Court victory, tragedy
DEATH SCENE: Alex McElree, executive director of Operation Dignity, views the room where John Milton was found dead in a unit he shared with Kanuri Qawi at Dignity Commons in Alameda. McElree wonders if this could have all been avoided, simply by forcing medication. (Robert Gauthier / LAT)
FAMILY: Franklin Delano Washington at his home, where brother Qawi showed up in 2005 and said he was headed to Ethiopia. With fanfare, Qawi said, This is going to be your last time seeing me. (Robert Gauthier / LAT)
NEIGHBOR: Patricia “Moms” Price at home with her grandchildren, Genesis Charles Johnson, 2, and Devonne Andre Johnson III, 4, at Dignity Commons in Alameda. Price and her family lived in the building adjacent to the one where Kanuri Qawi is accused of killing his roommate. “Someone lost their life,” she said. “Why did we have this type of person living here? Why didn’t they do something?” (Robert Gauthier / LAT)
DETERMINED: Charles Milton Jr. plans to follow the court proceedings over the slaying of his uncle. My basic thing is to make sure that the defendant, Kanuri Qawi, doesnt walk out of here and have the freedom of choice to not take his medication. (Robert Gauthier / LAT)
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LEADER: Alex McElree of the veterans aid organization Operation Dignity tours Dignity Commons, the groups least restrictive facility. The agency didn’t know about Kanuri Qawis history of violence and resistance to medication or the extent of his mental illness. (Robert Gauthier / LAT)
