Juror Finds Court Negligent in Shooting

Re “County Not Liable for Death at Courthouse,” May 21: I was in the very crowded jury assembly room at the civil courthouse on Sept. 1, 1995, when the shots that killed Eileen Zelig rang out and screaming women ran into the room. Not knowing whether the shooter was among them, and with no instruction about what to do in the ensuing commotion, jurors relied on finely honed urban instincts and hit the rug.

What I witnessed were clerks disappearing into their workstation while the rest of us, there to fulfill our jury obligation, waited and wondered in fear. (Ironically, the O.J. Simpson trial blared from the television as the room quieted instantly.) I’m glad to hear that metal detectors are now in place; however, the California Supreme Court is gravely in error: On Sept. 1, 1995, there was a defect in the courthouse--a deadly lack of regard for county employees and the public, one now compounded by this ruling.

Pamela Henstell

Santa Monica