http://www.hawaiinewsnow....ign=buffer

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) -

The city pays up to settle a homicide for which no one was ever charged. The victim was a Nanakuli truck driver who was accidentally suffocated by Honolulu Police officers.

Taxpayers will have to pay $1.4 million to the family of Aaron Torres. He died at the hands of Honolulu police officers while mentally unstable and high on drugs.

In February 2012, attorneys said 37-year-old Aaron Torres was high on cocaine and repeatedly called 911 saying he needed help. When police arrived, Torres was mentally unstable. His wife asked the officers to take him in for treatment. Torres was acting strange and threatening, so the three police officers handcuffed and shackled him, then pinned him down. That's when he suffocated.

"To watch him die right in front of you when they could see he was prone in a dirt driveway with this weight on his body that is fracturing bones, they didn't try to kill him," said Michael Green, attorney for Torres' wife.

The medical examiner said he died from "mechanical asphyxia during police restraint due to or as a consequence of a cocaine induced excited delirium." A contributing factor was his history of chronic cocaine abuse, the report stated. The manner of death was homicide.

"When you have a medical examiner citing the cause of death as homicide and it's at the hands of law enforcement it's not good," said Green.

Torres' wife and sister sued. The reason for such a high payout was because attorneys say he was making about $100,000 a year as a union teamster driving trucks for "Hawaii Five-0."

The city or Honolulu Police Department could not comment.

The three officers are still on the force although not working in the Waianae area. Two are now sergeants.

No charges were filed against them because the prosecutor's office said there was no indication they acted recklessly, especially given Torres' combative actions.

Still the payout was approved by the city council today and the $1.4 million will likely be paid in a lump sum, tax free, later this year.

Police had been called to the Torres house before for psychiatric issues. Torres also had a misdemeanor assault in 2003 and three other misdemeanors for having illegal animals and insects.

The Torres family was seeking $10 million in damages.

[Edited 5/9/14 3:06am]

wildgoldenhoney said:

http://www.hawaiinewsnow....ign=buffer

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) -

The city pays up to settle a homicide for which no one was ever charged. The victim was a Nanakuli truck driver who was accidentally suffocated by Honolulu Police officers.

Taxpayers will have to pay $1.4 million to the family of Aaron Torres. He died at the hands of Honolulu police officers while mentally unstable and high on drugs.

In February 2012, attorneys said 37-year-old Aaron Torres was high on cocaine and repeatedly called 911 saying he needed help. When police arrived, Torres was mentally unstable. His wife asked the officers to take him in for treatment. Torres was acting strange and threatening, so the three police officers handcuffed and shackled him, then pinned him down. That's when he suffocated.

"To watch him die right in front of you when they could see he was prone in a dirt driveway with this weight on his body that is fracturing bones, they didn't try to kill him," said Michael Green, attorney for Torres' wife.

The medical examiner said he died from "mechanical asphyxia during police restraint due to or as a consequence of a cocaine induced excited delirium." A contributing factor was his history of chronic cocaine abuse, the report stated. The manner of death was homicide.

"When you have a medical examiner citing the cause of death as homicide and it's at the hands of law enforcement it's not good," said Green.

Torres' wife and sister sued. The reason for such a high payout was because attorneys say he was making about $100,000 a year as a union teamster driving trucks for "Hawaii Five-0."

The city or Honolulu Police Department could not comment.

The three officers are still on the force although not working in the Waianae area. Two are now sergeants.

No charges were filed against them because the prosecutor's office said there was no indication they acted recklessly, especially given Torres' combative actions.

Still the payout was approved by the city council today and the $1.4 million will likely be paid in a lump sum, tax free, later this year.

Police had been called to the Torres house before for psychiatric issues. Torres also had a misdemeanor assault in 2003 and three other misdemeanors for having illegal animals and insects.

The Torres family was seeking $10 million in damages.

