November 3, 2011 in City

Clark: This time, the jury got it exactly right

Doug Clark The Spokesman-Review

Tags:Doug ClarkKarl F. ThompsonKarl ThompsonKarl Thompson Jr.Otto ZehmSpokane Police Department

44 comments on this story so far. Add yours!

Rtwingpreacher on November 03 at 12:17 a.m.
Good thoughts, Doug. The city should just settle the civil case now and get that over with.
another_perspective on November 03 at 1:20 a.m.
Doug kept the memory of Otto alive while our elected and hired officials whom we expect the highest levels of integrity lied, whitewashed, pooh poohed the guilt of Karl the Clubber and attempted to pin Otto;s death upon him self.
Karl the Klubber was found guilty of the death of Otto Zehm. However our former Mayor, Mayor, former police chief, current police chief, The cities legal department and County Prosecutor all attempt to look the other way or sweep this excessive force caused death under the rug, let alone the cabal of conspiracy among our “trusted” and highly paid SPD officers.
After watching the videos of both Verner’s and Kirkpatricks reaction to the conviction of Karl Thompson, there is not one moment of contrition, or remorse for their lying, obstruction and indifference in the death of an innocent man by the hands of those whom swear to “serve and protect. The videos make me want to puke.
I wish I could fish my ballot out of the mailbox and change my vote for Verner to a somewhat lesser distasteful candidate. Regardless of how slimy the other candidate is, they didnt lie about the cause of death of Otto Zehm, they didnt attempt to cover it up and they didnt pin the blame on Otto and they didnt have a phony setup “news conference” with prepared handout lies.
If our current Mayor is re-elected we need to send Verner and Kirkpatrick a very strong message that we will not longer tolerate lying, corruption, coverups, imdifference and the incompetence whose stench permeates city hall and the public safety building.
Rest in Peace Otto Zehm. The most vulnerable among us was killed by a lying cop.The attempted coverup was perpatrated by a cast of characters whom should be convicted along with Karl Thompson.
As the City prepares the termination papers of Karl Thompson, they should save some time and include the papers for Treppiddi, Delaney, Feist, Kirkpatrick, Nicks, and all of the SPD officers who lied under testimony and a few that were not called to testify.
Some may feel that these are very strong words, but if we the citizens dont clean out the cesspool, who will? Our Mayor and Police Chief dont have a clue nor the integrity to do so..
Sunshinegurl on November 03 at 1:43 a.m.
Just a few thoughts…
1. I don’t think Karl will be fired, I think he’ll find a way to retire or quit.
2. The public perception of Rocky is a little skewed. I think what he really wants is to be numero uno in his job which means making sure the city doesn’t lose any money. Officers are more likely being manipulated and used but I doubt they are the primary concern. I will be surprised if the city does not try to sever themselves from the civil case just as they did with Olsen. They threw their protective arms around Olsen too when it served a purpose and abandoned him when it was beneficial to the city to do so. I have no doubt the same will happen to K.T.
3. Karl doesn’t have any genuine friends. If the posts on the fb page are any idication of Karls inner circle there is not one rational voice willing to tell him the truth. A real friend will tell you when you have effed up and when you need to right your wrong. If he had given up 5 years ago he would likely be a free man today instead of looking at the rest of his life behind bars. A true friend would have told him to man up instead of feeding his ego and rationalizing his dillusions.
another_perspective on November 03 at 2:03 a.m.
Sunshine, as a now convicted felon, Karl can no longer perform his duties, nor carry a firearm. It will be hard for him to take an 8 year leave of abscense while he aspires to become a master license plate maker or knitter of Martha Stewart shawls.
On para 2) Remember Rocky authored the 58 page report where he claims it was all Otto’s fault…and that wasn’t even the high point of his stellar carreer. Remember the Multi-million dollar settlement because Rocky searched the Marks household with out a search warrant? He has been handed down from City Attorney to City attorney without inspection nor investigation. I often wonder what dirt he has on who to hang onto his perch for so long. The cities legal department is so out of whack that one has to file a PDA request to get the name of the people that answer the phone in there. Tom Connelly left because he had a serious allergy to dirtbags.
