Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - to the Jurors of the Officer Richard May, Jr. murder trial, The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office, The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Redwood City Police Department.
To the amazing Jurors, thank you. Our family wishes you and your families a very Merry Christmas. We know you came to the courthouse many months ago with the expectation that you were either going home the same day, or probably spend one or two days on a simple trial. Instead, you completed a long and public murder trial of a Police Officer. We watched you every day. On the positive side, it was an educational experience. We all learned about real forensics. We learned how to match finger prints. We learned about spent bullets. We learned about gun ejection of shell casings. It is always amazing to see a piece of cloth that can stop a bullet. On the negative side, we all worried that the Defense Attorneys would be able to use “missing evidence” to convince you that Alberto Alvarez was innocent of Murder. You did not hear the words “Gang Member” during the trial because it might have biased your opinion of Alvarez. You may not have recognized that the defendant wore long sleeve shirts during the trial. You did not have a picture of Rich prior to his death – because his constant smile might have biased you. And, you learned that evidence can be presented by different “experts” in an attempt to tell a different story. We do not envy you in any way for your work during the penalty phase. We cannot imagine the discussions that resulted in the decision to come to the death penalty. For Police Officers everywhere, thank you for the Death Penalty.
To the District Attorney’s Office, and the investigators, specifically Sgt. Jeff Liu and Senior Investigator John Minahan – Thank You! ONE person is responsible for presenting this case to the jury in the manner that produced such a prompt and clear statement on the execution murder of Rich - Chief Deputy District Attorney, Stephen M. Wagstaffe. Any public person who witnessed any portion of the trial will agree - there is no better prosecutor, anywhere, than Steve Wagstaffe. Your visit each evening to my parking lot motor home was a great way to end each day. I know you worked seven days a week during the trial, because you also came out each weekend evening. To the residents of San Mateo County, remember this amazing prosecutor during the June, 2010 election for your next District Attorney. It will be my honor to return to work on Steve’s election.
To Marco Marquez, the 16 year old Explorer riding with Rich on Jan. 7, 2006 – thank you for all your help. You were brave during this horrendous event. You helped the prosecution during the trial. And you remain in the teen Police Explorer program. Rich would be proud.
To San Mateo County Sheriff Greg Munks and Lieutenant Victoria O’Brien – a big thank you for your hospitality. Your constant and kind support during every day of the trail, the security of my business computer, the power and water and other supplies so that I could reside next to the Courthouse – all unmatched by the finest hotel concierge. Thank you. A special thanks to the Office of Emergency Services for checking on me each day.
To Judge Parsons, bailiff Baker, and the two Sheriff’s guards who stayed close to Alvarez in the courtroom and transferred him back and forth to his jail cell – thank you. Judge Parsons conducted this trial in a manner that all students of he court should observe.
To all the Redwood City Police Officers who came by the motor home to visit and take me to dinner, or bring dinners fixed by your significant others – a BIG thank you. I was under the false impression that I would be able to lose weight while fixing my own meals every day. I gained weight! Redwood City Police officers are the finest and most compassionate officers I have met anywhere. Thank you all, and specifically Officer Gouldson. Stay safe.
To all the Richardson family members – thank you for the apartment. We will be visiting all our new friends in Redwood City often, and will stay in your “visitor” apartment. Thank you, thank you, and thank you.
To all you officers and civilians who made me aware that you are Marines – thank you. Rich WAS a Marine! I have his beautiful dress uniform in a large upright case along with his other mementos.
To all you who email me direct or email me anonymously through this blog, you can contact me direct at rmay@rapidid.com.
And finally, to all you who donated to the Mentoring program in East Palo Alto – a big thank you from the youth of East Palo Alto. Because of Rich’s job as a police officer, he had the unique ability to reach into families and help troubled youth one at a time. The mentoring program continues exactly what Rich did on a daily basis – helping young people with adult intervention. Continue to donate at www.FriendsforYouth.org.
This is my final blog. Thank you for becoming part of our new big family.
Rick May, Rich’s father rmay@rapidid.com
http://www.officerrichardmay.net/2008/05/memorial-two-years-later.html
Friday, December 25, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
DEATH PENALTY
The jury this afternoon sentenced Alberto Alvarez to death for murdering East Palo Alto police Officer Richard May in 2006.
