Graphic Footage: Cops Kill Man on the Spot. Justified?

[AmericanIllusions]

An incident involving Manteca police officer James Moody, who fatally shot Ernesto Duenez Jr. eleven times outside his home on June 8, 2011, has resurfaced following the release of dashcam video footage. The video, unveiled by the Duenez family's attorneys in Oakland, has reignited debates over police use of force and accountability.

The San Joaquin County district attorney's office has cleared Officer Moody of any wrongdoing, stating that the officer's actions were justified as he believed Duenez was armed with a knife. However, the family's attorney, John Burris, contests this narrative, asserting that Duenez was unarmed during the incident.

The dashcam footage captures a tense confrontation as Duenez, a passenger in a pickup truck and a suspect in a domestic violence case earlier that day, attempts to exit the vehicle. Officer Moody is heard demanding Duenez drop a knife and not move, before discharging 13 rounds in rapid succession, striking Duenez 11 times.

Following the shooting, the video shows a distressing scene where Duenez's wife confronts the officer and mourns beside her husband. It was later revealed that Duenez's foot was entangled in the seatbelt, complicating the scene further.

The Manteca Bulletin reports that an eight-inch "throwing knife" was later found in the truck, a detail that the police argue corroborates Moody's perception of a threat. However, video analysis by the district attorney's office has not conclusively determined the knife's presence in Duenez's hand during the shooting.

Duenez, who had a criminal record and was on parole, is portrayed by the district attorney's report as a known gang member, adding layers to the public's scrutiny of the case. In contrast, the family's narrative focuses on what they perceive as an unjustified use of lethal force.

[poopie]

murder---he didnt do,nothin,omg.

[GlassToTheArson]

He looked exactly like he was going for a weapon, I would have shot too

[08shippuuden]

Didn't they say that he was armed with a knife?? Shooting him because he was armed with a knife and didn't listen to the cop is justified...shooting him 13 times however may be a different story..

[poopie]

ya,your rite,now that I saw it again.looks like he was going for somethin,,but over kill.

[GlassToTheArson]

Originally Posted by 08shippuuden

Didn't they say that he was armed with a knife?? Shooting him because he was armed with a knife and didn't listen to the cop is justified...shooting him 13 times however may be a different story..

Yikes, didn't catch the 13 times bit. That first shot was sufficient

[AmericanIllusions]

Its justified I say. Cops tell you not to move, you freeze on the spot. Read a little of the report and they say he lunged at the cop. That's bullshit but hey. shouldn't of moved

Ernest Duenez Jr was his name

[kaizen_usa]

this is a fuckin murder,, he probably was gonna run away or something but where da fuck is your taser??... guys hands were on the door and the top of the car when he shot him first.

i call this a pork job.!!

[Oswald2001]

Thug life ---> Thug death

Don't blame others for it.

[JakeHarper]

Duenez was a gang member who served three prison sentences for drug, stolen vehicle and assault with a deadly weapon charges. Burris added that the man was in violation of his parole.

I heard enough and say good riddance!