Buffalo arrest bungled: Authorities to drop charges against Keith Johnson in deadly shooting

[steve2470]

Source: New York Daily News

Authorities in Buffalo believe they've arrested the wrong man for shooting eight people outside a downtown Buffalo restaurant and will seek to dismiss charges Sunday.

The shooting left four people dead, including a man celebrating his first wedding anniversary with friends.

Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita 3rd told the Buffalo News he will go to court Sunday to dismiss four counts of second-degree murder against Keith Johnson, 25, of Buffalo.

The prosecutor said he's making the move after reviewing video and photos from the scene and interviewing eye witnesses.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2010/08/15/2010-08-15_buffalo_arrest_bungled_authorities_to_drop_charges_against_keith_johnson_in_dead.html

[TransitJohn]

1. Yet another illustration of the fact that

cops don't solve crimes....they make up a narrative that fits circumstances. They lie, a lot.

[Moosepoop]

3. Not in this case.

The cops in this case made an arrest, within hours realized they probably had the wrong guy, and called the prosecutor themselves to say so.

http://www.buffalonews.com/city/article101509.ece

The extraordinary move by law enforcement to change course after a murder arrest occurred after reviewing video and photos from the scene, and interviews with additional witnesses, Sedita said.

"What basically has happened," Sedita said, "is in the last eight hours ... we got additional video evidence. Investigators called me and said, Frank, you better come down here. We're having serious second thoughts.

"I looked at the evidence, along with four or five detectives, and the commissioner is here as well. There are certain discrepancies of people and clothing."

"I am going to probably ask the court to dismiss so we can continue the investigation, so we can be sure we have the right guy," he said.

There are way too many instances of police doing what you described, but this case isn't one of them.

[Vinnie From Indy]

2. The title is a bit unfair

The fact is that we want the police and the DA to get these things right. I applaud the decision and hope they catch the rat bastard that shot these people.

[activa8tr]

4. Let's hope the next "bungled" arrests, (your word not mine) is corrected

by truthful cops and prosecutors.

I salute their honesty in admitting they made a human mistake.

[steve2470]

5. not my title, just obeying LBN rules nt

[awnobles]

6. Good Move, Should happen more

Prosecutors should not be less motivated by speed and more by accuracy. He should be proud in dismissing, not embarrassed by making a mistake initially.

[MadMaddie]

7. Who is the real suspect?