Police Shooting of William Marble was Justified

[XLFD]

William Marble, 68, was shot by a Michigan State Police trooper on January 14, 2014, after 11 PM while he was inside his house.  It was a shot into his chest that was fatal.  He was alleged to have been holding a gun, alleged to have had some alcohol and acting confrontational, alleged to have been involved in some domestic altercation which had someone call 9-1-1 and suspiciously hung up.

                                                            William Marble

The police shooter, who has yet to be identified publicly, had went to Marble's home to investigate the suspicious 9-1-1 hang up call.  He arrived and allegedly made contact with a woman at the house.  He allegedly saw Marble holding a gun in an aggressive manner, and the trooper shot him.  This was what the local media started reporting the next morning, the story developing with just a few more details released by the troopers commanding officer.

The police shooting of William Marble was justified, and will be deemed that way by the prosecutor later this week if not today.  I can say this with certainty, without listening to the recording from the microphone that was on Trooper "Smith" that evening, without listening to the woman that was also there that night (both of which have been suppressed for over five days to the public) and that his actions will be found to be totally justified and proper.  I am also optimistic that his actions will not only be lionized by his fellow officers, but accepted as heroic by a majority of the people who read the official account of what happened that night.

Consider, on July of 2009, a Ludington policeman pulled over a woman driving home with her grown son.  The officer said he pulled her over for defective taillights but perceived that she may have been driving impaired on talking with her and smelling her breath, and has her get out from the car.  While talking to the officer about the taillight problem and about any alcohol consumption, her son gets out of the car and wonders about his mother's status.  This is all on dash cam video.

He gets back into the car after the officer insists he does, then about three minutes later he gets back out and is told he has to stay in the car a couple of times.  He politely refuses and asks what the officer is doing.  This is rather proper, since more than seven minutes into the stop there have been no field sobriety tests, or other disposition offered up by the officer.  The officer asks for more space and less interference, and the son complies politely.  The video shows the son kept a respectful distance at all times.

The officer calls for backup, the beach patrolman arrives, the son gets out his I-Phone and starts recording the events.  The new officer slaps the son's hand and he walks away, and is promptly shadowed by that officer.  The son turns back asking about getting the dogs in the back of the car, while reinforcements arrive, two sheriff deputies.  They say:  "We'll take him." and then "Last opportunity to leave or you're going to jail.".  As he pauses, one of the officers says "You're under arrest."

As he continues to walk away with his back to them, the three officers run at him and take him down from behind, leg sweeping him to the hard pavement of Ludington Avenue.  The son is not fighting back, at worst he is passively resisting the assaulting officers by keeping his hands attached to his sides, as per depositions of the officers.  Without any cause for arrest being articulated the three portly officers struggle trying to put the lanky son in handcuffs, as they proceed to shoot him with a taser five times for compliance.  Meanwhile, his mother is watching this take place while the other officer prevents her from aiding her son.

After about two minutes the son is led back by the deputies to their car.  The beach officer, follows and comes back to the mother, who is handcuffed and led to the back of the original squad car also under arrest.  Without any sort of field sobriety test, without any articulated reason as to why they were arresting her, they take her away after her son is shipped over to the hospital.

The son's I-Phone is taken and its contents are later found to be deleted when he gets it back after being jailed.  He is handcuffed to a hospital bed and tasered more by two of the officers after refusing medical treatment for the knee the officers wounded.  He is put into jail and charged with five counts of resisting/obstructing/assaulting officers by the prosecutor.  Facing serious time against a justice system that is anything but, this victim accepts a plea deal to take it one count under the advice of his local attorney who knows how the system works.

None of the three people that senselessly assaulted this man, Ludington citizen Joseph McAdam, on the street and in the hospital with witnesses abounding and the violent crime rather stark,  have ever seen any sort of repercussion on the badged perpetrators.  In fact, the two deputies were specially commended a short time later for their exchange of gunfire with another Ludington citizen on his property, where he was shot.  But that was overlooked, because an officer was shot too.

And when McAdam went to federal court and then binding arbitration to seek justice for what some may deem a large violation of many of his rights, he received relief from being tasered at the hospital, yet nothing was deemed injurious by the arbitrator for the assault, brutality, false arrest, destruction of evidence, and malicious prosecution that also befell McAdam.

