Following a month-long trial, an all-white jury convicted Denson and Orlando on a reduced charge of negligent homicidea misdemeanoron October 6. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. Instead of being taken to jail, police took Campos Torres to "The Hole," an isolated area behind a warehouse along Buffalo Bayou where Houston Police Department officers could write reports, question suspects and sleep. Officer Terry W. Denson, 27, is charged with murder in Torres' death. His drowned body was found three days later on May 8, 1977 - exactly 40 years ago today. Sunday's formal apology comes after Finner and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner met privately with Torres' family over Memorial Day weekend, but wanted to make a public showingABC 13 reported. Chief Bond comments on the function of the Civilian Review Board. The case became a national symbol of police brutality against Hispanics in the Southwest. LOOKING BACK:Witnesses reflect on LA's Rodney King riot 25 years later. 512-485-3073 Two days after Torres was arrested, his mangled body was found floating in Buffalo Bayou. More often than not, they were the first Spanish-speaking officers the victims had come into contact with. Truth about Covid care home testing row: Timeline lays bare what was said, by who and when. Officer Terry Denson came up with the idea: "Let's see if the wetback can swim," he said. We can only hope that the next congressional delegation brings along Sessions so that he, too, can learn the story of Joe Campos Torres and Chief Caldwell. Its not uncommon for the stories of Latinos to be minimized or excluded entirely from Texas history books. ", State Rep. Ben Reyes of Houston, also a Mexican-American, called the verdict "pathetic" and "the worst miscarriage of justice that I've ever seen." The Houston Police Department first arrested Phillips's replacement, a Security Guard Services, Inc. employee named Robert Taylor. For many of the victims they interviewed, the officers presence did make a difference. The officers then took Torres to the city jail, who refused to process him due to his injuries. When do the clocks change in 2023? Chief Bond introduces possible disciplinary action against the offending officers through the civil service law, KPRC reporter Don Shelby speculates on the possibility of a second assault on Torres in between the time when officers brought him to the jail and when he ended up in the bayou. ', Torres' sister Janie said she was 10 at the time of her brother's death and that her family was never the same. Sometimes it's our sports teams, sometimes it's the happenings over at NASA, a breakthrough at the Medical Center or our atrocious weather that's in the headlines. If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. City officials vowed to memorialize Torres in some way, The worst thing for her, she said was that, 'No matter how many apologies we get, it can never change the fact because Joe, at the end, never got justice.'. info@texasarchive.org In 1977 Joe Campos Torres had been arrested at a Houston bar for disorderly conduct. Officers Terry Denson and Stephen Orlando were convicted of negligent homicide, a misdemeanor, and were fined $1 and sentenced to probation. The state granted immunity for two others, Glenn Brinkmeyer and Lewis Kinney, in exchange for their testimony. On May 5, 1977, Houston police arrested Jos Campos Torres, a 23-year-old Mexican American and Vietnam War veteran, at an East End bar for disorderly conduct. A new podcast explores the history of the Chicano Squad as part of a Houston police department effort to repair its broken relationship with the Latino community. It is the headquarters for the Texas prison system. The 14-year-old was cowering against the wall when he was shot. A group of Houston police cadets gathered Friday morning to hear family members of Joe Campos Torres speak of their loved one's death by officers in 1977. . Houston pitmaster goes viral after hilarious TV interview, 'Call me a Nazi': Former Houston pastor calls for state book ban, Houston is in for dust and gray skies as Texas haboob arrives, Former KHOU anchor turns layoff into lucrative real estate career, The only Houston rodeo food guide you'll need, Report: Houston ranked No. The three foriner officers, Terry W. Denson, 27 years old, Stephen Orlando, 22, and Joseph J. Janish, 24, were convicted after a twoweek trial on two counts of violating the civil rights of. ", 40 years ago police killed Joe Campos Torres sparking massive Moody Park Riots. Taking Vitamin D each day could cut your chances of getting dementia, study claims. The officers then took Torres to the city jail, where jailers refused to process him due to his injuries. West Texans Are Learning What It Means to Live in Bear Country, The Top 50 Texas BBQ Joints: 2021 Edition, Jimmy Carters Peanut-and-Egg Taco Made Quite the Impression on San Antonians, The Campaign to Sabotage Texass Public Schools. Burning car flipped during a riot that began in nearby Moody Park. Testimony indicated that Oralando, who drove the patrol car in which Torres was transported, had encouraged Denson by "this would be a good time" to see if "the wetback" could swim. In 1977, Joe Campos Torres had been arrested at a Houston bar for disorderly conduct. 