Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Clouds with filtered sun

 

The sky this morning has reflected the mood here in Lakewood, Tacoma and all of Pierce County…

Yes, we woke up to the news that the suspected shooter in the deaths of 4 Lakewood Police officers this past Sunday, was no longer a threat to society.  A Seattle officer investigating a possible stolen vehicle was confronted with Maurice Clemmons a little after 2:30 this morning.  Shots were fired and Mr. Clemmons was shot and killed.  Apparently some of his family and friends  have been driving him from place to place allowing him to allude the police who were searching for him. His sister, apparently was the one that drove him to Seattle and helped him bandage the wound that occurred when one of the Lakewood officers shot him, before falling ~ mortally wounded himself. There are 3 people in custody now for helping him and more are being questioned.

About 8 hours after Mr. Clemmons was pronounced dead in Seattle….a somber procession delivered the four fallen Lakewood police officers from the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s  office to Mountain View Cemetery.   Mt View is about  a mile from my house and it’s where my parents, grand mother, great grand parents, other relatives and friends are buried.   When I heard that they were taking the officers there, I got myself together and went  about 5 blocks over to South Tacoma Way, the main drag thru this part of town.  There were other people waiting and a motorcycle officer at each entry to the main street.   There were also many news helicopters in the air over this area. 

police procesion4

Soon a group of motorcycle officers came around the corner of South 84th and South Tacoma Way heading in the direction of the cemetery.  Following was the procession of 4 Lakewood Aid Units and then at least a hundred police vehicles from different local agencies.  All driven of course by law enforcement officers but many of them containing non-law enforcement passengers~I would suspect they were the families of the slain officers.

police procession3

police procession1

police procession2

Even though Mr. Clemmons is dead, this doesn’t make this whole tragic affair any easier.  Nine children have lost their parents, families have lost their husbands, their wife, brothers, sister, fathers, mother, uncles, an aunt.  And now another family has lost someone who was no doubt loved and will be missed. He may even have children….I don’t know.

In our local paper today there’s a rundown of Mr. Clemmon’s history with the criminal justice system.  In 1999, at age 27, while in an Arkansas prison, he applied for clemency of his 108 year sentence. The clemency application is a seven-page form.  One question reads, “What is your reason for requesting executive clemency at this time?”  Maurice Clemmons answered with a single word; “Mercy.”

14 comments:

Big Mark 243 said...

I think that is a very deep and profound statement, he asked for something that he himself was unwilling or unable to give to others.

The unwilling part of it, I feel goes to a sentiment that I think is part of the world society. More people think that mercy is something that is only to be extended to them when they need it.

Regarding the inability of Mr. Clemons being able to show mercy unto others, is that though we will never know what made him committ those murders, his record shows that he hasn't been one to accord mercy upon others.

Jeannette said...

What a pity he had no mercy and no humanity himself. Glad he is no longer a menace or a threat. Thank you for sharing the photos.

ADB said...

It is a good thing that the culprit can no longer appeal for clemency. He deserved none, not before this tragedy and not now. I wish all involved strength at this difficult time.

Julie said...

This just breaks my heart, people who are there to protect us, murdered by this scum and protected by his family. My heart goes out to the families of the fallen officers.

DB said...

There are many people in this country who don't trust the police, who fear and hate them. Let's face it, there are some bad cops. Good or bad they are all vulnerable with that uniform on. No amount of training or alertness could prevent a blood bath like that. It'a too bad Clemmons is dead. They might find out from him what caused it, for future preparation. D

Joann said...

This is all so very sad. I'm very glad that Clemmons is gone now, he deceived people into giving him mercy, that's the worst kind of liar.

My heart and prayers go out to the families of the fallen officers.

Barb said...

You wrote a poignant entry. It's too bad someone so merciless was given mercy he obviously did not deserve. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the fallen officers and their friends, and to your community.
I hope those who loved the gunman are not those who abetted him, but am afraid they are.They will be punished, but nothing will heal the broken hearts in Lakewood.

Jimmy's Journal said...

A very touching entry and a tragic story indeed. I admire your ability to describe the situation without losing your composure.

I, on the other hand, am still seething at the situation, especially the bleeding heart Governor Huckabee, who I hold partially responsible for this tragedy.

Additionally, the judge who allowed Clemmons his current bond is partially responsible.

I will say that I'm happy the police "offed" him before some other idiot let him go. Justice was served when they shot and executed this piece of human garbage.

Jimmy

betty said...

such a sad situation all around; I know this will touch your community forever Linda; keeping all in prayers

betty

garnett109 said...

what a dirtbag, thats all i can say what a dirtbag, clemmons that is!!!!!!

Marlene said...

I wonder if he is facing his victims right now and how much "Mercy" they are showing him.
Just so sad and also sad that it happens so many times across this country.

Gerry said...

Our paper, the Republic, had a long account of the action with Clemmons taken. Doubt he would have allowed himself to be taken alive. He has certainly upset a lot of people. As with any multiple killing like this. Being so close to such an event has taken its toll on you, it is plain to see. We are all diminished by these acts of violence when innocent people have to pay for thoughts of revenge that could not be contained. Too bad.

Monica said...

To answer DB, we don't need Clemmons to be alive to know "why". He was facing life in prison and he hated cops and essentially I'd say he held them responsible for his legal problems rather than accepting responsibility for his own actions, rape, assult, and all the other crimes he committed.

Now is the time to focus on the families of the officers - they need to heal as does the community.

Beautifully written Linda.

Jeannette said...

What an awful tragedy Linda. I feel so sorry for those who lost their loved ones, it always seems especially bad at this time of year although any time of the year would be a bad time for this to happen. Jeannette xx