And is this why I think William Marble's shooter is blameless and will be seen as someone who deserved to be shot by the trooper?  It's a good start, but let's look at another local police shooting that involved a state trooper that took place last summer, this time when the police is seemingly the obvious victim.

Trooper Paul Butterfield was shot almost assuredly by Eric Knysz at a traffic stop.  Eric was apparently driving the car, had possession of the gun that was involved, shot the officer, drove off, stole a car, and prepared to go on the run.

His wife was in the passenger seat of his car.  She apparently didn't do anything that could be considered illegal that day.  She is not alleged to have pulled the trigger to shoot the officer, nor encourage it.  She never had control of either vehicle.  She was always within the sphere of influence of a person who had just killed a cop in cold blood and was carrying a five month old fetus.  She has shown only remorse for what her husband did that day.

She was charged with accessory to murder after the fact and unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle in two counties for her part in the senseless killing.   A plea deal was arranged for 1-2 years on the former, 0-11 moths on the latter, and Judge Cooper in a court full of law enforcers, went higher assigning her 2-5 years because of the egregiousness of the crime-- that she really had no part in committing if we look at it objectively.  Judge Richard Cooper acknowledged that Eric Knysz was a controlling husband, but noted there was nothing to show Sarah Knysz couldn't have gotten away after Butterfield’s murder.  Though he didn't elaborate.

So in our area, for review, it is a crime to be a victim of police brutality, that you can be brutalized on camera by police officers, have the prosecutor look at those reports and the video and prosecute the ridiculous claim of five assaults against the bleeding, half-electrocuted victim who did nothing aggressive on the street or in the hospital.

It is a crime to be a captive of someone else who shoots a police officer, it is a crime not to either stop him from getting away even while he's holding a gun and has been abusive to you in the past, or run away from him while his gun is still smoldering.

It is a crime to look on while your son is being attacked, three burly officers raining blows and tasering him repeatedly while you can do nothing.  You are his mother, why have you raised him not to respect abusive authority like he should?   You're taking a ride in the squad car without any charges leveled against you.

Americans have long been comfortable with a double standards for police – both legal and cultural. Cops can murder, rape, and pillage with impunity, both from a legal and moral standpoint. When they murder, rape, and pillage – it is for the sake of public safety, national security, and order. Thus, they are protected from legal consequences, as well as moral judgment.

To many Americans, police essentially can do no wrong. If they murder a petty criminal, it’s justified because he was a criminal. If they murder an innocent person, it was a mere “mistake,” and justified because police were “doing their job.”   We are asked to understand and accept their version, even if it doesn't make sense, because many of us glorify them.

Many Americans care not that police lionization and immunity has resulted in the “Land of the Free” having the highest incarceration rate, both per capita and in sheer numbers, in the entire world. For the same reason, many Americans actually think it’s quite wonderful that their infallible demi-gods have steadily acquired weapons they should not possibly ever need for domestic purposes, while ordinary citizens are increasingly restricted and regulated in firearms ownership. Who are lowly mortals to question the motivation of gods in keeping us safe?

To some, police murdering people in their homes and assaulting them in the streets with little impunity isn’t chaos and violence, it is order and safety-- a way to keep the peace.  And heaven help the person or media outlet that dares to debunk the myth by pointing out facts and sharing photos and videos that paint our heroes in a bad light.  They don't speak for the rest of us, whose confidence cannot be shaken so easily.

For these reasons, William Marble, mild-mannered retired career teacher admired by students, fellow faculty, and neighbors, has no chance in being remembered for those facts, and that trooper who shot him will only be deified by his fellow law officers, the local media, and the majority of our population.  Despite what the 'facts' turn out to be, and if the public is ever allowed to know the truth.

And just in case you think it's a problem in our area alone, out in Fullerton California a group of officers beat an innocent homeless man to death a couple of years ago caught on surveillance tape.  The officer who started the melee told Mr. Thomas while strapping on his gloves that his fists were going to f--k him up.

He was a man of his word in this regard.  Another officer quickly joined in with a club and as these two began a systematic beating of a human being with no regard to his humanity, others arrived and like sharks to a feeding frenzy, continued the lynching.  The incident, including Ramos’ blatant threat, was captured on video. Mr. Thomas can be seen on video being beaten and pleading for his life. He says “Dad, help me… They’re killing me,” repeatedly. He says, “Sir, please… okay…okay…” repeatedly. He says “Help me…help me god…” repeatedly. He also apologizes, but was murdered by police nevertheless.

