Houston Deputy Murdered while pumping gas

[RonG]

https://gma.yahoo.com/suspect-alleg...s-deputy-161827999--abc-news-topstories.html#

A gunman unloaded his entire pistol into slain Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Darren Goforth when he stopped at a gas station near Houston Friday, prosecutors said in court today, adding that officials found 15 shell-casings at the scene.

Suspect Shannon Miles, 30, allegedly ran up to Goforth as he was filling up his tank and began firing immediately, Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson said today at Miles' court appearance.

Anderson said Miles kept firing even when Goforth was on the ground.

"The gun holds 14 in its magazine and one in its chamber," Anderson said. "Fifteen shell casings; you can do the math. He unloaded the entire pistol into Deputy Goforth."

Suspect Arrested in 'Execution' of Texas Deputy


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Suspect Allegedly Unloaded His Entire Pistol in Texas Deputy (ABC News)
For Slain Texas Deputy, Law Enforcement Was 'His Calling,' Brother-in-Law Says
Goforth, 47, died at the gas station. Prosecutors said today Goforth was found face-down in a pool of blood.

An eyewitness, who saw the suspect flee, described the make and model of Miles' red Ford Ranger, prosecutors said, leading authorities to Miles' house. Prosecutors said they found a gun matching the ballistics of the gun that killed Goforth.

A witness viewed a video line-up and positively identified Miles as the shooter, prosecutors said.

Miles, who appeared disoriented in court today, remained cuffed throughout his appearance and wore yellow jail jumpsuit. He is facing a capital murder charge. No plea was entered. Miles was provided court-appointed attorneys Anthony Osso and Charles Brown.



Texas Authorities Look for Suspect's Motive in … Play video

The motive and origin of the gun have not been determined, Anderson said after court.

Anderson said she never expected to be at a crime scene Friday night, "looking at an officer dead on the ground."

"Houston is a very special place," Anderson said, where law enforcement is "treasured and valued."

The shooting appeared to be unprovoked, Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman said Saturday.



Texas Authorities Arrest Suspect Accused of Killin … Play video

"Our assumption is that he [the deputy] was a target because he wore a uniform," Hickman said Saturday. "At this moment, we found no other motive or indication that it was anything other than that."

Miles has a previous criminal history including resisting arrest and disorderly conduct with a firearm, according to Hickman.

Goforth, a 10-year veteran of the department, is survived by his wife, Kathleen, who works as a school teacher, and two children, ages 12 and 5, his brother-in-law Stephen Allison told ABC News.

"He was the rock in that family," Allison told ABC News through tears. "The kids loved him."

"I didn't have a brother... when they got together he was like the only other brother in my family," Allison said.

Kathleen Goforth said in a statement, "My husband was an incredibly intricate blend of toughness and gentility. He was loyal...fiercely so. And he was ethical; the right thing to do is what guided his internal compass.

"I admired his quality, perhaps, the most," her statement said. "For that made Darren good. And he was good. So, if people want to know what kind of man he was...This is it. He was who you wanted for a friend, a colleague, and a neighbor."

http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/29/us/texas-sheriffs-deputy-shot-gas-station/

A Texas man faces a capital murder charge in the "execution-style shooting" of a sheriff's deputy while he was fueling his patrol car near Houston, authorities said.
Deputy Darren H. Goforth was in uniform when he was shot in the back Friday night in what authorities described as an unprovoked killing.

The suspect, identified as Shannon J. Miles, has been in police custody since Saturday.

His criminal history includes convictions of resisting arrest, trespassing and disorderly conduct with a firearm, Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman said.

'Senseless and cowardly'
The motive in the shooting, which Hickman described as "senseless and cowardly," is still unclear. But Goforth appears to have been targeted "because he wore a uniform," the sheriff said.

"We found no other motive or indication that it was anything other than that," said Hickman, adding that he doesn't believe the suspect and Goforth knew each other.

Hickman said "a big gun ... a handgun" was used in the shooting and ballistic tests on a weapon recovered matched the one used to kill the deputy.

