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Notes are printed on a photo during a celebration of life service for Erik Scott on July 17.
By Jackie Valley (contact) 
Published Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010 | 8:37 a.m.
Updated Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010 | 1:36 p.m.
Related Document (.pdf)
Sun Archives
- Inquest into police shooting to be broadcast on cable TV (9-7-2010)
- Inquest set for Sept. 22 in police Costco shooting (8-12-2010)
- Metro mails Costco customers to find witnesses in police shooting (8-18-2010)
- Candlelight vigil held in memory of man killed by Metro Police (8-11-2010)
- Planning for a situation like recent Costco shooting not easy for police (7-19-2010)
- Man killed by police in Costco shooting honored at memorial (7-17-2010)
- Metro IDs officers in fatal shooting at Summerlin Costco (7-12-2010)
- Officers fatally shoot armed man at Summerlin Costco (7-10-10)
The attorney representing the family of Erik Scott, who was shot and killed by Metro officers in July, has filed a motion requesting that Scott's family be able to view evidence before the inquest Sept. 22.
In the motion filed with the Clark County coroner, district attorney and judge on Wednesday, attorney Ross Goodman said the Scott family should be allowed to attend a pre-inquest hearing and preview all evidence so they can submit meaningful questions, which would be addressed during the inquest.
"The inclusion of the family during the pre-inquest process substantially enhances public perception that the family is provided an opportunity to equally digest the evidence in advance of the inquest in order to meaningfully prepare written questions," the motion states.
In doing so, Goodman said the family also should be allowed to inspect a hard drive and back-up drive that allegedly contains video surveillance from inside the Summerlin Costco on July 10, the day of the shooting.
The motion also asks that the inquest jurors receive "accurate and complete jury instructions," a point of controversy in the previous inquest in a June 11 officer-involved shooting that killed 21-year-old Trevon Bertwane Cole at his home.
After the Cole inquest ended Aug. 22, which determined a Metro officer was justified in shooting Cole, opponents argued the inquest process doesn't clearly instruct jury members about the meaning of the three possible rulings — justifiable, excusable or criminal.
In the motion, Goodman said that during the Cole inquest "The jury was instructed that 'homicide that is not justifiable or excusable, as defined in these instructions, is a killing by criminal means' without defining 'criminal means.'"
Before the inquest, the jury should be given a definition of "criminal means," according to the motion.
Goodman said Metro's unwillingness to release any evidence to the family so far and the outcome of the Cole inquest prompted him to file the motion, which is the first of its kind.
"I thought it was critical to try and get the judge to order something, which no one should have a problem with — which is letting the family see evidence," he said Thursday.
The coroner's office, district attorney and presiding Judge Tony Abbatangelo all have acknowledged receiving the motion, Goodman said, but it's unclear how they will proceed.
Even so, Goodman said he is optimistic the judge will grant his request.
"I didn't waste my time doing this motion," he said. "It's permissible."
Goodman, who called the inquest system a "one-sided process," said the root of the problem is that the district attorney can control the case by choosing which witnesses will attend and what portions of their witness statements and recordings to introduce to the jury.
Given that the district attorney is intended to be a "neutral presenter of the facts," Goodman said: "If that's the job, why should they have a problem disclosing evidence to the family?"
"The mutual disclosure will also serve as a check and balance mechanism to ensure that the prosecutor is acting as a 'neutral presenter of the facts,'" Goodman said in the motion.
That way, the family can think of meaningful questions after digesting the evidence rather than being forced to submit questions on the spot during the inquest, Goodman said.
The inquest, which will determine whether the officers were justified in shooting Scott, will begin at 9 a.m. Sept. 22 and could continue through Sept. 24 at the Regional Justice Center, according to the coroner's office. County commissioners decided this week the inquest will be shown on the county's TV channel, Cox Channel 4.
Scott was killed July 10 after authorities say he pointed a gun at an officer, prompting three officers to shoot him. Some witness accounts have contradicted Metro's version of events.
I remember everyone was up in arms about the Henderson "ice cream lady" shooting. All of sudden people came out of the woodworks claiming to have witnessed the shooting saying the woman didn't even have a knife. Well that was proven horribly wrong on so many levels. Even the kids that were with her said that mommy held a knife to their throat.
I am willing to bet that half of these people at Costco didn't see the incident, but rather looked after they heard gunshots. Not to mention if Metro is making this whole thing up where did they find these people that claim to have seen the weapon. Did they just pull them out of thin air. Did they go around Costco with money saying "claim there was a gun and you can have some money"? I am willing to be that everyone will be silenced after the inquest.
