A graphic video showing a Manteca police officer firing 11 bullets into the body of a parolee has unleashed a heated controversy in the Central California town following the video’s release by attorneys for the man’s family. [San Francisco Chronicle, see the video]
Ernesto Duenez, 34, was being taken into custody for alleged domestic abuse, and reportedly exited his pickup truck with a small knife in his hands. The video was captured by a recorder in Officer James Moody’s vehicle, and showed the entire incident. Moody called out several times for the man to drop the knife before opening fire. A knife was later found in his truck.
Duenez’s family has filed a wrongful lawsuit against the city and police department. Moody fired 13 shots in 4.3 seconds, hitting Duenez 11 times. Entry wounds can be seen entering his back as he rolled on the ground. Duenez’s attorney said the man made no threatening moves.
The day before the video was released publicly, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s office cleared Moody of any wrongdoing.
