Officer cleared in Rocha shooting

News 8 Austin | Officer cleared in Rocha shooting

I'm sorry, but this is such BS. Since when does fighting with someone who is resisting arrest equate to a justifiable murder? Does a reasonable police officer in similar circumstances do the same? I should hope not. And if she's going to get away with murder, then at least take her off the streets, make her a pencil pusher so she doesn't overreact again and kill another person.
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Wednesday August 17, 2005

Officer cleared in Rocha shooting
Updated: 8/16/2005 10:21 PM
By: James Keith

A Travis County grand jury has issued a no bill in the investigation of Austin Police Officer Julie Schroeder. That means she will not face criminal charges from local government for shooting and killing 18-year-old Daniel Rocha in June.

Frustrated protesters expressed their disappointment in the decision outside the Travis County Justice Complex Tuesday evening.

Rocha's mother, Daniela Rocha, says Tuesday's news doesn't soften the pain her family has encountered the past two months.

'My world is shattered right now. I don't know how to handle myself right now, it's very sad. Every day that goes by it's day by day. My daughter, my son, all three of us are going through a difficult time,' Rocha said.

Tuesday, the Travis County District Attorney's office released stacks of documents related to the Rocha investigation.

In it was a statement from Schroeder describing what happened. She said, 'Rocha and I are on the ground and we are fully engaged in a fight, I would describe it as a fight and wrestling match. His arms are on the inside of me and I could feel him grabbing at my vest and waist.' Schroeder added, 'I was scared for my life and my boss' life. I was worried about Rocha using my Taser and using it on my boss and taking his gun. I have been in a number of fights before and never have I felt this scared and afraid. Instinctively, I grabbed for my gun and shot him once. Self-preservation took over.'

The documents don't give insight into only Officer Schroeder's point of view. There are also several statements from witnesses.

One witness said, 'Detective Walker asked me if I saw a fight or struggle. No, I saw the officer holding the man with one hand, the left, and she had her gun with her right. All I could see was his shoulder that she had him by. Then her gun fired once. She was standing up, kind of hunched over and he was already on the ground.'

One of Rocha's former teachers offered a character description of the teenager.

'Rocha would always say, 'No cop is going to take anything from me or take me down. I ain't going to jail.' I started to think he was serious about his big money business and was worried that he may put up a good fight should someone try to stop him. I tried to counsel Rocha and he didn't care about what I had to say or even about himself,' she said.

Austin Police Chief Stan Knee says while some people might be upset by the reports and the grand jury's decision, they should trust that his department is acting properly.

'It has been difficult for the department being scrutinized every which way, is in fact at times very difficult, but the character of this department is that we expect to continue to work hard to make the city safe,' Knee said.

The Austin Police Department's internal affairs investigation into the Rocha shooting is ongoing. Knee expects it to be wrapped up in four to six weeks.

The Department of Justice is also continuing its investigation"