[Edited 5/9/14 3:06am]

I'm sorry for your loss and I hope that you and your family find the peace in your hearts. This is absolutely disgusting how the Prosecutor basically did nothing and the two out of the three cops were given a promotion soon after?!?!?!?! There is a woman in NYC who is facing seven years in prison because she allegedly elbowed an NYPD cop. Yet, cops can lie, steal, deal drugs, run women and a host of other evil things and they seldom get punished. I think there have been multiple innocent people in New Mexico who have been complaining about the dozens of people killed by cops in their town. They are immune from accountability and this is what has made me have less respect for police officers. They are criminals disguised as law abiding servants of the community

SeventeenDayze said:

wildgoldenhoney said:

http://www.hawaiinewsnow....ign=buffer

I'm sorry for your loss and I hope that you and your family find the peace in your hearts. This is absolutely disgusting how the Prosecutor basically did nothing and the two out of the three cops were given a promotion soon after?!?!?!?! There is a woman in NYC who is facing seven years in prison because she allegedly elbowed an NYPD cop. Yet, cops can lie, steal, deal drugs, run women and a host of other evil things and they seldom get punished. I think there have been multiple innocent people in New Mexico who have been complaining about the dozens of people killed by cops in their town. They are immune from accountability and this is what has made me have less respect for police officers. They are criminals disguised as law abiding servants of the community

Thank you. His wife and his parents took it really hard, but they're much better now.

I heard about this in the news recently, that's terrible. Saw the video where they shot the man who was standing there on the mountainside. Sad. And crazy.

My sister and I was talking about this the other night and thought they should have gone after the police and forget about the money. On the death certificate it does say it was 'homicide', couldn't they have made this a criminal case?

[Edited 5/10/14 2:33am]

wildgoldenhoney said:

SeventeenDayze said:

I'm sorry for your loss and I hope that you and your family find the peace in your hearts. This is absolutely disgusting how the Prosecutor basically did nothing and the two out of the three cops were given a promotion soon after?!?!?!?! There is a woman in NYC who is facing seven years in prison because she allegedly elbowed an NYPD cop. Yet, cops can lie, steal, deal drugs, run women and a host of other evil things and they seldom get punished. I think there have been multiple innocent people in New Mexico who have been complaining about the dozens of people killed by cops in their town. They are immune from accountability and this is what has made me have less respect for police officers. They are criminals disguised as law abiding servants of the community

Thank you. His wife and his parents took it really hard, but they're much better now.

I heard about this in the news recently, that's terrible. Saw the video where they shot the man who was standing there on the mountainside. Sad. And crazy.

My sister and I was talking about this the other night and thought they should have gone after the police and forget about the money. On the death certificate it does say it was 'homicide', couldn't they have made this a criminal case?

[Edited 5/10/14 2:33am]

Yes, I saw that same video of those cops shooting and killing that homeless guy on top of that mountain. I think cops are just a small part of the problem. We have to consider the role that judges and lawyers play a part of. It's a racket. Don't be surprised if certain cases don't get prosecuted simply because a shady District Attorney or Prosecutor wants a 100 percent conviction rate. It was sad to hear that after the report surfaced about the barbarians in New Mexico, there was ANOTHER incident that involved the cops firing at someone. A lawsuit against the police is risky because you run the risk of retaliation. You also have to keep in mind that unless a so-called high profile lawyer is involved, it is very difficult for a judge to issue a prison sentence against a cop, unless of course the cops aren't in the "inner circle". In other words, everything is based upon how they decide to do everything possible to construct a certain outcome that seldom, if ever, prevails for everyday people who aren't rich and well connected.

[Edited 5/10/14 22:03pm]

Police aren't prosecuted because juries don't convict. We put cops on a pedestal and just like politicians, we think everyone else's are corrupt but ours wears a halo.

So why spend the money prosecuting when a jury is no about to convict a police officer because they are a police officer?

Police don't obey traffic laws that they enforce, why obey any other law they enforce?

That's the power our society has given them and they abuse it freely.

SUPRMAN said:

Police aren't prosecuted because juries don't convict. We put cops on a pedestal and just like politicians, we think everyone else's are corrupt but ours wears a halo.

So why spend the money prosecuting when a jury is no about to convict a police officer because they are a police officer?

Police don't obey traffic laws that they enforce, why obey any other law they enforce?