Residents join search for suspect
Residents near the scene of the shooting as well as the tracking of a vehicle used by Miles helped lead investigators to the suspect.

"Our deputies returned to the streets ... to hold a delicate peace that was shattered last evening," Hickman said.

The sheriff said surveillance video shows people drove up to the Chevron station while the shooting was happening. He asked them to come forward.

"This is the kind of thing that drives you right down to your soul," Hickman said. "It strikes at the heart of who we are as peace officers. ...This was just a cold-blooded execution."

Shot multiple times
The suspect shot Goforth, 47, while the deputy was filling up his patrol car at the gas station, Hickman said.

"Deputy Goforth was refueling his vehicle and returning to his car from inside the convenience store when, unprovoked, a man walked up behind him and literally shot him to death," he said.

He was shot multiple times from behind and then fell to the ground, where the suspect fired at him some more, said Deputy Thomas Gilliland, a spokesman for the sheriff's office.

The 10-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff's Office died at the scene in "an unprovoked, execution-style killing," Hickman said.

"I have been in law enforcement (for) 45 years," the sheriff said. "I don't recall another incident this cold-blooded and cowardly."

'Absolute madness'
Investigators say they believe Goforth was targeted because of his uniform.

The motive appears to be "absolute madness," Hickman said.

At a new conference before the arrest was announced, Hickman and Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson talked about the nationwide debate over the relationship between the police officers and the public, with the sheriff referring to what he called "dangerous national rhetoric."

Anderson said law enforcement officials need the country's support.

"There are a few bad apples in every profession," Anderson said. "That does not mean there should be open warfare declared on law enforcement."

All #LivesMatter
Hickman warned that the tension against officers is getting out of hand.

"When the rhetoric ramps up to the point where calculated, cold-blooded assassination of police officers happen, this rhetoric has gotten out of control," Hickman said. "We've heard 'Black Lives Matter,' 'All lives matter.' Well, cops' lives matter too. So why don't we just drop the qualifier, and just say 'Lives Matter,' and take that to the bank."

After announcing the arrest, Hickman said investigators were still trying to determine a motive.

"The general climate of the that kind of rhetoric can be influential on people that do thing like that," he said.

The sheriff's department posted "#BlueLivesMatter. #BlackLivesMatter. All #LivesMatter." on its Twitter page Saturday.


The gunman, who was captured on the gas station surveillance footage, drove away after the shooting in a red Ford Ranger.

Authorities said some bystanders called 911 to report the shooting.

About 30 minutes before the shooting, Goforth had investigated an accident, but Hickman said it's unclear whether there was a connection to the attack.

As far as authorities know, Hickman said, the only reason Goforth was a target "was because he was wearing a uniform."

A husband and father
Goforth leaves behind a wife and two children, ages 5 and 12.

"Our hearts go out to them," Hickman said, asking the community to remember his family in prayer.

"In times like these, it's important to ask for the prayers from this community," he said. "It strikes us in the heart to simply be a target because you wear a badge."

A Houston-based nonprofit that supports the children and spouses of officers and firefighters who die on duty, said the group will give $20,000 to Goforth's family.

America's fallen officers

Leading causes of officer deaths
The attack Friday adds to a grim tally. With that included, 23 law enforcement officers have been shot to death so far this year nationwide, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Traffic incidents are the leading cause of officer fatalities in the U.S., followed by shootings.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/03/us/police-officers-killed-nationwide/index.html



So far my city seems to be handing it well, coming together all races and genders. I am sure their are outliers on both sides but for the most part the responses I am seeing are pretty positive given the nature of this murder.

This is why i I comply and say yes mam yes sir. These guys are always a target and always at risk. Take a second off, get distracted and they can lose their lives. My thoughts and prayers have been going out to this gentleman's family.

 

[gourimoko]

This is why i I comply and say yes mam yes sir. These guys are always a target and always at risk. Take a second off, get distracted and they can lose their lives.

I'm not sure I see the connection here, Ron...

One of the most dangerous things for anyone in America to do is disrespect a cop.