And does anyone honestly believe that those Metro Officers woke up that morning saying, "God I hope I get to kill someone today." From what I could tell from the radio tapes they responded, and acted according to the book.
For those who think the inquest is a sham and think Officers should get cross examined. I would be okay with that if everyone else also had to do the same in every self defense case. That is tosay if you kill someone for trying to stab you, better get a good defense attorney because you're going to trial.
Easy prediction: Request denied!
I want to see, why he was carrying a gun into the store, I shop at. In my opinion, he was not in a good mind frame. He was irresponsible to the community, around himself.
I truly feel sorry for both sides in this case,I don't think this is a crimnal case,but i don't think this guy pointed a gun at anyone,i think these officers were afraid for the public and went to extreme when he was shot so many times.if your close enough to tap him on the shoulder he should have been taken down another way.It does seem there is a shoot to kill mentality with this police department.They don't seem to want to negotiate.
There is a big differencer between an "ice cream lady" and a "West Point Graduate". What does one inquest from two different law enforcement agencies have to do with each other? A: Nothing. Keep in mind how many graduate from West Point every year, about 1000. There might be 10 in the whole valley. I was not there to witness this, but it really does not make sense. Here are the questions I ask myself: Why would someone who is highly skilled in combat point his weapon at officers and not squeeze off a couple rounds? This guy had much more training than these officers have combined. He has a great job, a family, no financial problems, no history of mental problems, he's shopping with his wife, he has a permit to carry (full background check), and tons of friends. Why does Los Angeles, a city of almost 9 million have 1/4 the amount of police firing their service weapons? Something is just not right here, it just does not smell right. These cops are most likely good guys but not sure about their training. Things need to change in Vegas and Henderson. There is nothing worse to hear on the news than a child or cop getting killed, we need to train our officers better. We all make mistakes, this sounds like this one could be a mistake.
lp - Are you for real? He was carrying because he had a permit to carry! Only a fool takes the time to qualify for a carry permit and then NOT use it. Witnesses reported that he DID NOT have a weapon in his hands and that police were barking conflicting orders at him. Mr. Scott was not a Sheep, he was prepared to defend himself if necessary. Some people "lp" actually believe that random violence can not occur once he is in his store of choice. Wake Up, violence rears its ugly head whenever and wherever it wants to including schools, military bases, hospitals, police stations, courts and yes even stores like Costco. Shooting Mr. Scott in the back 5 times as he lay dying on the ground is no way to deal with a customer shopping at Costco. We need more people like Mr. Scott and less like the officers that handled this call. RIP Erik Scott.
DENNIS: Where are you getting your information. From what I have gathered, he did not have a "great job"; he was a medical supply delievery man after losing tons of money in the real estate crash. Most West Point Graduates are executives or high ranking government officials. This guy has a criminal record and his own neighbor filed a police report saying he point a gun at him! He was demoted in West Point and served TWO out of SIX years he was suppose to serve in the Army. He has TWO domestic violence charges against him, one a felony. He beat up his own wives! Come on Dennis. You need to start seeing past the pretty pictures his family is trying to paint. I bet when the report comes back, he was high on drugs too judging by the initial reports received by 911. And LAPD has WAY more shootings than Las Vegas...it is like an everyday occurance. Metro has had three more shootings this year than last year. It was not a big deal last year right? Why is that? Because now an educated white person was shot. That does not mean he cannot make the same poor judgement call as anyone else. Okay, so NOW police shootings are a concern. Several witnesses have said he pointed a gun at the cops. Metro has said he pointed a gun at the cops. LVMPD reacts to what people are doing. No officer wants to shoot anyone, however, it is part of being a cop and part of protecting the community. Sept. 22nd is around the corner and hopefully you will regain your trust in your police department.
Don't bother replying because I am not going to come back and read it. I am board with this stupid story.
The City of Henderson settled for $700,000 to the family of Deshira Selimaj and the officer who shot her is no longer with the Henderson PD.
In order to compare the officers shooting Erik Scott as self defense there has to be proof that Erik Scott pointed a gun at the Officers and indicated he was going to kill them. So far no indication of that.
I trust AIG with my investment money more than I trust this out of control group of uniformed thugs! Let's not let our city turn into a police state where police cover-ups and corruption run rampant! DEMAND ANSWERS! DEMAND POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY! DEMAND A REVISED CORONER'S INQUEST PROCESS with increased transparency for the victim's families and the general public!
