DURHAM, NC – Police in Durham, North Carolina have stated that the 17-year-old who was shot to death in the back of patrol car, while handcuffed, inflicted the fatal wound himself. Durham Police Chief Jose Lopez said that even though Jesús Huerta was searched and then handcuffed behind his back, he was somehow able to shoot himself in the head.
“I know that it is hard for people not in law enforcement to understand how someone could be capable of shooting themselves while handcuffed behind the back.” Lopez said. It is rather hard to understand how a police search of Huerta didn’t reveal a gun, and how, even if he had a gun, he was able to successfully shoot himself in the head with his hands cuffed behind his back.
At best it would appear Durham police are responsible of gross negligence. To believe that trained police officers would search Huerta and not find the loaded handgun they allege he had, is to believe that these officers would negligently put their own lives at risk. The alternative to a narrative of gross negligence is one foul play.
Huerta’s family does not believe the Durham police. They issued a statement which read: “”How did Jesús end up dead in the parking lot at police headquarters in these circumstances? Searched. Handcuffed behind the back. How is it even possible to shoot oneself?” The family is actively seeking more information from the department.
Even if Huerta somehow did manage to shoot himself, the 17-year-old boy died in the custody of those who were sworn to protect and serve him. The family and the community deserve answers.
1 comment