The two officers who instigated the incident were just exonerated of charges at the beginning of last week.  No criminal charges for them or anyone else involved.  The threat and the senseless beating on a non-resistant, innocent-of-any-charges individual caught on tape, but absolutely no punishment for the systematic killing.  Yet, you could not easily count the number of years that all six individuals would have received if they were not wearing badges, and the pulp on the ground was.

Many who read this will continue believing those words on our Supreme Court "Equal Justice Under Law", and that public servants are held to a higher account.  It's a myth we would all like to believe.  As is the myth that will arise about William Marble's 'irrational acts' and the 'heroism' of our unknown trooper in this incident that our officials have done so well in covering up over the last week, and will manufacture into a convenient parable, irregardless of the truth.

[wayne]

Look up how many years it took to get Scott Woodring's dead video.    

[XLFD]

I wasn't even aware of the Scott Woodring incident, until I looked it up, being that I depended primarily on the COLDNews and local radio for my local news back in 2003.  In Newaygo County in July 2003, the MSP used Ruby Ridge/Waco strategy and tactics to arrest Woodring for suspicion of soliciting minors.  To accomplish this they took his house down, and while the official line is that Woodring shot a trooper in the standoff, it looks from what the MSP presented and never presented, that the likely cause of death was friendly fire.  Not hard to believe when you watch the video. 

 

 

The official version of what happened is in this page on the State Police website:  MSP Scott Woodring.  Once again the MSP investigated itself, and they took their time, not revealing the video until 2010, seven years later.  I invite other readers to review what is out there to figure out what may have happened there, and whether it was warranted.  But this happened less than 50 miles away from Ludington, right in our neighborhood, and was kept under wraps for the most part.

The Bible verse at the bottom of the MSP page, Isaiah 54 5 (KJV):   "For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called."

 

[AQUAMAN]

That video is very shocking to say the least. You mean to tell me that the MSP has the legal authority to use armored vehicles, which I didn't know they even had, to knock your house down and kill you for not answering the door and surrendering when they serve a warrant? This is sick, and not the USA/Michigan we should be living in imho. Didn't any of his family file suit for this? Didn't neighbors or anyone object to this incident happening? Where are we living, Russia?

[XLFD]

I'm planning on doing some cold case work on this Aquaman, but yes, that is effectively what happened.  From some accounts, Woodring would ride his bicycle into Fremont just about every day, and they could easily have served him doing that if he wouldn't answer the door at home.  When you conduct an operation like this on someone who they highly suspected was 1) anti-government and 2) possessing arms, you get this sort of nonsense happening. 

A look at the archives of our shoreline media enterprises (the Ludington Daily News, the Oceana County Herald) and the White Lake Beacon) all in the area, had one story in the COLDNews about the MCSO and LPD's involvement in it.  The coverage consisted of interviews with the officers involved, with nothing about what happened in the 'standoff' except as to how it affected the officers.

[wayne]

May be getting off topic, you have to wonder why so many incidences end up with gun slinging militant armies at homes, and residents end up dead.  I get the emails EVERY DAY.  And I believe that it would be more common knowledge (more commonly shared) if not for some pedestrian thought line people have adopted about what law enforcement is about.  And unless you have been shaken down, dragged to court, extorted, or threatened, its easier to adopt such Disney like, Snoopy & Garfield ideals.  What we expect in the way of service provided from an institution such as law enforcement, as compared to the reality of the political environment of such an institution, are most assuredly, two differing world.  The average perception, when compared to reality, even far greater of a divide.  So much hidden.  So much collusion.  Myself, I would expect, clear and distinct deliniations between departments & jurisdictions.  However, when campaigns such as Waco or the Mr. Woodring *AFFAIR* occur, the floodgates seem to open for publicity opportunities, and agendas external to the proper jurisdiction are plied.  Then come the tank drones, parrots on TV, plenty of spin, and military hardware. However, now cross-deputization, infantry grade weapons, and a corporate trained mindset are becoming typical.  http://www.fletc.gov/  (Don't let the word Federal throw you, this is all corporate contracts, and shell corporations)

 http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jan/23/pentagon-giving-away-13k-mraps-free-allies-local-l/

The sad fact, is that the MSP paid for information that led to Mr. Woodring's death.  The fact is, that MSP used high explosives in an attempt to murder Mr. Woodring.  