The same six men and six women who last month found Alberto Alvarez guilty of first-degree murder with the special circumstance that May was performing his police duties when killed deliberated his penalty for nearly four days.
I was not in town for the Jury Announcement - if you wish to send an email... rmay@rapidid.com
Rick
www.OfficerRichardMay.org
The same six men and six women who last month found Alberto Alvarez guilty of first-degree murder with the special circumstance that May was performing his police duties when killed deliberated his penalty for nearly four days.
I was not in town for the Jury Announcement - if you wish to send an email... rmay@rapidid.com
Rick
www.OfficerRichardMay.org
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Murder Trial - the Defense: Alberto Alvarez was "not the worst of the worst"
The closing arguments given today and the judge read the jury instructions. The jury deliberated for 75 minutes and will resume deliberations Friday morning at 9:00. The case is now in the hands of the jury.
Steve Wagstaffe's two arguments emphasized that there was nothing mitigating or sympathetic about the defendant or the defense case and there was no reason whatsoever for the jury to exercise mercy for the defendant. The defense arguments simply told the jury that this defendant was not the "worst of the worst" and was not an appropriate candidate for the death penalty.
The jury was instructed and deliberated for 75 minutes at the end of the afternoon. The trial resumes Friday morning at 9:00 with further jury deliberations. The defendant remains in custody on no bail status.
www.OfficerRichardMay.net
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Final Penalty Phase Evidence - Officer Richard May Murder Trial
Erin & Rich
-63rd day of jury trial was completed in Dept. 9, Judge Craig Parsons. The fifth day of the penalty phase was conducted and the third day of defense evidence was presented. Three defense witnesses testified: Dr. Nancy Cowardin, Dr. Rahn Minagawa and the defendant’s father. Dr. Cowardin is an educational psychologist who gave the defendant a battery of tests and concluded he has low normal intelligence, an IQ of 84 and although he has no academic learning disabilities, he has extensive auditory processing disabilities that caused his attention deficit disorder and stunted his growth in school. Dr. Minagawa is a social psychologist who testified about the defendant’s juvenile years and how the absence of his father due to drug addiction, the failure of school teachers to see his deficits, his life in the crime-ridden town of East Palo Alto, and 25 other risk factors influenced the defendant toward the criminal life he adopted (thus he is the product of his environment.) On cross-examination he described in detail the defendant’s extensive juvenile record, the efforts made by others to intervene and steer the defendant away from crime (which he rejected) and his involvement in the street gang. The defendant’s father testified, said his drug addiction was responsible for everything, and asked the jury to spare his son’s life. In rebuttal the prosecution called the defendant’s two parole officers to testify that the defendant’s parents requested his parole be transferred to Merced County where they had moved, that the parole officers approved the move and the defendant told them he did not want to leave East Palo Alto. The trial is in recess Wednesday (mandatory state court furlough day) and will resume Thursday morning at 9:30 with the reading of the jury instructions (20-30 minutes) and the presentation of the closing arguments. The defendant remains in custody on no bail status.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
More police killed by gunfire in ’09 than ’08
NEW YORK - A police officer is gunned down in his patrol car in Penn Hills, Pa., while waiting for backup. Near Seattle, four officers starting their day at a coffee shop are ambushed by an ex-con with a handgun. Another four officers are shot to death in Oakland, Calif., after a traffic stop gone awry.
Across the nation, 2009 was a particularly perilous year for officers involved in gun disputes.
The number of officers killed in the line of duty by gunfire increased 24 percent from 2008, according to preliminary statistics compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a national nonprofit organization that tracks officer-related deaths.
As of Saturday, 47 police officers have died nationwide this year after being shot while on duty, up from 38 for the same time in 2008, which was the lowest number of gunfire deaths since 1956, according to the data.
Over the past decade, small spikes in gunfire deaths have been common, but experts say they are surprised by the number of officers this year who have been specifically targeted by gunmen.
"There's an increasingly desperate population out there," said Eugene O'Donnell, a professor of police studies at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. "Other than in rare cases for ideological reasons, we really haven't seen people taking on the cops head-to-head. Something is amiss. It should be cause for grave concern."
Officer Richard May, Jr. was shot and killed in the line of duty on January 7, 2006 in East Palo Alto.
www.OfficerRichardMay.org
Across the nation, 2009 was a particularly perilous year for officers involved in gun disputes.
