FBI Investigation of SIS Shootings

Re “FBI to Probe Police Slayings,” Aug. 17: The killings of two robbery suspects by the LAPD’s Special Investigations Section warrant special scrutiny. The SIS officers, who had been shadowing the suspects for three weeks, confronted the suspects and shot them several times when, according to the police, the suspects reached into their waistbands. Neither of the suspects was armed. Why would anyone reach into his waistband for a weapon he didn’t have?

The circumstances surrounding these shootings become even more suspect when considering that some of the same SIS officers were involved in similar fatal shootings of suspects who had been tailed, allowed to commit robberies and then shot. These vigilante actions by the police are an affront to our society’s sense of justice and decency and cannot be tolerated.

ANGEL D. SISTOS

San Clemente

* I read with annoyance and amazement of the FBI investigation into the fatal shooting of two armed robbery suspects by the elite SIS. Assistant U.S. Atty. Michael J. Gennaco is probing the shooting to ascertain “whether the officers violated the suspects’ civil rights or used excessive force.” Our federal government has lost its way.

The suspects in question were believed involved in at least 25 armed robberies and were actually witnessed carrying one out. When confronted, they apparently attempted to flee and, if not stopped, might have committed further crimes, endangering innocent people in their desperate attempt to get away. What of the civil rights of the 25 merchants who create hundreds of jobs for their communities and have had their businesses closed and livelihoods threatened?

I suggest that the people of California would be far better served if every available resource of the FBI and the U.S. attorney were marshaled in the investigation and prosecution of international terrorism and espionage, leaving local law enforcement to a capable and commendable LAPD.

CHRISTOPHER M. ZARPAS

Malibu