You might have heard of this, motorcycle & summer camping conditions yield unlivable home & suspicious behavior:  

http://www.northernexpress.com/michigan/article-1568-wolf-man-of-br...

But the facts surrounding this, conveniently, go unwritten.  (*this was not about half breed dogs*).  As with Scott, Waco, or Mr. Marble, is the purpose of writing, "alcohol may have been a factor" to be accurate & fair?  To warn you against the dangers of alcohol?  Is the purpose to say your living conditions were unusual, to give you the picture that Mr. Sutherland was atypical, thereby leading to his demise?  Or is the purpose to slander, because some things (in close proximity) need to hidden, and fast.   (Mr. Koresh also, a gentle, kind person, lived in town, easily accessible to law enforcement.)  Now play the officer shot card, and you get armored vehicles, high explosives, & a massive manhunt (for someone not popular in the law enforcement arena, wonder why, hmmm?).  

I turn on the TV, & I see every flavor of goon (they sorta look like neandertals squeezing into a uniform), SWAT team, department of whatever, $20 million helicopters, comprising a high tech military invasion, over a "shooting," AND instantly on the scene.  I start to get the picture this is part government self-gratification, part agenda based politics, and nothing to do with youngsters on a rampage at a mall.  

[AQUAMAN]

Art, please observe the Constitution again, called 2nd amendment, we have the right to bear arms, irregardless of the liberals. Are you in favor of what happened to Mr. Woodring, even if he's a pervert?

[XLFD]

Art Dean,

If you know of William Marble being any sort of a threat to society or voicing that?  He allegedly was holding a gun perhaps determining who is trespassing on his property late on a cold night.

If you know any credible source that explains how menacing Woodring was before the MSP debacle, I would like to have you post it or provide a link to it.  Calling either Marble or (from what I've read, Woodring) threatening in behavior before they were assaulted in their own homes is a stretch.  Aquaman notes the 2nd Amendment, I propose the 4th amendment is also heavily at play in both cases.

[XLFD]

Is that your psychological profile of William Marble, Art Dean? 

This guy was a community-minded citizen all of his life-- you won't find anything bad about him-- a thirty plus year teacher at MCE noted for his positive accomplishments.  Allegedly he's holding and pointing a gun at the MSP Trooper, yet the trooper has time to draw his gun and shoot him dead without William Marble firing a shot. 

Apparently, the officer had a microphone on him keyed to his dashcam-- it has not been made available to the public.  The radio traffic conflicts with some of the initial reports from the MSP.  The media is kept clear for about 8 hours.  You may wish to think that police officers cannot make mistakes, Art Dean, but they do.  And they should be held accountable when they do, and it costs someone their life.  I see cover up and officer misjudgment, you're blinded with badge-loyalty if you don't at least suspect it.

[AQUAMAN]

That's the story these people in LE always put forth first and foremost Art, do you always believe the perceived story printed in the LDN and elsewhere? Did you in fact see the video and the suspect Woodring outside waving a gun at officers and being disorderly? I know I didn't. Being hurtful and threatening demands justice, that of being arrested and incarcerated, not KILLED in this fashion. This was the USA last I looked, where people get locked up first, before they execute in the field for jollies and warped justice. Nowadays, just the fact someone has a gun, makes them enemy number 1, and qualifies for immediate death squads, and that my friend, is a very dangerous and empty latitude for LE to be legal to terminate another life. Why did the MSP take 10 whole years to make this video public? You need to be more analytical, and not assume the worst of all your fellow citizens, just because the media says so.

[XLFD]

There is a timeline here that is about as complete a one as you can find regarding Woodring and the charge against him, there is basically nothing in the MSP report that disputes this timeline: 

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-backroom/945334/posts?q=1&;...

Note, this starts because of a complaint filed by a 15 y.o girl who claims a couple of things that happened in a public place with a surveillance camera.  Woodring claims the footage will exonerate him, but the footage never makes it to the public.  The rest is set in motion by a police force that didn't do things smartly.

[Willy]

This video [Woodring] was difficult to see and understand. I really could not tell what was going on and if this video was really about the subject matter, so it was difficult to draw any conclusions.  I think everyone has made some good points on both sides of this issue.

[XLFD]

The police effectively stormed and firebombed Scott Woodring's vacated house in the video the day after they sent a ERT team in and one of them got shot and killed.  The way the MSP reported it, it appears to be a friendly fire incident.