The number of officers killed in the line of duty by gunfire increased 24 percent from 2008, according to preliminary statistics compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a national nonprofit organization that tracks officer-related deaths.
As of Saturday, 47 police officers have died nationwide this year after being shot while on duty, up from 38 for the same time in 2008, which was the lowest number of gunfire deaths since 1956, according to the data.
Over the past decade, small spikes in gunfire deaths have been common, but experts say they are surprised by the number of officers this year who have been specifically targeted by gunmen.
"There's an increasingly desperate population out there," said Eugene O'Donnell, a professor of police studies at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. "Other than in rare cases for ideological reasons, we really haven't seen people taking on the cops head-to-head. Something is amiss. It should be cause for grave concern."
Officer Richard May, Jr. was shot and killed in the line of duty on January 7, 2006 in East Palo Alto.
www.OfficerRichardMay.org
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Defense Penalty Phase
We may have one more day of the penalty phase presentations. Then, the Jury will determine if Ablerto Alvarez will receive the Death Penalty or Life Without the Possibility of Parole.
During the first two days of this week, the Jury heard about Officer Richard May - from many family members and friends - the fact that Rich was an amazing person, a good police officer, a missed father, brother, partner, and an excellent family man The jury heard from all these fine people that Rich was a person who spent his full time helping others, and of most importance, .
It is appropriate at this time to add comments from those who email. Many emails, with content I cannot copy here, can be summarized with the most common two words - "FRY HIM". Jury members - do your duty and make a clear statement in support of police officers: the Death Penalty.
Today, Thursday, the defense presented witnesses asking the jury to spare Alberto Alvarez's life. The defendant's mother cried a lot and said the defendant's behavior changed for the bad when his father became a drug/alcohol addict and was gone most of the time; the defense presented a video of family photos of little Alberto Alvarez and family; the mother said she wanted the defendant to live; but on cross-examination she painted a picture of her husband as a good man who was a good father and worked hard (sort of puncturing the defense theory that he abandoned his son and turned him into a criminal by his inattention). The defendant's cousin said he nearly went bad but was sent to Aunt Victoria in San Jose who cleaned up his act and he turned out great (the defendant was also sent to Aunt Victoria but he left after a few weeks because he would not take her discipline). The defendant's high school classmate grew up in East Palo Alto and had a good father who gave him good values and he was able to overcome the gangs and violence (just like the parents of the defendant, but the defendant chose to turn the wrong way). The defendant's sister talked about her brother helping her as a child and asked the jury to let him live. In the afternoon a defense psychologist stated that the defendant is not an evil person or a psychopath and is remorseful (but admitted on cross-examination that the defendant's answers to test questions show a lack of remorse and manipulation and deceitfulness, among many other bad characteristics). In the end, he is just a low-down good for nothing murderer.
The defense did not make any big points today and did not present anything that would sway a juror who is on the fence.
During the first two days of this week, the Jury heard about Officer Richard May - from many family members and friends - the fact that Rich was an amazing person, a good police officer, a missed father, brother, partner, and an excellent family man The jury heard from all these fine people that Rich was a person who spent his full time helping others, and of most importance, .
It is appropriate at this time to add comments from those who email. Many emails, with content I cannot copy here, can be summarized with the most common two words - "FRY HIM". Jury members - do your duty and make a clear statement in support of police officers: the Death Penalty.
Today, Thursday, the defense presented witnesses asking the jury to spare Alberto Alvarez's life. The defendant's mother cried a lot and said the defendant's behavior changed for the bad when his father became a drug/alcohol addict and was gone most of the time; the defense presented a video of family photos of little Alberto Alvarez and family; the mother said she wanted the defendant to live; but on cross-examination she painted a picture of her husband as a good man who was a good father and worked hard (sort of puncturing the defense theory that he abandoned his son and turned him into a criminal by his inattention). The defendant's cousin said he nearly went bad but was sent to Aunt Victoria in San Jose who cleaned up his act and he turned out great (the defendant was also sent to Aunt Victoria but he left after a few weeks because he would not take her discipline). The defendant's high school classmate grew up in East Palo Alto and had a good father who gave him good values and he was able to overcome the gangs and violence (just like the parents of the defendant, but the defendant chose to turn the wrong way). The defendant's sister talked about her brother helping her as a child and asked the jury to let him live. In the afternoon a defense psychologist stated that the defendant is not an evil person or a psychopath and is remorseful (but admitted on cross-examination that the defendant's answers to test questions show a lack of remorse and manipulation and deceitfulness, among many other bad characteristics). In the end, he is just a low-down good for nothing murderer.
