Time For Justice For Corporal Allen DeVillena II

In a great piece last week the Desert Sun and Brett Kelman detailed the events that led to Palm Springs Police Officers Mike Heron and Chad Nordman shooting Marine Corporal Allen DeVillena II to death back in November 2012. It was a factual, well researched article. I salute both Mr. Kelman and the Desert Sun for running the piece despite criticism from the Palm Springs Police Officers Association. The PSPOA, which is headed bu William Hutchinson, has become a real political bully in the last few years and Palm Springs elected officials appear to be scared of it. That is why it is important for the Riverside DA Mike Hestrin to take action on of the last remaining aspects of the case.

Those reading may say the DA's office has already acted by not indicting the 2 police officers. In fact as I write this both are back on duty. But that is not the whole story.

The DeVillena family has filed a federal lawsuit against the city and  the 2 officers. One of the key witnesses to the case, Marine Clinton Harris is in legal limbo. Harris was with DeVillena on the night he was killed. According to his attorney, Harris wants to give evidence in the lawsuit but wants to make sure he isn't in trouble with the law himself. The DA has now gone over 2 years and 3 months without filing any charges against Mr. Harris. Time to grant him immunity or announce he will face no charges and let him testify.

New DA Mike Hestrin cooperated with the Desert Sun and released documents relating to the shooting so that it could used in the expose. For this he is to be commended because he bucked the PSPOA which supported him in his last election. No one can assume that they were happy with his decision. Now it is time for Mr. Hestrin to take the next step and allow the civil case against the city and the Palm Springs Police Department to go ahead unimpeded.

Steve Kelly can be heard on 1450 KPTR form 4p to 6P Monday Through Friday and on I heart Radio. Also he can be followed on Twitter @skellykptr