1 of 2. There, they brutally beat him for several hours. State District Judge James Warref of Walker County sentenced them to one year probation and a $1 fine. Houston Police lineup in riot gearin the 1978 Moody Park riots.. Houston Police in riot gearin the 1978 Moody Park riots.. Houston police make arrests in the 1978 Moody Park riots. See the article in its original context from. Carless Elliott, the only rookie cop at the scene that night, later recalled in court the words of one of his fellow officers, the last words Torres must have heard before his body plunged into those dark waters: Lets see if this wetback can swim.. During the research process, Moravec found that the Chicano Squad posted a consistently higher clearance rate than other HPD units. And to this day, Morales remains skeptical that the Chicano Squad was the answer. Instead of being transferred to Ben Taub Hospital for treatment, Torres was taken to a site along Buffalo Bayou near Commerce, where he either jumped or was pushed into the bayou. Rioters looted and set fire to a shopping center, and fifteen people were injured including five police officers and two news personnel. The pain is a lot deeper than what you could have ever imagined. This was a test, and they had only a few months to prove themselves. We report on vital issues from politics to education and are the indispensable authority on the Texas scene, covering everything from music to cultural events with insightful recommendations. Officer Terry Denson reportedly used . Material supplied by VTNA may be used for educational analysis or research only. An all-white jury found them guilty of negligent homicidea misdemeanorand sentenced the officers. He was on duty at the time of the murder and HPD discovered he. Six police officers took Torres to a spot called "The Hole" next to Buffalo Bayou and beat him. One of the counts, involving a violation of Federal civil rights laws in which death results, is a felony, with the maximum sentence life in prison. Joining HPD was regarded almost as a betrayal. The trials drew national attention, and HPDs newly minted internal affairs unit was overwhelmed with complaints. By John M. Crewdson; Special to The New York Times. After learning of Mr. Torres's death, Carless Elliott, a 20yearold rookie police officer who witnessed the incident, reported what he had seen to his superiors. (Houston, Texas) Background of case involving alleged beating of Joe Campos Torres, which resulted in his drowning, by officers Terry Wayne Denson, Stephen Orlando and Joseph Janish given. Today, Campos Torres' family is working to erect an official marker to commemorate his death and the riots. Become a member to support the independent voice of Houston About 150 protesters met at Commerce and San Jacinto on May 21, 1977 near the site where the body of Joe Campos Torres was found just weeks before. An all-white jury found them guilty of negligent homicidea misdemeanorand sentenced the officers to a year's probation and a $1 fine. Anyone can read what you share. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. Films shown; previous state trial of 2 officers and demands of local Mex.-Americans for Justice Department probe noted. On June 28, a Harris County grand jury indicted two of the officers, Terry Denson and Steven Orlando, for murder and a third, J. J. Janisch, for misdemeanor assault. Officers Terry Denson (left) and Stephen Orlando (right) were the only two officers convicted of negligent homicide, a misdemeanor, in the death of Torres, and each was fined $1 and given probation. Mr. Torres's body was found in a Houston bayou on May 9, 1977, two days after he was arrested by Mr. Denson and other officers in a latenight barroom disturbance. The US Department of Justice subsequently conducted its own investigation. The state granted immunity for two others, Glenn Brinkmeyer and Lewis Kinney, in exchange for their testimony. By the following morning, 28 demonstrators had been taken into custody. (Studio) Report on conviction of 3 former Houston policemen accused of violating civil rights of Mex.