The defense did not make any big points today and did not present anything that would sway a juror who is on the fence.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Penalty Phase - Officer Rich May Murder Trial
-59th day of jury trial was completed in Dept. 9, Judge Craig Parsons. The first day of the penalty phase was conducted and the prosecution and defense opening statements were presented (attorney Liberman gave the defense opening remarks). The first day of prosecution evidence was presented and 17 witnesses testified. Evidence of the defendant’s 2002 possession of a semi-automatic handgun and his 2003 pointing a semi-automatic pistol at the PAL Market security officer and threatening to kill him was presented. Evidence of two attacks by the defendant on other jail inmates (murderer Shawn Hedlin and mentally ill Julio Bolanos) was presented as well as the discovery of two jail made weapons (sharpened pen and soap bricks). Three victim impact witnesses (Officer May’s mother, step-father and sister) testified at the end of the afternoon. The trial resumes this morning at 9:15 with further prosecution evidence (12 other victim impact witnesses). The prosecution case should be completed by the end of the morning. [On November 25, 2009 after a total of six hours of deliberation, the jury returned verdicts of guilty Counts I 187(A) first degree murder and II 12021(A)(1) felony possession of a firearm by a felon. The jury also found true the special circumstance that the victim Officer Richard May was murdered while in the lawful performance of his duties.] The defendant remains in custody on no bail status.
You will see no reference to me, Rich's father at the penalty phase of the trial. I am home and back at work. There are 15 relatives, friends, and officer partners providing statements about this amazing police officer. The jury has no chpoice but to come back with the Death Penalty.
www.OfficerRichardMay.org
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Officer Rich May Jury - Thank You
To the jury for the Officer Richard May Murder trial – Thank you for your public service. Thank you for looking at the facts and thinking about the witness testimony. Thank you for not focusing on the unbelievable story presented by the Alberto Alvarez Defense team. I write this note following your Thanksgiving four day holiday. I expect that you had a good time with your family as our family did. We had a full house three of the four past days. Family, friends, and visitors. I expect the same for each of you. When you return on December 7th, you will start the penalty phase of the trial. When you get together again to determine whether Alberto Alvarez is given the Death Penalty or Life Without the Possibility of Parole – remember that there are police officers everywhere who look to you for the protection and support that the Death Penalty for a Cop Killer provides them.
While we wait for the next phase of the trial, we need to thank all the support people and entities in San Mateo County. The Sheriff’s Department, the Redwood City Police Department, the individual personnel of each department, and specifically, my two new families – Jeri’s extended family and Vickie’s family. We’ve added many great new friends to our growing family.
When the trial ended, the daily input of emails increased. The emails have been very supportive and from all walks of life – mothers, wives, and friends of officers. There are emails from people who only met Rich one time briefly and those who describe Rich as their “Best Friend”. There are many emails from residents of East Palo Alto who met Rich during official police work – and state how blessed that are for the meeting. There is one email from a potential juror that was not selected offering support. While it is not easy to know the address from most who offer their support and statements of relief for the jury decision, emails came to this blog from across the country. To all of you, thanks. To those whom I should not identify in this blog because of your involvement, thank you. I am discontinuing this blog at the penalty phase – and ask all of you to support your local police officers with the type of support offered here.
Thanks to all those in Rich’s home town for their support. For close to four years in San Luis Obispo, the notes and personal comments were condolences. Following the Jury’s strong statement last Wednesday, the handshakes, the friends, and those whom we may not really know – all offer congratulations – which must be directed to the legal system.
The reason for such a fast return from the jury – Mr. Stephen M. Wagstaffe, Chief Deputy District Attorney, San Mateo County District Attorney’s office. To the people of San Mateo County - Steve is an incredible public employee, a professor, an expert attorney, a skilled court room manager, a friend to all – and the reason the jury came back with a Guilty on All Counts in record time. Residents of San Mateo County – do not let this man get away from you!
