACK AND
HIS FATHER SIGNED IT
NOW THAT LITTLE BOYS FATEHRS ON TV TELLING SOMETHING DIFFERENT
I WOULDNT BE AT ALL SUPRISED IF THAT WOMAN SAID SHE’D GIVE THEM A PIECE OF THE MONEY SHE WOULD RECIEVE WITH THEY WENT HER WAY
SHES NOT LOOKING FOR JUSTICE FOR HER SON
SHES LOOKING FOR HER BIG CASH PAYDAY
SHES ONE SORRY PARENT
SHES ONE REASON SOME PEOPLE SHOULDNT HAVE KIDS
chief paudert has the guts to stand up to the citizens and city council, he is right.
if the US justice dept says its ok, ok, leave it alone, if i were him, i would say to heck with it, you guys can have it, i am outta here, what crap!!! if the child had been white, not much, if anything, would be said. I dont know the officer but i know he did not mean to kill a child, who would do that intentionally? No one, please , come on> the name of this game is MONEY for MAMA.
TJ,
You are a Racist! Get over it and wash my car, biotch!!
Both Judge Hill and Chief Paudert are stirring the pot. Hill started it with his racist moments and Paudert is fanning the flames with his racist remarks. The whole world can’t be racist. Everything isn’t about race. Two different agencies found no cause to go further with charges against the officers. This was a tragedy of epic proportions. But personal agendas with political overtones and a multi million dollar civil law suit are more than enough motivation to keep stirring the pot.
Actually.. Judge Hill isnt the first to start with the Racial Moment. .
It was City Councilwoman Lorraine Robinson, she called the Mayor and Police Chief “Mighty Whitey” in front the tv cameras. Might not sound like much of an insult, but it’s a RACIAL SLUR!
She also said that she wasnt going to accept any outcome from any investigation that didnt rule the way she wanted it..
She’s used the words “Murderer” “Baby Killer”, months before the investigation was over..
AFTER 6 months, The Police Chief was fed up with his officers being criticized in the media, by the council, and everyone else.. SO, He was fed up and decided to defend himself
And what he says is true… They want their OWN JUSTICE.. Justice without evidence.. without law.. Justice based in Anger, Hatred, and Contempt.
People whom keeps stuff stirred up should learn the Laws of the Land.The Winkler and Farrow cases were in a court of their peers,decisions were made in each case and we need to deal with it.Officer sammons did not shoot an innocent child to be mean.We have heard his statements,he’s been cleared so let him do his job and the pressure on him,Mayor and the City Council should not be forced to take actions to satify a few.
let the child RIP.
Go ahead and give the whole town of w.Memphis to the blacks. All the whites move out completly. A 100% black city. How long would this 100% black city last? Not long.
His death is so tragic and my heart goes out to Deaunte’s family and friends. After all investigations have determined that the officers of West Memphis followed procedures and have cleared them of inappropriate actions, it is time for the blacks of West Memphis to accept responsibility. If anyone ,minor or adult, points a gun, toy gun, stick or anything at a policeman after being warned, they should expect to be shot and killed. I am glad no officers were injured. How long will the black race reject responsibility for their actions and continue to blame the white race for their stupidity and mistakes. It ia a shame that the black leaders such as the West Memphis City Council, Jessi Jackson, Al Sharpton, ect., continue to exploite their own race for recognition and profit and call it racism. They could do so much more for everyone by setting an example and doing the responsible thing.
Yeah chief run them the hell outta here!!!!!!!!!!
Isnt it about time we talk about other thinsg?I’d like to know why the media has been so hush hush about the fire station on presidents island.Oh,you havent heard?Well,there is this situation about a young schoolgirl who happens to be slightly mentally handicapped,and she walks by the fire station every day and word within the higher ups at MFD says that some of the firemen had sex with her in the station and now she is pregnant.Now get this,the firemen are paying the mother of this little girl hush money.So now the little mommy will get government assistance and grandma is getting money from the firemen.So many fireman had her,and they dont know who da baby daddy is.Oh,this is the second case of this happening at a Memphis fire station this year.Ahh,ain’t it great?