That's the power our society has given them and they abuse it freely.

Agreed. I remember a few weeks ago watching the news that was following up on a trial of a man accused of shooting at a cop. The cop lived and is back on duty. But, during the trial, I see this cop went out of his way to be sure to wear his uniform, for sympathy no doubt. I believe the shooter got a ton of years behind bars. It may have been life but I can't remember exactly. Now, think about how many cops shoot at the common folk who basically get "administrative leave" pending a further investigation that typically means exoneration and back pay for the cop that was on "vacation" for a bit. They fabricate evidence, frame innocent people and never get punished at all. I don't just mean the street level cops either. The cops that are high up in the ranks are even worse offenders. They aren't all bad but typically the "good" cops will remain silent as the "bad cops" run amok and ruin people's lives.

I just saw three different articles on the New York Daily news this morning about cops killing citizens. One of the officers who shot a teen to death was going to get awarded an "Officer of the Year" award, and this was AFTER the shooting. The only reason this cop's award didn't go through was due to the backlash in the community. How ridiculous that this officer who has been named in several lawsuits for civil rights violations was about to be given an award.....

Yeah, I guess it would be pointless to try to convict the police instead. It seems that whenever this news channel reports things, they get results. We'll see if anything comes of it since they did mention on the news that nothing happened to these police and were even promoted even while this case is considered a 'homicide'.

fuckin pigs. sorry for your family's loss

I think a lot of bullies in high school sign up for the police force because it gives them a sense of power. They are probably the type that shun furthering their education. Anyone who knows their rights and tries to exercise their rights when dealing with police, it won't take long before the goon squad comes out and tries to crush that person. Think about it....people who know the questions to ask, who plead the 5th amendment while being questioned by cops will find themselves face down in the dirt. Also think about the fact that when a person is arrested and asks for a lawyer, the police will then decide the person is guilty simply because they want a lawyer! But when the police use a lawyer (District Attorney), does anyone think the cops are guilty because THEY have their union thugs and lawyers saddling up to defend their actions??

Something else to contemplate here: http://www.nydailynews.co...-1.1790095

Are you from Hawaii as well????

kpowers said:

Are you from Hawaii as well????

No, why? Thanks.

Assholes, god, man, I'm deeply sorry for your loss

SeventeenDayze said:

kpowers said:

Are you from Hawaii as well????

No, why? Thanks.

I was wondering if wildgoldenhoney was from Hawaii

AndrePatrone said:

fuckin pigs. sorry for your family's loss

Thank you.

Shawy89 said:

Assholes, god, man, I'm deeply sorry for your loss

Thank you.

kpowers said:

SeventeenDayze said:

No, why? Thanks.

I was wondering if wildgoldenhoney was from Hawaii

Yes.

Tonight there's a story somewhat related to the police and their use of force. They have a special news report tonight about when mentally ill clash with the criminal justice system. The video shows the cops shooting a psychotic woman. Will see if it relates or not.

wildgoldenhoney said:

Tonight there's a story somewhat related to the police and their use of force. They have a special news report tonight about when mentally ill clash with the criminal justice system. The video shows the cops shooting a psychotic woman. Will see if it relates or not.

Do you know which show and network this story will be aired? I came across another story yesterday about a young, unarmed woman was gunned down by cops. Sometimes I wonder about the uptick in police shooting citizens. Perhaps they are getting used to the fact that 99 percent of the time, they never get punished. Some don't even get a trial date that they have to attend. They say it will be handled internally and that's the cue for the prosecutor and/or district attorney to not file any charges whatsoever.

wildgoldenhoney said:

kpowers said:

I was wondering if wildgoldenhoney was from Hawaii

Yes.

So that makes two of us?

kpowers said:

wildgoldenhoney said:

Yes.

So that makes two of us?

What are the police like in Hawaii? (generally speaking)

This video is really hard to watch but it shows the lowball tactics of Chicago PD. This is just disgusting and this sociopath cop had the nerve to charge the victim with crimes. They are the ultimate dirt bags, they are bullies who pretend to be victims. It's the worst way to victimize someone is to turn them from an innocent person into the guilty party....notice how the prosecutor didn't want to do anything about this either

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/video-officer-threaten-deport-salon-owner-article-1.1797895

[Edited 5/19/14 21:24pm]

I am sorry for your family's loss and what happened to your family. So unnecessary!