On para 3) I think your right. A true friend would pull you behind the building and tell the truth. All his FB shill friends were ego feeders and just hoping his stink didnt rub off on them. They will probably go to the grave believing he never made one baton swing. While a police officer cant be held responsible for what they do off duty (yep not even Jay Olsen), the Chief should look at those names and assign them to policing the carousel in Riverfront park. cleaning restrooms would be a duty above their calling.
Ron_the_Cop on November 03 at 4:45 a.m.
I do feel sorry for Ofc. Thompson because of his many years of service but in this case he “cowboyed this call.” His own bad tactics created this emergency that got out of control. This case should have been filed as a negligent homicide/manslaughter under state law. The burden of proof is much less - reckless disregard. This was clearly evident by bad police practice/tactics - positional asphyxia compounded by the nonstandard application of the face mask. I don’t have an issue with the gang tackle of Zehm by the other officers that arrived to assist but once Zehm was restrained they should have rolled him on his side, monitored his vital signs and for heaven’s sake DON’T put on the mask. Ofc. Thompson did himself no favors by lying to conceal his mistakes.
If the City had quickly acknowledged that mistakes were made, apologized to the family, changed policy did re-training this may have gone away with no criminal charges ever being filed. The cover-up by high ranking members of SPD with a complicit City Atty’s Office and Office of the Mayor is much worse than the tragic incident itself. Heads should roll of any who were complicit and or aided/abetted in this cover-up. I’m sure their are other folks on the fed’s radar. I would be watching for jumpers from the upper floors of City Hall.
LostInWyoming on November 03 at 4:59 a.m.
Good story! It seems there are a lot of crooked cops out there.I’m just waiting to see if now,one will have what it takes to stand up agianst the rest and come clean about the corrupt one’s. There’s gotta be one at least thats been thinking about it. Not all cops are bad,but some have a tendabcey to go along with the crowd,until something like this happens.I bet the Feds are going to be pokeing around now, makeing them all a lil nervous.
Ron_the_Cop on November 03 at 5:02 a.m.
How true when Asst. US Atty Tim Durkin said they had no joy in winning this case and had a lot more to do.
I court watched several times in Spokane and it’s obvious to me these officers have never been held to this level of scrutiny before in Tucker’s bush league where everyone CYAs each other. The general aw shucks attitude and that we are the professionals and we know best clearly showed. They are now playing in the major leagues. It’s clear they don’t like this - Ofc. Moses for one did himself no favors as he was clearly uncooperative/argumentative on the stand on direct from the US Attorney’s Office while his memory suddenly improved considerably on redirect from the defense without having to pull teeth.
While there are many fine men and women doing a very difficult job day in day out at SPD, it’s apparent they have been abandoned by SPD’s police leadership. This failure of leadership has been condoned and tolerated if not actively sanctioned by the Office of the City Attorney and the Mayor. The City Council is clueless and spineless and cowers in fear at the of the mention of the name of the Spokane Police Guild as counseled by the City Attorney’s Office of violating the Guild’s union contract.
And of all it’s County Prosecutor Steve Tucker the most who has abdicated his duty and responsibility to WE THE PEOPLE in not holding accountable local law enforcement for its lapses. While some of these officer involved shootings and deaths may not be criminal in the nature, their investigations in some have been very lacking or in the Zehm case an active cover-up was underway. Tucker could have but didn’t raise the professional bar of these OIS/OID investigations.
Who runs this City?
For more of my commentary see my blog:
http://tinyurl.com/3jah3bx
BlondeSquawker on November 03 at 5:04 a.m.
It’s just such a sickening thing what that cop did. How could anyone defend him after seeing the video? He bashed someone’s brains without hesitation or reservation whatsoever. The cops who are angry over the outcome should perhaps seek different employment as it appears they have no regard for the justice system. Of course, they were preparing to control any rioters had the decision gone the other way. Cops are supposed to enforce the law, not make it.
BlondeSquawker on November 03 at 5:09 a.m.
We Support Karl Thompson Facebook page is really a joke. He’s a convicted felon who beat a man to death. How is that honorable?
brianrbreen on November 03 at 5:26 a.m.