“give it to them” said:
“Go ahead and give the whole town of w.Memphis to the blacks. All the whites move out
completly. A 100% black city. How long would this 100% black city last? Not long.”
Sorry but I disagree. This is my Hometown and I am proud and happy to live here. We have some great people of all creeds and color living here in West Memphis. Even though we have been the “doormat” for the Memphis media to wipe their feet on for years this is really a wonderful, safe community. Those of you from Memphis who have only passed by on the interstate should take some time to visit someday and see that we are just as much a city as anywhere else in the Mid-South. Granted we have some issues; and need to bring more commerce to the city, but overall West Memphis is a wonderful community with some truly fine people living here and raising their families here. Don’t think that these few radical grandstanders show the true spirit of WM. I don’t want an all black city nor an all white city, that is not how it is in the real world. I live in a nice neighborhood with whites, blacks, asians, latinos you name it. Everyone gets along, we might not all know each but the majority of the neigborhood does. This should be a common thing in whatever city you live in, and it is fairly common right here in West Memphis. This is a tragic event that needs to be remembered but not rehashed. To “give it to them” I respectfully disagree with your suggestion, though I honor your right to state it. Please remember there are 30,000 plus people living in West Memphis, so don’t judge us all by the actions of a select few. To the media I beg of you to please let us get back to building our city and not providing fuel to a very sinister fire. Please keep those family’s affected by this tragedy and our wonderful city in your prayers as we come upon the holiday season.
Me
Theirs some sarcasm in that (give it to them) blog. But in was aimed at the racist blacks. Not you or all the other good smart thinking citizens in West Memphis. god Bless you all and have a safe and wonderful “Christmas” Holiday Season.
i have lived in west memphis all my life and that adds up to about 38 years now. my family lived in a comm. with mostly blacks and i went to an all black school called wonder if any one knows the school they know what i am talking about. well i was picked on in school just because i was white and i tried to get the teachers or someone to listen to me about that but they didnt then if i got tired of them picking on me and stood up for myself then i was the trouble maker not trying to get alone. not all whites are racist i am not to this day even the way i was treated in school. i have talked to alot of people about this case and most know its just a mom trying to get paid for her not watching her kid. i havnt heard one word about the 16 year old girl that got hit by a police a few months before d. farrow shooting happened where was the black comm. when that was going on maybe if u wont all of west to stand behind you on something you need to stand behind the comm as a hole not just when some thing happens to someone black i think you will find out people work better together in numbers than just a few people. i read all the post on this board and some i think are right and some i think are wrong as will everyone that reads this. i think the policemen were just doing there job and all the farrow family wants is money and i would call it blood money you think they would give that money to cancer or for kids in st. jude no they would buy cars and homes and be broke in a few years then back on well fair. the bottom line is money and i bet if someone said i give u 500,000 to just drop every thing she would she doent care about justice just the dollar thats what is so sad. if it was my kid no amount of money could buy me or would it and after seeing the police reports on 2 sides they both say the cops did there jobs. let it rest let the young man RIP and maybe start to heel and i hope everyone can learn from this i think the city of west memphis is walking on egg shells right now and i hope it doesnt get any worse. i am just tired of if something happens to a black person it is all ways about race not because u cant do your job i was fired because i was black well in that case u would have never gotten the job because u are black. just step up and drop the race card on every thing time to put it to rest it is 2007 come on please let us heel as a city and hope everyone on here has a good merry x-mas have a good day………..
“Why has noone said anything about a self-proclaimed racist judge sitting on the bench in West Memphis. Shouldn’t his resignation be sought, also. How can a white person go into his court and expect a fair judgement.”
