Disgraceful verdict' in pier shooting

[Aktungbby]

Police also wrapped his hands in paper bags to preserve any gunfire residue. But Garcia Zarate's attorney Matt Gonzalez revealed today that police found a very small amount on his hands.



"If the gun was wrapped in something, that would explain why there was very little gunshot residue if any that ended up in the defendant's hands," Gonzalez told reporters covering the trial. Garcia Zarate had said he found the stolen gun under a swivel chair on the pier, wrapped in a piece of cloth. When he examined it, the gun accidentally fired. The bullet ricocheted, hitting Steinle who was about 90 feet away from the suspect.

Sorry but at (an excessive) ninety feet, a ricochet, and the 'startled look' attested to by an arresting officer simply doesn't add up to first degree (criminal intent required) murder. In a capital case, the state must meet its burden of proof and failed to do so. The verdict was not unexpected. The officer who allowed his weapon to be stolen and his agency should be heavily penalized but that is a civil matter.

The Bureau of Land Management said the service weapon was stolen from the officer's vehicle on June 27.

President Trump, then a contender for office, using the case as political hay for his immigration policy-San Francisco is a 'sanctuary city'- did not make matters easier.