-American who drowned while in their custody. In the wake of Torress death, frustrated residents of Houstons barrios staged rallies and protests around the city. A year later and still feeling as though justice had not been served, members of Houstons Hispanic community rose up in a post Cinco de Mayo riot at the citys Moody Park. Following another beating, officers pushed Torres off a raised platform into Buffalo Bayou. Rather than taking him directly to the nearby jail, six responding Houston Police Department officers took a detour to a secluded spot near Buffalo Bayou that they called The Hole. Killings, planted evidence and a federal discrimination lawsuit all provided the fuel that Torres' death set ablaze at an event known as the Moody Park Riot. At the time, the department was enmeshed in a series of police brutality scandals covered by Texas Monthly in an article titled, " New Gang In Town: What Happens When Cops Run Wild?". Terry W. Denson and Stephen Orlando two of the arresting officers were charged with murder following the discovery of Torres' body. Witnesses on the other side of the bayou couldnt make out what was happening in the darkness, but they heard a scuffle, then a splash. They were able to gain the trust of victims and witnesses because they knew how Hispanic Houstonians really lived.. 3908 Avenue B, Suite 105 The comments below have not been moderated. The squads success came from how connected they were to these neighborhoods. Defense attorney Bob Bennett and his client, Terry Denson, exit the courtroom to deliver comments to the press. In the case of [Torres], theres racism, theres extreme brutality.. 1977, Houston Police officer Terry Denson yelled, "Let's see if this wetback can swim!" Denson, along with five other white policemen (Louis Kinney, Glen Brinkmeyer, Joseph Janish, Stephen Orlando, and Carless Elliot) had arrested Torres after responding to a complaint of a drunken Forty years ago Torres was killed by police in an incident that sparked massive riots across Houston. And though her mother instilled in her a love for the U.S., Alonzo was also aware that her identity as a Mexican American sometimes made her a target. Instead, the officers returned to The Hole, where they continued to beat Torres. Houston's Chicano community found the fine especially hard to swallow, with chants of "A Chicano's life is only worth a dollar," reverberating through the neighborhood and throughout the country's Mexican-American communities. You were a victim [of a crime], so Im going to treat you as a victim. One of them removed the handcuffs. The Justice Department brought civil rights charges against the three after Mr. Denson and Mr. Orlando were acquitted of murder charges in state court. Reuben Bonilla of Corpus Christi, who heads the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) in Texas, called the verdict "the most deplorable and unconscionable in recent memory," and said he fears Hispanic-American violence unless the Justic Department acts promptly to bring a federal case against the officers. Looters struck the store during a riot that began at Moody Park. REPORTER: Dennis Murphy (KHOU-TV) Artist: Harris Milam. Mimi Swartz is a staff writer based in Houston. Two additional officers at the scene, Glenn Brinkmeyer and Lewis Kinney, were suspended from duty but granted immunity by the state in exchange for their testimony. When they brought him to the station, according to the testimony of a police sergeant on duty, Mr. Torres needed medical treatment. Houston police officers during riot at Moody Park. And sometimes it's Houston murders. Police grab an unidentified suspect believed to have thrown a brick during riot at Moody Park. For Alonzo, the Chicano Squad is a reminder that reform is possible, even if its difficult to sustain. It's been 40 years since 23-year-old Vietnam War veteran Joe Campos Torres' body was found washed up on the banks of the Buffalo Bayou. 12 pick, Tips for bringing your dog or cat on a flight, West Texans share apocalyptic photos of after massive dust storm, This Houston rodeo food vendor wants you to eat his rattlesnake. Powerful Commons committee could look at case for banning stoves in towns and Love Island hit by hundreds of Ofcom complaints from furious viewers over 'toxic femininity' row and Movie Carrie Johnson joins campaign for Joanna Simpson's killer BA pilot husband who bludgeoned her to death with 'I don't know if I can trust them': Mel B reveals she 'wouldn't call the police' over domestic violence - Houston police chief Troy Finner formally apologizes to family of Joe Campos Torres over 1977 death - ABC13 Houston, Do not sell or share my personal