THEY CAN’T. This is why every single white person needs to request for their case to be pulled from this cross-eyed, racist Judge Victor Hill’s docket. It is the right thing to do.
I see that the white community is standing behind this great injustice. I say continue to fight for what is right. If Martin Luther King had stood by and agreed with the what was going on, we would not have the progress we have today. See if you whites have your way, we would be back in the Old South. But you can best believe that it will never happen again. You are all making comments about the child that was murdered and his mom and that is really horrible. But be not deceived God is not mocked, whatever you sow, you will REAP! So please be ever so careful what you say and do in this case, because the next time it could be your child!! Then will you be so quick to sweep everything under the rug!!! Also, if the truth is the truth, what does it hurt for someone else to look into the facts of this case. I mean if the truth is the truth, then it shouldn’t change and it wouldn’t hurt anything for someone else to look at the evidence. You people really sicken me, you are so quick to defend the Chief, and the murdering officers, but I guess another racist in denial wouldn’t know another racist. And having someone black in his family, doesn’t mean that he isn’t a racist, it just proves that the family member associated to the black person isn’t. You know the KKK doesn’t have to march in the streets these days, they work at the West Memphis Police Department and they have titles like Police Chief and Mayor. But say what you will God knows what happened and He will make it right!! And guess what He overules the Mayor and Police Chief, so now what!!!!!!!!!!
I am dreaming of a WHITE Christmas. Wait a minute…..I think I see it…nope, that was just another cocaine preacher that dropped his product.
1. U.S. Department of Justice – no wrongdoing by the officer.
2. Arkansas State Police – no wrongdoing by the officer.
3. Independent Special Prosecutor – no wrongdoing by the officer.
HOW MANY DIFFERENT AGENCIES ARE THE BLACK RACISTS IN THIS MATTER GOING TO SHOP AT?
well fair ?
Just a friendly reminder
Now your the pot calling the kettle BLACK. Be careful, Be very careful.
give it to them
Not giving you any grief. I figured you, much like myself was just venting… I guess that is why they call this section “The Rant.” Thanks for your thoughts, prayers and warm wishes, we will continue to hold the line against the radical elements that only want to divide and destroy. I strongly believe that West Memphis will come out of this tragedy a stronger community. By the way I would like to also wish you and yours a MERRY CHRISTMAS. Sometimes it seems we get caught up in the PC “Holiday” stuff with out even realizing it.
——————————————————————————————–
“if the truth is the truth, what does it hurt for someone else to look into the facts of this case?”
————————————————————————————–
It has been looked into by four different government agencies and the Farrow supporters still believe that it was not an accident in spite of all the contradictory evidence. As it stands with calls from a biased Judge and Farrow supporters wanting more investigations, It sounds like they are just shopping around until they can find someone that will ignore the evidence like themselves. The black members of the city council fell into that trap and came off as a bunch of fools that jumped on the Victor Hill racist wagon and will suffer the same fate as Hill.
Federal Grand Jury:
If it takes a Federal Grand Jury to look into this matter, then so be it. In my mind this would be better than riots in the streets and underlying mistrust of many in W.M. Just get everything out in the open. Statements have been made that not all of the evidence, nor statements by witness have been provided thus far; give it ALL to the Grand Jury. Get it ALL out there, and get this matter over with, and let West Memphis heal; let this poor boy rest in peace. I know his mom is suffering from her loss, and yes, maybe her attorney is leading her astray; but she’s still a mom that’s lost her young son. Can you imagine her pain as Christmas nears? Would anyone care to change places with her, to walk in her shoes? I think not.
Do you know where your children are EVERY moment?
Just a mom……….