@Sunshinegurl
Pretty hard to get a severance, without demonstrating that the other officers involved were acting outside the scope of their authority and violated standard policy and procedure. But it certainly isn’t something I’m sure city legal hasn’t strongly considered.
Trying to be numero uno is one thing, but trying to get there by stretching the bounds of ethical conduct is quite another.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on November 03 at 5:56 a.m.
a heartfelt sincere thank you to mr clark for his dogged pursuit of this case. This is a supreme example of the newspaper doing their job. Articles by many over time… Mr Clouse, Mr Grahman (sp), Mr Vestal and many others have worked long and hard to bring us information on this case.
Just thank you… thank you all… the system worked, albeit a bit slowly…but it Did work… Hopefully this one case will help the healthy, and well meaning police officers to now clean house. John Olsen Spokane
sean96 on November 03 at 6:19 a.m.
Right on Doug!
brianrbreen on November 03 at 6:36 a.m.
@John Olsen
There is many a good cop on the SPD. The problem is they are working in an environment that has allowed a culture to develop “it is us against them”. How can any leader in good conscience not understand that there is something very wrong when one of your lead defense tactics instructors testifies the way he did in complete contradiction to the State instructor that certified him. How can any leader, who must have some idea of how difficult it is to bring a federal criminal civil rights case, publicly state that she unequivocally supports Karl Thompson and he did no wrong. What do you think those good cops think when the Mayor publicly states that she does not believe Karl Thompson did anything wrong. How do you think they feel when a SPD PIO (Moses) demonstrates nothing but distain for the criminal justice system. How do you think they feel when McIntyre testifies the way she did and there is a perjury charge hanging over her head. How do you think they feel when City Legal blames the whole thing on Otto.
Where do they go express their shame, do they go to the chief who continues to publicly state she still believes in and respects Karl Thompson despite the verdict? Do they go to City Legal and tell Rocco how bad things are? Do they go to the Mayor, Ted Danek, or Dorothy Webster? Perhaps their guild leadership? If they did go to the Chief, what would she do to them since she has demonstrated just how fair she can be with officers she didn’t like. I don’t know, you tell me where they should go to get things squared away and I’ll pass it on.
philipgregory on November 03 at 7:04 a.m.
Thanks Doug Clark.
Albert on November 03 at 7:20 a.m.
Doug you never gave up in your pursuit for justice and I, for one, am very grateful for your YEARS of integrity. I still wear my Otto button and display it on my ball cap whenever I go out.
Thank you! Doug Clark!!!
mtorres55 on November 03 at 7:25 a.m.
We certainly celebrate this piece of Justice, but justice is not yet fully served in this case:
- there were several other police who sat or knelt on Otto’s back, contributing to his suffocation after Thompson and others beat the daylights out of him. They haven’t been charged yet.
- testimony by several police officials said everything Thompson was within departmental policy. We have to pressure the City to ensure those policies are changed.
- several Police officials also lied in this investigation, obstructed justice, and possibly committed perjury during the trial. This needs to be investigated.
- J. Edgar Treppeidi remains in office. His infamous statement about Otto causing his own death by his resistance to that surprise and vicious beating must be re-visited. This statement was made AFTER J. Edgar had seen the video.
His obvious hold on City officials must be investigated. This man is a menace to the city and to the public - just google his history here.
And last but NOT least, we, the public, need to start nearly from square one to establish an effective, credible civilian ombudsman position with independent investigative and reporting authority. You can be sure that is not going to come out of any negotiations with the Police Guild, which is the city’s plan at this point.
There IS a group working hard for this - and much left to do!
Open_Spokane on November 03 at 7:56 a.m.
Otto Zehm will have as much impact on the SPD as Frank Serpico had on the NYPD. That is unless we drop our guard and allow our city government to go about business as usual with the arrogance that we have grown to expect.
Serpico brought about the Knapp Commission which Spokane may have it’s own version (someday) in the way of an independent ombusman with full investigative powers.
At the end of the Serpico movie, there is a scene where the actor addresses a Grand Jury about police corruption. From memory, his comments go something like ” Police corruption can only exist when it is supported and condoned by those officials at the very top”.