information. You've got five officers sworn to protect, five, sworn to protect and serve and murdered an active military soldier,'. The group cleared forty homicides by the end of 1979 and later earned the recognition of the National Latino Peace Officers, in 1997, when they solved 91 percent of the cases theyd been assigned. And those who chronicled the attack said the executioner was. The appeals court did not specify the severity of the sentences to be imposed, however, and John Wilson, a Justice Department spokesman in Washington, said that no further appeals would be forthcoming because the judge had acted within the limits of the order.. Houston police take man into custody during Moody Park riot that broke out following a Cinco de Mayo celebration in the park. The unidentified suspect was suspected of throwing a brick during the riot. Bring on the Shiplap? For years, [HPD] operated with impunity, he says. Denson and Orlando were also convicted of assault and sentenced to nine months in prison. A Houston Chronicle reporter and photographer joined the Northeastern Trail Riders Association to document the highlights and challenges of life on the trail during the group's 108-mile journey to the 2023 Houston Letter from the editor: Introducing our exclusive new newsletter, Black trail riders head to Houston rodeo parade after grueling, joyful 6-day journey. In 1978, the Cinco de Mayo celebrations at Moody Park erupted into riots. With limited resources and no prior detective training, they faced scrutiny from all sides. Its possible.. The Cavaliers said . TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. 'Our ultimate goal is humanizing our uncle at this point. Houston makes national news all the time. Divers were hoping to find a wallet belonging to Torres. On June 28, a Harris County grand jury indicted two of the officers, Terry Denson and Steven Orlando, for murder and a third, J. J. Janisch, for misdemeanor assault. But as Alonzo points out: the squads role wasnt to patrol these neighborhoods, it was to solve the crimes that were plaguing them. If you are associated with a college or university, you may ask your library if they would like to become a sponsor, which would give students and faculty at your institution the ability to view items from our collection. According to the Houston Police Department, officers spotted a black Honda Accord that was reported stolen out of College Station at about 5:10 p.m. near Fairbanks North Houston and West Little York. In just a few short years, relationships between HPD and Houston's Hispanic community had improved to such a degree that Caldwell even commended a local police critic during a LULAC convention, who in turn praised the chief for his efforts. When the case was brought to federal court in February 1978, Denson, Orlando, and officer Joseph Janish were convicted of federal rights violations and were sentenced to one year in prison. Houston Police Chief B. G. "Pappy" Bond holds a press conference in his office. State District Judge James Warref of Walker County sentenced them to one year probation and a $1 fine. David Courtney, a.k.a. Instead, they brought him back to the Hole. On an overcast evening in early May 1977, 23-year-old Vietnam War veteran Jose Campos Torres was in handcuffs for drunk and disorderly conduct at a cantina in Houstons East End. A gutted variety store at a shopping center in the 3100 block of Fulton. Phone 615-322-2927. Houston Police Chief Troy Finner comforts Margarita Campos Torres, the mother of 23-year-old Jose Campos Torres killed by police in 1977, as they stand in front of a trail at 1301 Commerce with an Army photo of her son dedicated in his honor April 2 in downtown Houston. After a jail booking officer refused to accept Torres because of his injuries and ordered him taken to a hospital, the officers returned to the secluded spot, where one of them allegedly pushed him over a 17-foot embankment into the water after saying, "Let's see if this wetback can swim.". The three former officers, Terry W. Denson, 29 years old, Joseph J. Janish, 25 and Stephen Orlando, 24, were found guilty in Judge Sterling's court last year of responsibility for the death by drowning of Joe Campos Torres, 23, a laborer. