Here is a reminder of what happened from the California Peace Officers' Memorial Foundation:
At approximately 8:30am on Sunday, February 20, 2017, Whittier police officers responded to a traffic collision in the area of Colima Road and Mar Vista Street in Whittier. Reportedly, one vehicle had rear-ended multiple vehicles. When officers arrived on scene the victims stated the suspect had pushed his vehicle around the corner. Officers made contact with the suspect and as they moved to pat him down the suspect produced a hand gun and opened fire, striking both officers. At least one officer returned fire, striking the suspect. Both officers were rushed to UC Irvine Medical Center. Tragically, Officer Keith Boyer did not survive. His partner was last listed in stable condition in the ICU.
It was later learned the suspect, a 26 year old known gang member, had been released on parole 10 days prior and was driving a stolen vehicle. The investigation is on-going.
Officer Keith Boyer, age 53, was a 27-year veteran of the Whittier Police Department. He is survived by his children and parents.
And here is an update on the case:
Mejia,
who is now 30 years old, was charged with two counts of murder, one count of
attempted murder, carjacking and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The prosecutor also filed special circumstance allegations in the case.
In
2018 the prosecutor announced in court that the Los Angeles District
Attorney’s Office would seek the death penalty.
Now cut to 2021. Mejia, who is awaiting trial, will no longer face the death penalty or life in prison without parole because the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, under direction of the newly elected L.A. District Attorney George Gascon, is seeking to dismiss many special circumstance allegations including murder of a peace officer in the performance of his duties and murder for the purpose of avoiding arrest.
According to sources when Mejia was asked by detectives during a taped interview if he had anything to say to the Whittier Police Department Mejia said, “I mean, train your guys better. Train your guys better. They just got a taste of an L.A. gang member, real L.A. gang member. You know what I mean? And, nope, I don’t feel sorry. Because I know they would’ve dropped me, they wouldn’t feel sorry for my family.”
When civilians are killed during deadly use of force incidents the public vehemently calls for justice as against the police. Let's extend the same sentiments and respect for police officers killed in the line of duty. Let's include our police officers in our equal justice initiatives. Please support our police officers. I am not referring to police corruption (i.e., willful misconduct, cover ups, etc.) and special privileges for cops which history has proven angers the vast majority of people. I am referring to the fact that police officers have a very dangerous job and behind the badge they are human beings like you and I.
https://jacqibone.blogspot.com/2017/03/officer-keith-wayne-boyer-end-of-watch.html
