Post by laurasays on Jan 15, 2006 17:00:10 GMT -5
Nearly 40 years ago in Indianapolis, Indiana – September 28, 1966 to be exact -- a 19-year-old youth named Don E. Moore (his name was incorrectly listed as Donald in the newspaper but “Don” was his legal name) was shot and killed in a private residence by Indianapolis Police Inspector Clinton Auter (now deceased). Actually, it was my parents’ home where it occurred. The police spent little more than an HOUR in “negotiation” with him before they murdered him. At that time, and in the years since, it was my belief that the police needn't have killed him and that there was a police cover up.
The media, both newspaper and television, reported the incident with NUMEROUS false and/or inaccurate details and information.
I am considering writing a fact-based fictional novel and in researching certain information I requested -- and have received -- archived newspaper articles of that killing.
The boy that was killed was said to have been holding a family at bay and threatening them with a bayonet. Apart from the fact that he did, indeed, have a bayonet and that he was killed, other than reporting names and ages correctly, almost everything else is untrue. I know this to be the case because I was one of the family members said to have been "held at bay" and "threatened."
I was young and frightened at the time so did not speak up and said nothing.
His family had to endure not only the loss of their beloved son and brother, but the pain and embarrassment of the citizens of Indianapolis believing he was some sort of deranged "hostage" taker and potentially violent.
The only person he threatened to harm that night was himself.
I realize that that there is probably some sort of "statute of limitations" regarding such matters, as well as the "good ol' boy network" of keeping silent regarding a coverup. Having said that, however, is there any way one might go about -- all these many years later -- trying to set the record straight regarding the young man's behavior that evening. I'm certain it would provide a measure of comfort to his elderly mother.
Any information you can provide me would be greatly appreciated and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
e-mail -- laurasays@charter.net
The media, both newspaper and television, reported the incident with NUMEROUS false and/or inaccurate details and information.
I am considering writing a fact-based fictional novel and in researching certain information I requested -- and have received -- archived newspaper articles of that killing.
The boy that was killed was said to have been holding a family at bay and threatening them with a bayonet. Apart from the fact that he did, indeed, have a bayonet and that he was killed, other than reporting names and ages correctly, almost everything else is untrue. I know this to be the case because I was one of the family members said to have been "held at bay" and "threatened."
I was young and frightened at the time so did not speak up and said nothing.
His family had to endure not only the loss of their beloved son and brother, but the pain and embarrassment of the citizens of Indianapolis believing he was some sort of deranged "hostage" taker and potentially violent.
The only person he threatened to harm that night was himself.
I realize that that there is probably some sort of "statute of limitations" regarding such matters, as well as the "good ol' boy network" of keeping silent regarding a coverup. Having said that, however, is there any way one might go about -- all these many years later -- trying to set the record straight regarding the young man's behavior that evening. I'm certain it would provide a measure of comfort to his elderly mother.
Any information you can provide me would be greatly appreciated and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
e-mail -- laurasays@charter.net