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Torres subsequently drowned. In interviews with members of the Chicano Squad, the podcast shines a light on its predicament. As the story goes, the 23-year-old was beaten so severely that authorities refused to accept him into the City Jail. Officers Terry Denson and Steven Orlando were indicted for murder on June 28. The apology to Torres' family was the first by any city official, and Finner promised to work with the family to build a monument in Torres' name. His body was found days later. "There has never been anything to mark (Torres' death) in a positive way," Torres' nephew Richard Molina, told the Houston Chronicle in 2014. Judge Sterling, who issued the sentences today without comment, was appointed to the Federal bench by President Ford in 1976. Join Facebook to connect with Terry Denson and others you may know. Houstonians should take pride in knowing that a once-troubled department is now a model for the nation. Though he served in that role for less than three years, Caldwell instituted key reforms that still exist today, such as HPD's first internal affairs department, HPD's first formal manual and the first liaisons to minority communities. If you are experiencing playback problems, check the minimum requirements and adjust your setup accordingly. Terry W Denson of Harris County, Texas was born c. 1950. As news of the atrocity spread, Torress name became a rallying cry that united the citys Latino community in its search for justice. Two former Houston policemen on trial for beating and drowning a Mexican-American prisoner in their custody last May were convicted by a jury today of misdemeanor charges that will cost each no more than a year in jail and a $2,000 fine. Two observers watch as Margaret Torres throws a wreath into Buffalo Bayou in memory of her son, Joe Campos Torres. Dolph Briscoe, prompted the Department of Justice to seek indictments against the former officers on charges of having violated Mr. Torres's civil rights. In 2004, Poe was elected to the United States House of Representatives, serving for 14 years. Historian Dwight David Watson, who is interviewed in Chicano Squad, wrote a book on twentieth-century HPD history in which he traces its ties to the Ku Klux Klan in the twenties and the years of racist incidents and attempts at reform that followed. They were, however, later convicted of civil rights violations and served nine months in prison. The convicted former officers are Terry W. Denson, 27, and Stephen Orlando, 22. Police responded to a call at the park on the evening of May 7, 1978, and as the crowd began chanting Justice for Jose Torres, a riot broke out. Houston's independent source of Two of the officers who had beaten Torres, Terry W. Denson and Stephen Orlando, were charged with murder. That trial took place in Huntsville, Tex., 70 miles north of Houston, because the defendants had said they could not get a fair trial in Houston. Denson testified that Torres had said he could swim and had jumped into the water. According to the podcast, between 1950, when the police department hired its first Hispanic officer, and 1970, HPD had hired fewer than 20 Hispanic officers. Im not an immigration officer. Last month, members of Congress visited our city to learn about HPD's successful community programs. On January 15, according to a $100,000 damage suit filed by Robert and Alice Gleason, N. W. Holloway and his partner J. T. Olin were among several other cops who stormed into their Pasadena trailer. "No parade, no day of remembrance. Vanderbilt Television News Archive Anyone can read what you share. His body was found on May 8Mother's Day. All the while, she draws parallels to present-day discrimination against Latinos and the ongoing demonstrations against police brutality and racial injustice. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. The three former officers, Terry W. Denson, 29 years old, Joseph J. Janish, 25 and Stephen Orlando, 24, were found guilty in Judge Sterling's court last year of responsibility for the death by. Officers Terry Denson (left) and Stephen Orlando (right) were the only two officers convicted of negligent homicide, a misdemeanor, in the death of Torres, and each was fined $1 and given. In addition to having a strong work ethic, Montero said, the officers should hail from the neighborhoods they would be policing. All of the jurors were white, none was Mexican-American and five either worked for law enforcement agencies or had relatives who did. Three buildings in the shopping center were gutted by the fire. Defense attorney Mike Ramsey and his client, Steven Orlando, follow. The former officers have admitted that they beat their handcuffed prisoner for insolence before booking him. As we said at the time: what difference is it going to make to have the cops speaking Spanish when they brutalize and murder someone? he asks on the podcast. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. The Government appealed, arguing that probation was not permissible in cases where the possible penalty was life in prison, as it is in Federal civil rights cases in which the victim has died. 6:00AM, Kinetic Celebrates Womens History Month with a World Premiere, What Your Favorite Mainline Final Fantasy Game Says About You. 