Here's a good read taken from another forum. http://www.lvrj.com/news/police-actions-...
"he was a medical supply delievery(sic) man'
"Don't bother replying because I am not going to come back and read it. I am board with this stupid story."
Icare2009 --Your actually mean that you're done making up stuff for today.
Icare2009...your information is incorrect...you are either lying or you made a mistake...as you stated, we agree - please don't return...
@Icare2009....you state "Don't bother replying because I am not going to come back and read it. I am board with this stupid story."
...I wonder if you would be bored with this stupid story if it was one of your kids who was murdered in cold blood?! I happen to have three kids of my own and I certainly don't want them to suffer a similiar fate by a squad of trigger-happy executioners!
...by the way, as a side note we all might want to be careful when shopping at Costco. If you don't like a product at the store just HANG ON TO IT!!! Given their recent methods of dealing with unhappy customers I imagine that their product RETURNS line is probably pretty short about now!
Sometime in the early 22nd century, 2111 maybe, the Metro Police Department will have outlived this bad reputation that they achieved. Many many sheriffs will have to see to it that they alter their quick triggers.
If I were the CEO of Costco I would vacate that property NOW. Take a blade to the building and put up a shrine to all Metro victims.
Why do the Scotties backers not respond to Beatthewolfpacks post?
Doesn't it fit their one track minds?
And I wonder how many of the points that the family feels would be favorable to their take on the Costco shooting would get 'leaked' before the inquest?
I'll bite. The only news outlet, I have seen report the story is KLAS TV. I have not seen the story in any of the other outlets. Possibly, becasue those outlets are not buying into the tactic of Character Assination.
What bothers me most about this case is that Metro has released part of the 911 tapes that seem to help their story but refuse to release the whole recordings before the inquest. Metro has changed their story about tapping Scott on the shoulder before shooting him. Metro has refused to give out any information about the store tapes and why it took them almost a week to get them from Costco. Now Metro feels that it is ok to somehow get sealed documents about a persons past and use them in s smear campain.
Scott was not charged with pointing a gun at anyone in the dog compliant. If you read the story it says that a dog attacked him and he pulled his gun and pointed it at the dog. In the owners own words he said that he was having trouble restaining his dog from further attacking Scott. Seems like Scott showed fantastic restraint and mental awarness in the situation to not shoot the dog. Perhaps Scott should have hidden in ambush and jumped out at the dog and shot it in the chest 3 times and then after it lay on the ground in convultions, pumped five more in its back.Oops, sorry, only Metro can do that. If you look at every Metro police car you will see a big computer screen setting on the front dash. They drive around all day and punch in license numbers and get complete criminal records of people as they drive by. Do you think thats it alright to pull someone over and shoot them for something they may have done ten or twenty years in their past and say see, I was justifiable because he did something twenty years ago so therefore he must be quilty. As in the Cole case, they can shoot the wrong person(perhaps driving some elses car) and get away with murder.
Chunky says:
What makes this family feel entitled to view the evidence prior to anyone else? So they can prepare a press release and talking points?
Chunky doesn't see why this is even being aired but it is and the family needs to suck it up since they were the ones who stirred this hornets nest.
Mr. Scott started this event and now the rest of us have to endure and pay for it with our tax dollars!
That's what Chunky thinks!
Tanker says: If he had survived and was facing a criminal trial, he and his lawyer would be entitled to view all the evidence before trial, have lists of witnesses and interview them before trail, present evidence on his own behalf, and present and cross-examine witnesses. If that was not provided to him and his attorney, the DA could face legal issues of his own. It's called the Bill of Rights and the US Constitution. You should read it some time.
If you think the cost of the Inquest is bad, just wait until you see the bill for the wrongful death suits on this case, the Cole case, the Carrillo case, et al.
That's what Tanker thinks!!!
...@ls1, you brought up some brilliant points! I sincerely hope that this case (and the Cole case) result(s) in some lasting positive changes to our law enforcement community. The first thing that we need to do is get Doug Gillespie out of office--this guy is obviously not commanding the respect of his officers. Secondly we need to implement new police training methods that teach the officers how to MINIMIZE the use of lethal force by de-escalating situations when they arise (...maybe setting up mock senarios...just an idea...). And lastly, we need to require MANDATORY outside oversite/investigation when an officer does in fact use lethal force. There are times when use of lethal force is justified, but Metro officers must be aware that when they decide to use it (blow someone's brains out), they had better be prepared to face jail-time themselves. If that is too much to ask, then we need to ask why these individuals were hired in the first place. If it means firing Metro officers then so be it!