I can’t help but remember Mayor Verner’s support of Officer Thompson, despite the video and other evidence. I am especially troubled by Chief Kirkpatrick’s mantra “if you lie, I will fire you”. Our two faced Mayor and Police Chief need to clean house on all of those folks that participated in the cover-up of Otto’s homicide.
I really doubt either one will do anything because the folks in city hall were just following orders. And that was the defense used by the Nazi’s at the Nuremberg trials.
Thank you Mr. Clark for what you have done for Spokane.
DickAdams on November 03 at 8:08 a.m.
Thanks again Doug, for my OTTO pin and the way you stuck to your guns. Good job!! I`ll be keeping my pin as a reminder about the liars and corruption at city hall.
Lewis on November 03 at 8:12 a.m.
I have felt like there was no justice either watching so many officers kill citizens with out trial, watching Gay Olsen walk, Hirzel go to mommys house after blowing a preacher away at the 4 foot mark.
This is my home town too, I don’t like being leery of our local police but i am the type that would have got into the fight in the zip trip and most likely had been put down too.
I am sure we have some good cops at the SPD but when i read their comments on the FB support page i have to wonder, and during this whole thing we did not see one cop stand up for the truth. We saw many lie, but not one stood up.
I hope this does help heal but i don’t think it will until we can get the rest of the officers, city attorney and city hall into court of law.
Squid thank you for the two bears i made one a girl bear and one a boy bear doing it, showing my contempt for the police that think motor laws do not apply them.
Truthhurts on November 03 at 9:45 a.m.
I wish this had happened a month ago, because Verner’s “closure” comment has absolutely enraged me that she wants the cover-up to be covered up.
I had given her a benefit of the doubt as being happily manipulated by her underlings, but now she is an active advocate for cover-up. She needs to go.
The cover-up was the greater crime, and I hope Doug Clark keeps up the heat on the prosecutions for that greater crime.
THE_SHEIKH on November 03 at 9:48 a.m.
Remember Otto Zehm!
Many supporters of Officer Thompson are placing his badge number on their Facebook page, I ask all those who support Otto Zehm to remember him by placing “OTTO” in their Facebook page.
Doug Clark had handed it out buttons in the past and I am asking him to support this.
No political rhetoric here, choosing of sides, or pointing fingers. Just asking for all those who are speaking out to back up their words with support for OTTO ZEHM!
Thank you,
THE SHEIKH
UTWY32 on November 03 at 9:48 a.m.
Clark-
Seriously, what value do you bring to this city or the “media”? Just as you are calling out for betterment in our police training, etc I would ask the citizens to call out our local media. The news channels and the paper in this city are a joke. Reporting is so biased and lacks professionalism. You are a great example of how far journalism has fallen into the ditch. Exactly what kind of “journalist” are you? Your name calling and disregard for humanity is disgusting.
You all in the media run out anyone who is trying to better this city. You are a great example of what the problem is. After you all run out Vernor, who is next in the firing line for Doug Clark’s columns?
Clark, the old saying, those who live in glass houses shouldnt throw stones..maybe time for you to realize the citizens of this city all think our media should be cleaned up as well. Doug, go get a real job and contribute to society…You are a joke
notthefacts on November 03 at 10:01 a.m.
You did our city a huge favor, Doug. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Only thing that would have been better is if the trial was here in Spokane. Thank you to the good people of Yaki-Vegas but the impact of seeing this guilty verdict read right under the nose of the very people who lied and yet still run this city would have felt even more redeeming.
keithj on November 03 at 10:05 a.m.
All good people should always remember Otto Zehm.
You are a good man, Doug.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on November 03 at 10:06 a.m.
An apology.. i failed to mention specifically Meghan Cuiniff (sp) this morning in my thank you’s for all you do for the peace and justice movement in spokane… I am sorry. John
ChefGus/ John Olsen on November 03 at 10:14 a.m.
@BrianBreen… “copy” your fine comments…. and the chain of command is so corrupted in this city…that “options”.. for a good officer to report out… or pursue unlawful commands as a mistake that should go up the line…. are few….