That really is a problem, and you shouldn't always have to comply. I think that's a big problem. I definitely take exception to the notion that I should be calling someone "sir" who just pulled me over for no reason. I'm doing this out of fear, or respect?

I don't want to get into a pro-cop anti-cop debate; because I'm not against the police. I just think we have a tendency in this country to glorify the wrong aspects of authority.

 

[Otsego Mar]

I'm not sure I see the connection here, Ron...

One of the most dangerous things for anyone in America to do is disrespect a cop.

That really is a problem, and you shouldn't always have to comply. I think that's a big problem. I definitely have a problem with calling someone "sir" who just pulled me over for no reason.

Oh, they have a reason. And that reason could be whatever reason they wish. As for calling an officer sir or ma'am.....I would do the bare minimum (really, play them like a fiddle) just to get the hell out of there as soon as possible - and I'd record the conversation.

But not to derail another thread. Another senseless act of violence.

 

[gourimoko]

But not to derail another thread. Another senseless act of violence.

I agree... It's a pretty despicable act.

Sad it's come to this, but not entirely unexpected.

Hopefully we can see some improvement. I think the current election cycle might offer the country some much needed catharsis.

 

[RonG]

I'm not sure I see the connection here, Ron...

One of the most dangerous things for anyone in America to do is disrespect a cop.

That really is a problem, and you shouldn't always have to comply. I think that's a big problem. I definitely take exception to the notion that I should be calling someone "sir" who just pulled me over for no reason. I'm doing this out of fear, or respect?

I don't want to get into a pro-cop anti-cop debate; because I'm not against the police. I just think we have a tendency in this country to glorify the wrong aspects of authority.

I am just putting myself in their shoes, like i told you before its out of respect. I honestly don't fear any man. I am from Texas we raise our kids to say yes mam and no mam ect, so honestly me saying that isn't any different than how i talk to any other strangers. We don't have to agree these are just my feelings.

 

[gourimoko]

I am just putting myself in their shoes, like i told you before its out of respect. I honestly don't fear any man. I am from Texas we raise our kids to say yes mam and no mam ect, so honestly me saying that isn't any different than how i talk to any other strangers. We don't have to agree these are just my feelings.

I hear you, and yeah I don't expect us to agree.

But I think it's more apt to say you live as a White man in Texas, so you have far fewer reasons to fear any man than I might if I moved there.

My two sons live in Texas, so I'm there very often....

With that said though, it's not a place I would choose to live for reasons that are probably pretty obvious given what we're talking about. But I can totally understand why someone of a different ethnicity would think otherwise.

I say sir and ma'am to everyone I encounter as well, and it's how I was raised. But again, I should not need to out of fear of getting beaten unconscious and possibly killed - which is the rationale we hear all too often when someone mouths off to police and "get what's coming to them."

 

[RonG]

Gour another thing we are not going to agree on is i don't give two shits what color someone is. I am a man living in
Texas the longer we distinguish between the races the longer we will have racism. Again my opinion and I have no statistical data to support my position.

 

[gourimoko]

Gour another thing we are not going to agree on is i don't give two shits what color someone is. I am a man living in
Texas the longer we distinguish between the races the longer we will have racism.

Right, Ostrich Syndrome.. at least, from where I'm standing.

This is why people are continually saying #BlackLivesMatter while so many folk suffer from denial - hear no evil, see no evil... etc.

Ignoring race doesn't make racial issues go away. Hoping they go away (blaming those who acknowledge racial disparities, discrimination, and injustices) rather than working towards solutions simply enables real racists.

Again my opinion and I have no statistical data to support my position.

Which is unfortunate, because I would say your opinion is obviously well intentioned but lacks real information. There are numerous academic works which delve into the problems of a pre-maturely colorblind society; and how a colorblind approach to organizing a society with systemic racial inequalities and that actively practices institutional racism at the most fundamental levels prevents the acknowledgement, awareness and thereby the conception of racial problems within that society - particularly by that society's (silent) majority race.

This is why I feel your response to me denotes too narrow of a view; you can't sympathize or empathize with my position, because you're not even willing to "see it."