Pointed his gun and the dog's owner?! are you kidding me!...neighbor said he pointed the gun at the dog...NOT AT THE OWNER?.... see guys...by the end of the week..the posts will say he pointed the gun at the neighbor's son and then got in his car and did donuts on the street with the gun in the air...GIVE ME A BREAK!
Hey, Tanker: Are you and SummerlinCC the same person? I only ask because every time I read EITHER ONE OF YOUR POSTS, all I can see is...
"$$$$$...Exce$$ive use of $$$$$...$$$...thug$ with badge$...$$$ Judge, Jury, and Execu$$$$$$$$...cop$$$ out of control$$$$...I love meth-head$!$$$$$...Tweakers need love, too!$$$$$$$$$$...".
How much do (either of) you stand to lo$e (when) the Scott shooting comes back JUSTIFIED!?
I became a big fan of this Costco shooting when I learned of it hours after the news. Over the next several weeks, I was convinced that this was a tragic result of an irresponsible Costco employee. Cops had the adrenalin going and Scott was startled and made a bad move that resulted in his death.
In light of these new facts, I now know exactly what happened. Erik Scott had a substantial mental illness, possibly a severe personality disorder. And no one was going to tell him what to do. Insolent wives get beatings, neighbors and their pets are threatened with their lives. He had gotten away with crimes for so long, he thought he was untouchable.
People try to defend him by saying, "He was a West Point grad! He got his MBA from Duke! He sold life-saving pacemakers!" Those were all just a cover for the horrific evil that lived inside his sick mind. We know the real Erik Scott now.
Erik Scott ran into 3 heroic Metro officers that day. 3 officers that were not intimidated by his violent and brutal actions. Erik Scott did draw his weapon (or tried to). He was outmanned and outgunned. And now he burns in hell. He just got there sooner, rather than later.
@loyal employee. No we are not the same individual. My background is very diverse. I am a West Point graduate and retired Army officer. I have worked as a city manager supervising among other government agencies a police department, and understand how liability for police and other departmental actions impacts the budget process. I tend to look and think about things long term, not short term. I have looked at the actions of Metro and the recent streak of Officer involved shootings, and other actions, and quite frankly the reckless and careless actions of some officers concern me. I am currently employed for one of the major employers in Las Vegas.
I have never said that Trevon Cole should have gone unpunished, what I have repeatedly said is that the crimes that he committed didn't warrant the death penalty. I have a problem with officers who try to circumvent the judicial process and deprive any person of the rights guaranteed to them by the US Constitution as well as the Nevada State Constitution. The US is built on a system of laws that respect the rights of the individual and take a dim view of the actions that deprive a person of those rights. The coroner's inquest is a process that tramples on the rights of the individual. If the deceased had survived and gone to trial, they would have the right to see all of the evidence before trial, the right to cross examine witnesses, the right to present witnesses and evidence in their behalf. In fact, if that information is not furnished prior to trail, there can be severe sanctions. Because they died, they or their family lose those rights?
I have no financial interest in whatever happens, other than the fact I happen to live in Clark County and any judgements come from my pocket as well as yours. Why don't you check out the system NYC has to investigate OIS. They have a separate agency that investigates all complaints against the police and recommends appropriate sanctions. They track complaints against officers and if it appears that there may be a problem, it can be addressed. Officer Yant--10 years with Metro, 3 shootings, 2 fatal, Richard Travis Brown Nov 2001, Trevon Cole May 2010. Officer William Mosher--5 years service with Metro, 2 shootings, both fatal Aaron Jones April 2006, Erik Scott July 2010. Ubbens and Carpenter causing fatal accident May 2010. No Metro doesn't have any problems at all. How much has been paid in damages for shootings found "justified" by the Inquest?
This is a thinly disguised attempt to taint the jury pool. First we had billboards, then adds in California what's next a television commercial? If Metro gave the family lawyer access to information it would be leaked to the paper the next day along with witness rebutals. Its hard to accept that sometimes good people do bad things. Lets see what the findings of the inquest are and then make a judgement.