Farrow’s attorney has no new evidence, Has some garbage. If it were indeed actual evidence it would have been found at the scene by the State Police investigators. Even if it were considered as evidence, The chain of custody has been broken by Bailey not contacting authorities upon it’s discovery or even turning it over to the State Police after repeated requests. The act of withholding evidence alone is enough to convince me that it was nothing more than a ploy to goad the black community of West Memphis into a racial frenzy. As for witness’s that have not been interviewed, It’s kind of funny that they also popped up out of Mr. Bailey’s briefcase just like that evidence did, After the State Police interviewed everyone in the area. The case has been investigated and reviewed by the feds and the state and the Officers were found to acted within the law and according to their training and at one time I did feel sympathy for Debra Farrow but that feeling left when she and her supporters lied to the media and came close to causing more than a racial split in West Memphis because she just won’t accept the facts. Basically they want a Federal Grand Jury so they can point fingers and scream racist. That has been their tactic and they will continue in the hopes they can persuede enough black jurors to indict them. It would be a no brainer case, The evidence proves the Officers acted within the law so they would be aquitted but the fact they were indicted would increase the chances of a settlement with the City of West Memphis as Debra Farrow and her Lawyer are in it for the payday. I’ll say it again, That poor kid is probably getting more attention from his parents now than he ever did when he was alive….
This mess is dragging everyone down, black and white ! Again, its all about the money now, the big paycheck to be supplied by the Arkansas taxpayers. Let this boy rest in peace ! The Chief needs to hold his tongue as anything said at this point is twisted by those trying to disrupt any hope of reconciliation or justice in West Memphis. His frustration is understood ! Now is a time for prayer and healing, people need to let go of the hate.
Chief Paudert has responded only one time compared to all the hate filled news conferences Farrow supporter and black city council members that condemned not only him but any other person that didn’t agree with their twisted logic and lies as a racist. As far as hate goes, The only hate emanating from West Memphis comes straight from the doorstep of Debra Farrow. As for healing, I don’t think you’ll see alot of that for a long time to come. Too many good peoples names were dirtied and a towns reputation was tarnished for the sake of a con artist that is using the tragedy of her sons death as her ticket to “Champaign Wishes and Cavier Dreams”….
Anyone read the Commercial Appeal this past Sunday. Dennis the Menace was ALSO dreaming of a white Christmas. Is that racist and should we all boycot the Commerical Appeal for running the comic strip?
I heard J. Bailey quote some kind of tactic that he says Sammis and Evans could have used that night. This dips**t has no idea who he starting a war with does he? Eric Sammis is not the person to debate over tactics and officer survival. This is a road best left untravelled by the doper attorney. I see his feelings getting really hurt when he is made to look like a fool and sammis is quite versed at making attorneys look ignorant. Although, I don’t think that is much of a challenge for him with respect to Bailey.
There is a war on, not the Iraq war, but, it’s little brother, the American not-so-civil-ignoramus race war! The Generals don’t seem too intelligent on the fronts or the backs. Gomer Pyle could have done a better job for either side. Nutjobs will come out of the woodwork to fight it, obviously, where do you stand?
To “just a reminder” what an idiot comment about the name (klan) being changed to mayor and police chief and then God knows they will get justice?It is stupidity like that which makes people not prejudice start to think that way. Like Lorraine Robinson calling them “mighty whitey” and Sammis a “murderer” these are extreme racist comments wouldnt you agree?The feds cleared the officer,a racist judge has been exposed,but now the mayor and police chief are in the kkk?your an example of just how far the dream has come,give me,give me,give me just let my ignorance draw a check from the same govt that I oppose regarding decisions of justice.Get a new dream and maybe a job and start pointing the finger at the image you see in the mirror.
WHO DOES THIS BLACK BIT** THINK SHE IS??? YES ITS A RACIST COMMENT. BUT BECAUSE SHE A NI**ER SHE GETS AWAY WITH IT … WHEN DON IMUS MAKES A COMMENT ALL HELL BREAKS LOSS…I KNOW WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH BUT GIVE ME A BREAK… WHAT MAKES THIS BIT** SO SPECIAL THAT NOTHING WAS DONE ABOUT IT ???? OH, I KNOW SHE BLACK AND A WOMAN!!!