Finally, now that the Murderer of a police officer, execution style, is off the street forever – we need to move forward. We need to support Rich’s work of helping the trouble youth of our communities. Rich’s job allowed him the unique position of seeing into troubled families and then having the ability to reach back into the family to help the young. From Rich’s services at the HP Pavilion, one statement remains for all of us to remember: “Find one young person who needs help. Spend your time with that youth. Help that person become a good and productive adult. And do it with a smile.” We can do this by donating our time and/or money to the Mentoring organization which reaches direct into the families as Rich did. Friends for Youth provide the support and relationships to the youths in the community. Take a minute and go to this web site www.FriendsforYouth.org Select Donate Here. Make a donation, and note that the donation is in Rich’s name. Regardless of the size of your donation, you are helping match good volunteer adults with troubled youth in the community.
An added note – we have great sorrow for the families and fellow officers at the Lakewood, Washington Police Department. I was given a statue of St. Michael by a relative a couple years ago. I keep this statue with me all the time in my briefcase. The statue comes out when I am in hotels, and getting through airport security. So, to officers everywhere, the story of St. Michael:
St. Michael protected God from the rebellious and disloyal angel, Lucifer. He wasn't asked but on his own he attacked Luther. He became a strong Leader and Warrior sending Satan and his Evil Followers straight to Hell. He obeyed His only God, he was loyal and trustworthy, he fought the criminal, and he saved God and Heaven from an evildoer. He polices Heaven and earth even today. So we ask him to protect our police who are protecting the good citizens from the evil one!
While we wait for the next phase of the trial, we need to thank all the support people and entities in San Mateo County. The Sheriff’s Department, the Redwood City Police Department, the individual personnel of each department, and specifically, my two new families – Jeri’s extended family and Vickie’s family. We’ve added many great new friends to our growing family.
When the trial ended, the daily input of emails increased. The emails have been very supportive and from all walks of life – mothers, wives, and friends of officers. There are emails from people who only met Rich one time briefly and those who describe Rich as their “Best Friend”. There are many emails from residents of East Palo Alto who met Rich during official police work – and state how blessed that are for the meeting. There is one email from a potential juror that was not selected offering support. While it is not easy to know the address from most who offer their support and statements of relief for the jury decision, emails came to this blog from across the country. To all of you, thanks. To those whom I should not identify in this blog because of your involvement, thank you. I am discontinuing this blog at the penalty phase – and ask all of you to support your local police officers with the type of support offered here.
Thanks to all those in Rich’s home town for their support. For close to four years in San Luis Obispo, the notes and personal comments were condolences. Following the Jury’s strong statement last Wednesday, the handshakes, the friends, and those whom we may not really know – all offer congratulations – which must be directed to the legal system.
The reason for such a fast return from the jury – Mr. Stephen M. Wagstaffe, Chief Deputy District Attorney, San Mateo County District Attorney’s office. To the people of San Mateo County - Steve is an incredible public employee, a professor, an expert attorney, a skilled court room manager, a friend to all – and the reason the jury came back with a Guilty on All Counts in record time. Residents of San Mateo County – do not let this man get away from you!
Finally, now that the Murderer of a police officer, execution style, is off the street forever – we need to move forward. We need to support Rich’s work of helping the trouble youth of our communities. Rich’s job allowed him the unique position of seeing into troubled families and then having the ability to reach back into the family to help the young. From Rich’s services at the HP Pavilion, one statement remains for all of us to remember: “Find one young person who needs help. Spend your time with that youth. Help that person become a good and productive adult. And do it with a smile.” We can do this by donating our time and/or money to the Mentoring organization which reaches direct into the families as Rich did. Friends for Youth provide the support and relationships to the youths in the community. Take a minute and go to this web site www.FriendsforYouth.org Select Donate Here. Make a donation, and note that the donation is in Rich’s name. Regardless of the size of your donation, you are helping match good volunteer adults with troubled youth in the community.
An added note – we have great sorrow for the families and fellow officers at the Lakewood, Washington Police Department. I was given a statue of St. Michael by a relative a couple years ago. I keep this statue with me all the time in my briefcase. The statue comes out when I am in hotels, and getting through airport security. So, to officers everywhere, the story of St. Michael:
St. Michael protected God from the rebellious and disloyal angel, Lucifer. He wasn't asked but on his own he attacked Luther. He became a strong Leader and Warrior sending Satan and his Evil Followers straight to Hell. He obeyed His only God, he was loyal and trustworthy, he fought the criminal, and he saved God and Heaven from an evildoer. He polices Heaven and earth even today. So we ask him to protect our police who are protecting the good citizens from the evil one!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