@Wolf pack. I have seen the reports on KLAS TV and am disappointed that some of the documents that the station posted are incomplete. The issue is not what happened in the past, but what happened on July 10, 2010. The actions of all the major parties need to be examined beginning with the Costco employee who made the inital report to the actions of the officers, the actions of Erik Scott, and what happened to valuable evidence (the corrupted video tapes from inside and outside Costco.) If these are the only three instances of "dirt" that Metro can dig up to attempt to destroy the character of an individual, I think that every one of us can think of similar instances in our lives that did not reflect us as we would wish to be remembered. It has been reported that within a week of the shooting, Metro detectives visited Scott's first wife, who had remarried, at her home in an attempt to find "dirt". I have several other questions, why is only one of the many local media outlets reporting this story? Could it be because they don't want to or maybe they don't think that this information is revelant to the Inquest or that it smacks of yellow journalism. Would you like to comment on the events of May 14, 2009 around 830 pm at the Sheriffs home, when shots were fired and 911 was called. All reports have disappeared, but there is a gap in the log sequence numbers. There are rumors of a story about those events being ready to be published, phone calls made and story killed. Reporter eventually fired and leaves town. If you read the discussion threads in your link, that information is posted. Those events occured well before the current election cycle, so not sure there is any political motivation. Any comment?
Tanker1975, there is not once incident in my past that rises to the level of wife beating, threatening another person with a deadly weapon or animal cruelty.
I think most normal people can say the same thing.
Prediction: Motion denied, suit filed in Federal Court and one of two things happens. Federal Judge orders release of all evidence, allows all the requests of family. Or, Federal judge rules Inquest process unconstitutional, and throws it out completely.
@ImNewHere. Did you read all the documents in the link? Where does it say anything about animal cruelty? He was bitten by a dog and pointed a gun at the dog, and cursed at the owner. I see people walking every day in my neighborhood carrying ski poles, baseball bats, etc to protect themselves from vicious dogs, and I live in Summerlin. Do you know what happened to the first two pages of the report, and why was the report filed after Animal Control showed up to impound the animal. If I felt threatened, I think that I would have contacted the police much sooner, like right after it happened. Maybe, the dog was of a breed banned by his Condo Association, and he was trying to hide the fact that he had the dog. The statement by his first wife was sealed by a court order in a divorce decree. How did it get out? The charges were dropped. Are you aware that his first wife, who has since remarried, was contacted by Metro detectives within a week of te shooting to try to get dirt on Scott? How many things are said in a nasty divorce and later recanted? What evidence do you have of any abuse of his second wife?
Are you a licensed psychologist? How can you diagnose a "substantial mental illness, possibility severe personility disorder" without talkng to the individual? On what evidence do you base that claim? I know lots of psychologists that would like to learn how you do that?
"The issue is not what happened in the past, but what happened on July 10, 2010."
What happened on July 10 mattered at the moment it happened. At the Inquest, with a civilian "jury" making a decision based upon evidence, the character of the person who died is just as important as the character of the person who pulled the trigger.
It's easy for a normal citizen to behave like an anti-social, but it is nearly impossible for an anti-social to behave as a normal citizen.
Tanker, Tanker, Tanker,
It is YOU who is not reading the article or the documents. At no point did either abused wife "recant." They just offer no further comments. I know they fear retaliation from Eric Scott's family. If Erik was mean and nasty enough to beat his wives, he learned it from somewhere and he learned it from his family. They're protecting themselves, and the documentation of the domestic violence is now public. His family will go after them and do worse to the ex-wives and I respect them fearing for the families in their new lives without him. I don't agree with it, but I respect it. The truth is coming out and I praise Metro and condemn the Scott family for what they're doing.
I guess pointing a gun in the face of a pet owner and the pet is fine with you. Given the misogyny he was prone to, it's not a stretch to believe his hatred also was directed at animals and other males, too. Normal people do not wave guns at domesticated animals or their owners. Oh, and there's that pesky police report. If you can't see a pattern of abusive and violent behavior here, then maybe you need to get some new eyeglasses, or Lasik or something.
I am not a psychologist. Nor would I ever claim to be one. They are not real doctors, they're more along the lines of therapists. And if you break that word down, it breaks down into, "The Rapists." If you really want to understand and treat mental illness, it takes a psychiatrist. THEY are doctors. They actually went to medical school and everything. So next time you want to discredit me or what I post, maybe you should learn something about mental health.
Erik Scott was a time bomb that was going to go off at any time. Metro defused that bomb before he could go off.
If he can pull a pistol on his neighbor, he can pull one on Metro.