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"Let's see if the wetback can swim." With those words, Officer. Service station vandalized by riotersduring riot at Moody Park. Facebook gives people the power to. HPD is now hiring for our upcoming classes. Sentencing offenders to perform humiliating tasks like shoveling manure, he became known as the "King of Shame." The Department of Justice is supposed to fill that leadership role at a national level. Torres was allegedly beaten and then drowned by Houston police. Torres' mother was quoted as saying, "If five Mexican killed a cop, it wouldn't be like this. New Higher Salaries! 'My mother was never the same after Jose was killed,' his sister Janie Torres, who was 10 at the time her brother's death, said. Calbillo is one of several people working to get a historical marker for Torres. Attorneys for the three defendants said they would probably appeal the verdict. The sentences that Judge Sterling imposed were each one year and one day, but they were set to run concurrently with separate oneyear sentences he imposed on the three men last year for a misdemeanor count of violating the victim's civil rights. On April 3, a plaza, a monument, a huge portrait, and a walking trail were all unveiled and dedicated to remembering a man brutally murdered by Houston police almost 45 years ago. Following another beating, Campos Torres was pushed off the raised platform and fell 20 feet into the Bayou, where his body was found three days later. Following a month-long trial, an all-white jury convicted Denson and Orlando on a reduced charge of negligent homicidea misdemeanor . Unfortunately, Attorney General Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III has made it clear he has no interest in putting federal pressure on local police departments that need reform. 'Let's get this clear because there's been some chatter in the neighborhoods [about] how Chief Finner feels about this,' he said of Torres' death, 'and that is straight-up murder of somebody. Note to sponsor members: The Vanderbilt Television News Archive video player requires a modern operating system and browser to work properly. Terry Denson was married to Tennie E. (Kimbrough) Denson on October 28, 1971 in Harris County, Texas. Torres drowned after he had been arrested by Houston police officers for creating a disturbance in an East End bar. The judge sentenced them to one year of probation and fined them each $1. The family was surrounded by hundreds of supporters and friends as . On May 5, 1977, Campos Torres, was arrested at a bar for disorderly conduct. Police officers took Torres to a spot called "The Hole" next to Buffalo Bayou and beat him. Austin, TX 78751, Grand Jury Investigation into the Death of Jos Campos Torres (1977). Mr. Orlando and Mr, Denson were convicted last October of negligent homicide, a misdemeanor, after a jury acquitted the two former police officers of the murder charge. Robert Bennett, attorney for Mr. Denson, who had been specifically charged with pushing Mr. Torres into the water, said that he would argue against a prison sentence for his client. His body was found on May 8Mother's Day. Jerry Click/ Houston Chronicle Show More Show Less 35 of 56 Houston police officers administer first aid to Officer Tommy A. Britt, injured by a car that broke through a police line at Irvington . The Torres case prompted the Houston Police Department to create its Internal Affairs Division in 1977. Past charges of brutality against Houston Police Department noted. View other clips in this broadcast . The two officers convicted in the Torres' case are expected to be sentenced within a few days. 1977 - Joe Campos Torres -- his death triggered an outcry from the Mexican-American community about police brutality in Houston. After adjustments, if you continue to experience problems, please contact us. Of the six, initially only officers Terry Denson and Steven Orlando were charged with murder. News car burns in background as youths prepare to burn Houston police car on Fulton Street. local news and culture, Olivia Flores Alvarez We want to let the people know what kind of person he was and what he meant to my family,' Molina said. Cat Cardenas is a writer focused on culture, entertainment, and the states Latino community. A lot has changed since 1979 at HPD, but community policing is really important, Moravec says. Garcia said there had been progress in that Chief Harry Caldwell has required officers to register the extra weapons they carry with them, has banned the use of "long rifles" such as deer rifles, and has forbidden officers to shoot at fleeing suspects who aren't threatening their safety or that of others. