Tuffree Verdict Was Not Justice

As should be expected, courtroom viewers Jan. 31 were upset at the unfair verdict that Ventura County Superior Court Judge Alan Steele issued to Daniel Tuffree for killing Simi Valley Police Officer Michael Clark, who was acting in the line of duty. Steele convicted Tuffree of second-degree murder (not premeditated) in a nonjury retrial.

If Tuffree’s actions were not premeditated, then what were they? Tuffree armed himself with a gun and engaged armed police officers there to help him. He didn’t have to answer the door. He could have kept the gun behind and talked with the police. Clark would be alive today if Tuffree chose to do that. All other decisions can only be considered as premeditation. Tuffree was determined not to cooperate with the police. To view this in any other way is to disregard logic and ultimately dishonor the name of a fallen hero, Michael Clark.

It also discredits the justice system and the efforts of law enforcement. Judge Steele could have used a better analogy than a “party” for his interpretation of the incident. Clark gave his life as an ultimate sacrifice to the citizens of his community and thus should be honored, not put up as a cliche.

This lack of respect is further exacerbated by the comments made by Deputy Public Defender Howard Asher representing Tuffree. After the trial, Asher said “I’m sorry the family took it so hard.” How would Asher feel if this happened to his family? Asher has the audacity to defend a ridiculous notion that Tuffree’s life was threatened. Tuffree is living right now because he planned this attack and that is all the edge he needed.

For those of us who had the privilege to know Michael Clark, we will always remember his good deeds and the heroic legacy he left behind as a public servant. Tuffree, on the other hand, will be remembered as a coward. As a private citizen, Tuffree failed to comply with the law and a life was lost.

Decisions like the ones made by Steele and attitudes like those of Asher will further draw a wedge between law enforcement and the greater public. I hope citizens remember these types of ignorant conclusions the next time they vote for a public official.

SHAWN FAIRMAN, Simi Valley