Ever since my cousin's wife and sister won this case, there has been 2 other lawsuits filed for a couple of other people who died due to police brutality. One of the cases was on the news just last night.

Here's the latest story: http://www.hawaiinewsnow....dly-arrest

[Edited 6/22/14 4:05am]

SUPRMAN said:

free2bfreeda said:

SUPRMAN said:

Police aren't prosecuted because juries don't convict. We put cops on a pedestal and just like politicians, we think everyone else's are corrupt but ours wears a halo.

So why spend the money prosecuting when a jury is no about to convict a police officer because they are a police officer?

Police don't obey traffic laws that they enforce, why obey any other law they enforce?

That's the power our society has given them and they abuse it freely.

(in deepest sympathy for the loss of this family member ) q. i often wonder, to what extent are police protected under stand their ground laws? is their some (hidden from the public) provision that protects them from callousness if they say they felt their safety was threatened? a.

The police are like ants....when you see one, it's not a big deal. Anything more than that, trouble is coming! The bully mentality is a problem and corruption/lying is an even bigger problem. They do a lot to silence people and/or frame people. I was reading about a long-time cop on the east coast who was planting drugs on dealers for two decades and never got "caught". In fact, it got to the point where this cop would break into people's (drug dealers) houses and steal cash and drugs. He would plant drugs on innocent people to have a really high arrest rate. Only a small handful of his victims were released from prison but the majority haven't been.

[Edited 6/22/14 10:03am]

wildgoldenhoney said:

Ever since my cousin's wife and sister won this case, there has been 2 other lawsuits filed for a couple of other people who died due to police brutality. One of the cases was on the news just last night.

Here's the latest story: http://www.hawaiinewsnow....dly-arrest

[Edited 6/22/14 4:05am]

Sounds like an epidemic going on across America. The first problem I see is that the police have needed a year to "investigate" knowing that they aren't going to do anything about it. If it were the other way around, would it take the cops a year to investigate a citizen who takes the life of a cop? Not at all! So this cop will probably be back on the beat once the civil lawsuit is settled. These cops operate with no fear of punishment for their actions...

SeventeenDayze said:

wildgoldenhoney said:

Ever since my cousin's wife and sister won this case, there has been 2 other lawsuits filed for a couple of other people who died due to police brutality. One of the cases was on the news just last night.

Here's the latest story: http://www.hawaiinewsnow....dly-arrest

[Edited 6/22/14 4:05am]

Sounds like an epidemic going on across America. The first problem I see is that the police have needed a year to "investigate" knowing that they aren't going to do anything about it. If it were the other way around, would it take the cops a year to investigate a citizen who takes the life of a cop? Not at all! So this cop will probably be back on the beat once the civil lawsuit is settled. These cops operate with no fear of punishment for their actions...

I know right? It's happening too often.

Yeah so right now he's on desk duty but will probably be promoted, even.

wildgoldenhoney said:

SeventeenDayze said:

Sounds like an epidemic going on across America. The first problem I see is that the police have needed a year to "investigate" knowing that they aren't going to do anything about it. If it were the other way around, would it take the cops a year to investigate a citizen who takes the life of a cop? Not at all! So this cop will probably be back on the beat once the civil lawsuit is settled. These cops operate with no fear of punishment for their actions...

I know right? It's happening too often.

Yeah so right now he's on desk duty but will probably be promoted, even.

It's amazing how they get away with crimes but then want to lock people up for the smallest things. They think they are above the law and in many ways, they are. But, under the surface many of them are cowards when faced with citizens who know a thing or two. If you ever want to make a cop nervous, ask for their name and badge number before saying a word. But, believe me the corruption and cover ups start way up the ladder when it comes to police. The real criminals are everyone higher up like lieutenants, commanders and ultimately chiefs.

[Edited 6/22/14 15:59pm]