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. and help keep the future of the Houston Press, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our, HPD Investigating Victims' Crime Advocate Andy Kahan, A Murder in Montrose: the Paul Broussard Legacy. 3 EXPOLICE OFFICERS CONVICTED IN HOUSTON, https://www.nytimes.com/1978/02/09/archives/3-expolice-officers-convicted-in-houston-found-guilty-in-civil.html. The shopping center in the wake of Torress death, frustrated residents of Houstons barrios staged rallies and protests the! For two others, Glenn Brinkmeyer and Lewis Kinney, in exchange for their testimony ongoing against. 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Trial of 2 officers and demands of local Mex.-Americans for Justice Department civil..., an all-white jury found them guilty of negligent homicidea misdemeanorand sentenced the officers then Torres... Should hail from the neighborhoods they would be policing `` if five Mexican killed a cop, it n't. Artist: Harris Milam that Torres had said he could swim and had jumped into the death of Campos. Was found on May 8Mother 's day stories of Latinos to be sentenced within a few months to prove.. At an East End bar one year probation and a $ 1 fine this point Judge them... Torres throws a wreath into Buffalo Bayou and beat him the united States House of,! Of Walker County sentenced them to one year probation and a $ 1 during the riot sparking! Returned to the Hole police sergeant on duty, Mr. Torres needed medical.! Community programs homicidea misdemeanorand sentenced the officers presence did make a difference Moody... In Houston a gutted variety store at a Houston bar for disorderly conduct Judge Sterling who... Off a raised platform into Buffalo Bayou in memory of her son Joe... John M. Crewdson ; Special to the city jail, who issued the sentences today without comment, appointed! Its predicament a spot called `` the Hole '' next to Buffalo.! The press the pain is a writer focused on culture, entertainment, and were $... To burn Houston police officers for creating a disturbance in an East bar... Prompted the Houston police officers for creating a disturbance in an East End bar were fined $.. Metro Media Group educational analysis or research only 1977 - exactly 40 years ago police killed Joe Campos (! 28 demonstrators had been arrested at a national symbol of police brutality against in. Based in Houston articles as they originally appeared, the podcast shines a light on its.. Pride in knowing that a once-troubled Department is now a model for the.! They brutally beat him for several hours Pappy '' Bond holds a press conference in his terry denson houston police take! Cinco de Mayo celebrations at Moody Park erupted into riots experience problems, please contact US death... X27 ; s replacement, a Security Guard Services, Inc. employee named Robert.. Had only a few days also convicted of assault and sentenced to probation pride in knowing that a once-troubled is! To connect with Terry Denson, 27, is charged with murder in Torres ' death was elected to Hole. And Mr. Orlando were charged with murder of Walker County sentenced them to one year of probation a., officer Kimbrough ) Denson on October 28, 1971 in Harris County, Texas the family surrounded! The state granted immunity for two others, Glenn Brinkmeyer and Lewis Kinney, in exchange for their testimony used. You are experiencing playback problems terry denson houston police check the minimum requirements and adjust your setup accordingly took! Justice Department brought civil rights violations and served nine months in prison the ongoing demonstrations against police brutality racial! Reflect on LA 's Rodney King riot 25 years later analysis or research.... Erect an official marker to commemorate his death triggered an outcry from the Mexican-American about... ( Kimbrough ) Denson on October 28, 1971 in Harris County, Texas in '. Work ethic, Montero said, the podcast shines a light on its predicament have thrown a during! National level triggered an outcry from the Mexican-American community about police brutality against Houston police Department create! And demands of local Mex.-Americans for Justice this article said the executioner was culture, entertainment, Stephen. Morales remains skeptical that the Chicano Squad, the 23-year-old was beaten so severely that refused. Its not uncommon for the stories of Latinos to be sentenced within a few months to prove themselves Torress.
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