Good shoot, Metro. Glad the 3 officers and everyone else at Costco made it home alive. Tragic for the Metro police officers that had to pull the trigger, but our city is safer because of their bravery. They have to live with that shooting the rest of their lives. And I will be grateful to them for doing a tough job, and doing it well. I hope they will know the city is safer because of them and stay on as defenders of our fine city.
Ignore the malcontents. They just hate Metro because they got busted breaking the law.
Tanker: While I appreciate your reply (though somewhat evasive: "...currently employed for one of the major employers..."? What the hell does THAT mean?!), I still question your motives in defending Wife-Beater Scott/Drug-Dealer Cole/Meth-head Carillo, etc. AT THE EXPENSE OF THOSE OFFICERS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES to scum like those you support.
You say your financial stake is the same as mine, as a citizen of Clark County, and no more. But what was the cost to ALL OF US in incidents such as the slaying of Officer Trevor Nettleton? Why aren't you devoting your considerable attentions to THOSE shootings? Are you also a staunch defender of Thor Cook's rights (who, it appears, will survive his injuries, hence avoiding the need for an inquest)?
Whose side would you have taken in EITHER OF THOSE SHOOTINGS had the roles been reversed; Nettleton lives, his assailants killed, and/or Thor Cook shoots and kills both officers from his door-step because they exercized "restraint" in approaching this dangerous, armed felon.
Seems to me your loyalties are mis-directed at best, and your staunch defense of our society's violent criminals (against those who protect the rest of us FROM them) are absolutely treacherous.
Metro and this case needs an arbrator that is not emotional and see the facts on both sides. That will be hard to find. Metro isn't the greatest here and maybe this boy had flipped. We don't know which way it is. Until all the facts are seen, we will wait but I am concerned of a cover up. I also know that when a good boy is killed, whether he flipped or not, Metro can be seen as bad. So someone has to look carefully on both sides.
The inquest will turn out to be justified. The case will be a civil case againest Costco, who will end up being the main defendant. Costco,will end up having to prove that the employee/employees "acted" properly or "Contain" the situation properly (did they magnify, escalate an incident that otherwise would have had peacfull outcome etc.etc.). Also, Costco, is a deep pocket. Costco will end up paying a huge sum considering that he was relatively young.
@IamNewHere. Here is a story that may give you a different perspective. It was published in the RJ today. Provides more details on the "Wife beating, animal cruelty, and threatening the dog's owner. Think that you may like it. http://www.lvrj.com/news/darker-details-...
You still didn't answer my question. What are your qualifications to make the diagonsis that you made. I have shared my background and experience, lets hear yours, or are you just talking to hear yourself talk?
@ loyal. I would point you to the same article, you might find some interesting revelations about the "wife beating" Scott.http://www.lvrj.com/news/darker-details-come-to-light-102608619.html
I have never said that Cole or Carrillo should be excused from their alleged crimes. They were deprived of the right to defend themselves in a court of law and be tried by a jury of their peers. Our judicial system is based on a presumption of innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and neither one of them got that chance. That is what I am objecting to, no person should be allowed to be the judge jury and executioner.
Each case has to be judged on the individual circumstances of the case, you can't make generalizations and play the what if game. The facts of each case are the facts. Based on the facts of the Cook case, I have no problem with the actions of the responding officers. In fact, I believe one of the officers may have been the same officer who broke off the initial pursuit of Carrillo when he felt it was becoming unsafe on his own initiative.
In the Nettleton case, the circumstances were very different. He had finished his shift, and was off duty when he was confronted in his garage. He exercised the same right under the laws of Nevada that any citizen has. Namely to protect himself by the use of deadly force when he believes his life or the lives of others are endangered. It was clearly a case of a private citizen defending himself as he was entitled to. The private citizen in this case just happened to be an off duty Metro officer. Not even close to the Cole and Scott cases. Metro, with the support of the community, myself included, adjusted his duty status after his death to being on duty so that his family, especially his young children would be eligible for benefits under the Fallen Officer Fund.
From everything that I have read and learned about Officer Nettleton, he was the type of officer I want policing my community. He was intelligent, dedicated, and cared about his community. He had the potential to assume a leadership role in Metro at some point in the future. His loss is indeed a loss for all of us. I wonder what Officer Nettleton would think of the actions of Yant, Ubbens, Carpenter, et al with the lies, the disobedience of orders and trampling of the rights guaranteed under the Constitution which they all swore an oath to preserve and protect. I mourn the loss of OFFICER Trevor Nettleton. He has earned the title and the respect that it entails.