 

[JSS2306]

The BlackLivesMatters movement uses poor examples of people who resisted arrest and committed crimes and now has resorted to racist tactics.

It's really that simple.

You get pulled over, act like a law abiding human being. Don't run, don't resist, and don't mouth off. The police have much more to fear than you or I.

 

[Otsego Mar]

This thread has potential......to get sloppy real quick lol.

 

[The Oi]

What's wrong with calling the cop "sir" and being friendly when you get stopped?

What's to be lost?

 

[Otsego Mar]

What's wrong with calling the cop "sir" and being friendly when you get stopped?

What's to be lost?

Exactly...play that shit like a fiddle and get out quick. But, understand you are under no obligation to answer questions if you don't want to - "I don't answer questions, sir."

 

[gourimoko]

What's wrong with calling the cop "sir" and being friendly when you get stopped?

What's to be lost?

I think you miss the point..

If someone chooses not to go down this path, and chooses to be disrespectful, even intentionally - that shouldn't mean we justify police brutality or misconduct, which, is all too often the case.

 

[gourimoko]

This thread has potential......to get sloppy real quick lol.

No it doesn't. I'm not going to argue back and forth with racists.

You'll almost assuredly not see any other Black people commenting, and personally I don't plan to participate much longer as it seems pointless really. I'm not going to change anyone's mind here, and I doubt many of you are even open to what I'm saying.

Since there is zero diversity in these threads - ever - then it makes commenting next to pointless. It's just an echochamber. I'd rather not even give such discussions the appearance of being diverse.

FWIW, I'm saddened the cop was killed, as I'm sure everyone else here is as well. Hopefully something can be learned...

 

[RonG]

Right, Ostrich Syndrome.. at least, from where I'm standing.

This is why people are continually saying #BlackLivesMatter while so many folk suffer from denial - hear no evil, see no evil... etc.

Ignoring race doesn't make racial issues go away. Hoping they go away (blaming those who acknowledge racial disparities, discrimination, and injustices) rather than working towards solutions simply enables real racists. This is just one example there are other thing going on as well.



Which is unfortunate, because I would say your opinion is obviously well intentioned but lacks real information. There are numerous academic works which delve into the problems of a pre-maturely colorblind society; and how a colorblind approach to organizing a society with systemic racial inequalities and that actively practices institutional racism at the most fundamental levels prevents the acknowledgement, awareness and thereby the conception of racial problems within that society - particularly by that society's (silent) majority race.

This is why I feel your response to me denotes too narrow of a view; you can't sympathize or empathize with my position, because you're not even willing to "see it."

Often i think you get caught up in your replies, you don't take the person into consideration that you are responding to. We have had discussions long enough that I think you actually know me pretty well. Your answers sometimes are like talking points to cover a vasst disparity of people rather than focusing on the person who is actually talking to you. Now granted everyone who reads my posts may not have been around and shared the conversations we have over the years so they might get lost if you actually responded to just me and knowing me but meh fuck them right?

You know I am not ignoring race I just don't define people by it. You know I am a character person and that is what I judge people on, I don't care if they are purple. You know I am not living in denial because I actually weigh in give my opinions and my advice (worth what you pay for it). I am old enough to know I can't change anyone, not even the wife I have spent 17 years with. The best case for racism to go away is for the racists to die off. That is happening, and has more boomers and their parents that pass the less racism there will be. ( my opinion again cause I don't know all the answers)

Lastly, I do sympathize with the struggles of people who are discriminated against and you know this. All discrimination, be it for color or gender or sexual orientation think about all the discussions surrounding my family the subjects we discuss from my daughters mental health to my son being gay ect

Now ill admit your response today and the other day did get under my skin, but not because we disagree but quiet honestly because you ignored who I am as a person. We have spent what almost 7 years discussing topics all over the spectrum and for you to lump me into categories pr boxes that if you actually thought about who you are replying to would laugh and think you were as off bases as I do.

I mean I am man enough to admit it made me a little butt hurt, I would hope you would take the time to actually consider how much you do know about me before you start throwing those stereo typical labels on me.