Thread: FBI investigates possible excessive force in teen shooting

FBI investigates possible excessive force in fatal shooting of Mexican teen by Border Patrol
By Olivia Torres, AP
June 11th, 2010

FBI opens civil rights probe into border shooting

EL PASO, Texas — The FBI has opened a civil rights probe against a Border Patrol agent who shot and killed a 15-year-old Mexican boy at the boundary with Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, a U.S. official told The Associated Press on Friday.

Mexican prosecutors, meanwhile, are investigating the case as a homicide, raising the possibility that the agent could also face charges in Mexico, although it is unlikely the U.S. would agree to extradite him.

The Border Patrol agent was trying to arrest illegal immigrants running into the United States on Monday when he fired his weapon from the U.S. side into Mexico, where people were throwing rocks toward him. A bullet killed 15-year-old Sergio Adrian Hernandez Huereka, who died in Mexican territory. It is still unclear whether Hernandez was throwing rocks.

The FBI formally added the civil rights element to its broader investigation into the alleged assault on the Border Patrol agent, said the official who was familiar with investigation, but was not authorized to speak on the subject and so spoke only on condition of anonymity.

A civil rights probe investigates allegations of abuse by any U.S. law enforcement officer. If investigators determine the Border Patrol agent shot Hernandez without justification, he could be found to have violated Hernandez’s civil rights, which is a crime. The fate of the agent could range from being cleared of all wrongdoing to a charge of homicide.

Prosecutors in the Mexican border state of Chihuahua have concluded Hernandez’s death was an intentional homicide and charges should be filed against the perpetrator, said Alejandro Parientes, the regional state deputy attorney general. However, state authorities have turned the case over to the federal prosecutors for further investigation and a final decision. The federal Attorney General’s Office said there would be no public comment while the investigation continues.

Parientes said his investigation concluded the agent fired his weapon from the U.S. side of the border, but because Hernandez died on the Mexican side, Mexican courts have jurisdiction.

“The homicide had its consequences in Mexican territory,â€

Here we go. Blame game again. It is always the Americans fault.........They can read anything they want to read into it. Just as long as it DOES NOT offend the Mexicans.

Oh, the FBI will investigate this incident where the video shows the agent firing after having rocks thrown at him, but didn't see a need to investigate the Joe Horn case where 2 burglars were shot in the back while trying to get away with property? They're kissing Mexico's butt to the point of rimming...