@kuntakente. This incident has piqued my interest and I plan to follow it to conclusion with my praise for Metro and continued disdain for the haters who condemn the Las Vegas' Finest who protect and serve this city.
@Tanker1975. You have to be either high or kidding if you think that RJ's article would change my mind. It only serves to validate my posts on what happened that day. He was also addicted to painkillers and took 'roids?
From the article, "He was never convicted of any crime." Yeah, well for a guy with such credentials, he sure had a lot of brushes with the law. For one man to have so many complaints about abusive and violent behavior, there's a pattern that developed in his life.
The article is a lot of "blah, blah, blah" about what his dad said about Scott. Anyone with critical thinking skills can see through the friends and family claims like used Neutrogena. Of course they're going to come out and make their case for Erik. But they offer no proof, they just say he'd never do that. They just say he was a nice man.
It wasn't that he "picked the wrong girls." It's about him beating the ones he picked.
And since you're an expert on everything, why does a healthy adult male need growth hormone? It doesn't take a member of Mensa to know he was juicing.
Oh yeah, blame the women. Two different women, same experience. It's not them, you misogynist.... It's the criminal who got himself killed.
And as far as the credentials.... this is a message board. I could claim to be a Board Certified Psychiatrist or I could be just a regular person. You'll never prove either. But I do have a long career treating patients and many have a psychiatric illness. And Erik Scott had a mental illness. And an addiction to controlled substances, both anabolic steroids and narcotics.
And your credentials? Please. You're also a West Point grad? Adds nothing to the discussion other than you're loyal to other West Point grads regardless of the crimes they commit.
@ImNewHere...you state,"And as far as the credentials.... this is a message board. I could claim to be a Board Certified Psychiatrist or I could be just a regular person."--well I'm guessing that your part of the damage control team working for Metro. How much is Metro paying you anyway??? Do you work alone and post under different aliases or work with one of your other damage control Metro buddies???
I happen to have known Erik Scott through limited professional business dealings and not only was he great at his job (handling pace-makers) but he was well liked by most in the medical field. That I can vouch for first hand. Also, according to the paper he made something like $17K per month--that's quite a substantial income (and amount of responsibility) for a guy who is supposedly out of control and dangerous.
The truth in my opinion is that you are out to try to post whatever you can to discredit this man's character in hopes that suddenly we the public with go "wow! He deserved to die"...well ImNewHere or KuntaKente or whatever alias you are using now, you are not fooling anyone and Erik Scott's death (as well as several others mentioned) will not be forgotten! RIP ERIK SCOTT!!
...@Tanker, trying to reason with posters on the police payroll is a losing battle. I do however want to commend you on your well thought out replies and meaningful discussion--IT HAS NOT GONE UNNOTICED! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!! Someday soon we will take back our police force and end this litany of corruption and abuse of power!
<Also, according to the paper he made something like $17K per month--that's quite a substantial income (and amount of responsibility) for a guy who is supposedly out of control and dangerous>
What does money have to do with it? He just had the money to fuel his drug habit. And maybe that money made him more arrogant then he should have been (carrying TWO guns? That's says something. It's Vegas, not Afghanistan.) Since when does financial status have anything to do with someone being out of control and dangerous? Poor argument, cop hater Dale5050. And being a West Point Grad also doesn't preclude someone from being out of control and dangerous and doesn't guarantee that person has good character. He was violent towards his women. Right there says a whole hell of a lot.
Posters on the police payroll!!!!! You're an idiot!!
Let me ask you something, Cop Hater Dale - have you ever been a victim of a crime?? Ever have a gun stuck in your face? My guess is NO. Until YOU, the coward that you are, walk in a police officer's footsteps or have been a victim of a serious crime - you know nothing.
Erik Scott, a military washout, demonstrated a pattern of domestic assault and violence with both ex wives, an admitted incident where Scott drew a gun and pointed at his neighbor and dog. Scott was criminally destroying merchandise within Costco and then he failed to get to the ground when has ordered to by Metro. I'd say that Metro did the right thing to protect lives.
<Someday soon we will take back our police force and end this litany of corruption and abuse of power!>
You are so naieve. Or just plain stupid.
Hey Det_Munch...is the Det short for Detective--I thought so.
You state,"Ever have a gun stuck in your face? My guess is NO. Until YOU, the coward that you are, walk in a police officer's footsteps or have been a victim of a serious crime - you know nothing."...that sounds to me like you have experience yourself with guns--why don't you just come out and admit that you are a plant for Metro committed to smearing Erik Scott's name to lower $$$ on a potential settlement.
You're the coward for hiding behind a badge to justify the deaths of potential innocent victims and their families!!! Why don't you just re-enlist in the Army--we could put you to good use over in the Middle East!!
It's very obvious what is going on here. The police are withholding evidence (video tapes, 911 tapes) which prove Mr. Scott was killed without justified cause. In an attempt to protect those of their proud fratenity, they have created a smear campaign against the deceased. Nothing anyone is talking about on here has anything to do with the events which happened resulting in Mr. Scott's death. Any reasonable person understands that. Just release all the video surveillance from Costco, (they have hundreds of millions of dollars of inventory, I assure you they have video survelliance on all the doors, on all the store and all the parking lot), and all the 911 calls and let the truth come out. I must say, it's very interesting to watch this machine in action......
I can hear them now, "wow, we really screwed up on this one, find out everything you can about this guy, and let's drag him through the mud, maybe that will make people think we did a good thing.....but boss, the video....it's OK, we'll call it "unusable", just keep people talking about things that happened years ago, and those brainless civilians will forget there was ever a murder".
RELEASE ALL EVIDENCE A U.S. CITIZEN HAS BEEN SHOT DEAD AND WE DESERVE TO KNOW THE DETAILS.
dale5050, you are a very uninformed person.
You may have known Erik a little through your limited interactions with him, but you don't know him. And you stated he was liked by most in the medical field. The ones that didn't like him saw through his BS or were just scared of him.
No matter what he showed to the public, he was a wife beater and a drug addict. He sucked. Our city is better off without him.
@ImNewHere. At least dale5050 knew him and had a chance to observe him. You are making judgements about him and his mental state based entirely on what you have read in the paper, which is much different than somebody who has had an opportunity to observe him. How would evaluate this person. Medicore artist, served honorably in combat, was wounded, politically active, published author, helped lead his nation out of the Great Depression. What is your esteemed judgement about him. Once you respond, I will give you the rest of the story.
He had a right to carry the gun.... But if you carry a gun (legal or otherwise) you increase your chances of getting hurt or dead because of it.
Cops are power crazed in this town, dont give em an excuse.
Oh, please, Tanker1975....
dale5050 said he knew him through limited professional interactions. He did not really know him. On the surface, Erik Scott seemed like a great guy. It was only recently, we realized what kind of animal he was. A history of violently aggressive behavior and sociopath.
You had to have been drinking to make that last post. No normal person could reasonably make a post like that. Helped lead his nation out of the Great Depression? He was 38. The Great Depression was back in the 1930's and early 1940's. And we haven't seen the Greatest Depression... yet.... and that's coming.
He was a bad guy. He was bad enough that someone had to call the cops on him, and when the cops arrived, he challenged them. And he lost.
End of story.
@ImNewHere. Please forgive me, I should have made this a new paragraph.
Given your great ability to evaluate people without meeting them, can you give us all your opinion of this man. Medicore artist, served honorably in combat, was wounded, politically active, published author, helped to lead his country out of the Great Depression. How would you evaluate the mental state of this individual?
Once you respond, I will tell you the rest of the story.
It's very obvious what is going on here. The police are withholding evidence (video tapes, 911 tapes) which prove Mr. Scott was killed without justified cause. In an attempt to protect those of their proud fratenity, they have created a smear campaign against the deceased. Nothing anyone is talking about on here has anything to do with the events which happened resulting in Mr. Scott's death. Any reasonable person understands that. Just release all the video surveillance from Costco, (they have hundreds of millions of dollars of inventory, I assure you they have video survelliance on all the doors, on all the store and all the parking lot), and all the 911 calls and let the truth come out. I must say, it's very interesting to watch this machine in action......
I can hear them now, "wow, we really screwed up on this one, find out everything you can about this guy, and let's drag him through the mud, maybe that will make people think we did a good thing.....but boss, the video....it's OK, we'll call it "unusable", just keep people talking about things that happened years ago, and those brainless civilians will forget there was ever a murder".
RELEASE ALL EVIDENCE A U.S. CITIZEN HAS BEEN SHOT DEAD AND WE DESERVE TO KNOW THE DETAILS.
@Tanker1975:
I'd say if he's alive today, he's the next Adolf Hitler.
Yeah, calling Tanker out on his silly little game and he runs away.
*crickets*
Game, set, match. You lose, Tanker.
Why is there no option to read all comments for this story, not only those shown as trusted, as is usually the case?