It would seem to me that the Mayor is the “Buck Stops” place in town… beyond that some have mentioned Grand Juries and State Attorney general’s …. but my view is that the “best place” to go…is to a fine reporter… Like Clouse, Cuiniff, Vestal,Grahman etc and report out….
The “Breaking Blue” option is not an easy one… nor much of a viable one, unless you are willing to “take the shot, get fragged, get “not backed up”……. The command staff is replete with piss poor players…. folks with no ethics that have clearly abrogated their responsibility to adhere to their oath of office, and protect the constitution above all else… and I have told most of them in person, and in emails that i have copies of.. Sincerely John Olsen
BlondeSquawker on November 03 at 10:21 a.m.
Perhaps Thirtytwo should move to UT/WY and herd sheep. Go off and hide away from the rest of the civilized world. Derp.
93bird on November 03 at 10:44 a.m.
Doug, thanks for helping make our city a better place. It is shameful that those entrusted with serving and protecting our city’s citizens can unlawfully kill and lie with the support of our elected leaders. Without your constant demands for true justice, more killings like Otto’s were sure to follow.
Truthhurts on November 03 at 11:07 a.m.
Time for
DON’T COVER-UP THE COVER-UP
buttons.
Ron_the_Cop on November 03 at 11:53 a.m.
Truthhurts -
EXCELLENT IDEA!
Open_Spokane on November 03 at 12:00 p.m.
Let’s not forget the fine work that was done by Bill Morlin and Karen Dorn Steel on the Otto Zehm case. Both had long and distinguished careers doing investigative work for the Spokesman.
I have to wonder why the City of Spokane is going to let Chief’s Kirkpatrick and Nicks work a few more months? They both need to be fired ASAP. If Spokane only had a Mayor with some backbone, an example needs to be made of these two and Mr. Treppeidi.
Mayor Verner’s ancestors experienced a lot of injustice. I think her ancestors would be ashamed of the way she blocked justice for the Zehm family.
ericdx on November 03 at 12:01 p.m.
Anyone starting a “We support the Otto Zehm Verdict Page” on Facebook, to show the sheeple on the KT support page the real feeling about what they did? If there is one, post the link
brianrbreen on November 03 at 12:16 p.m.
@Open_Spokane
Good call, and Morlin even went to a better school then Doug Clark did. He is one of those rotten Spokane lifers though, so JustGrammaAgain and the sidekick UTWY32, wouldn’t approve no matter what.
I kinda got a problem with Morlin though. He stole my girlfriend who was in Mr. Black’s journalism class with him.
The_Seer on November 03 at 12:48 p.m.
^^^^^probably because he knew the difference between “then” and “than.”
Thanks, Doug. Your perseverance and diligence are what I often find missing in media during the digital era. I hope you agree to an on camera interview for my film project covering this subject. I’ll contact you offline.
brianrbreen on November 03 at 12:52 p.m.
Then leave me alone will ya. I was a poor kid, only had the benefit of a public school education back than.
jdodgion on November 03 at 1:36 p.m.
Officer Thompson got what he deserved a Guilty Verdict.
What a scum bag he must be. Maybe Spokane’s Police Dept will clean up their act. !!!!
jdodgion on November 03 at 1:37 p.m.
Congrats to Doug Clark for getting it right.
zelda on November 03 at 2:13 p.m.
As I remember from reading “Serpico,” the main criminal issue was that a lot of the cops were “on the pad.” Don’t know if that’s the case in Spokane, but we definitely need more light shining in more dark corners.
Nearly 24 hrs. after this verdict was delivered, I’m feeling mostly fed up with all the New Age “healing” pablum coming Anne Kirkpatrick and Mary Verner. It’s like they want to put all of Spokane in group therapy and propel us through the five stages of grief so that we might find “closure” and be able to “move on.” It’s icky and sanctimonious.
While their healing process plays out, I want the DoJ and the FBI to ride their backs and clean up this mess once and for all.
I can’t help but think that justice wouldn’t have been served if it weren’t for the Internet and all the discussion that’s happened here, on Facebook, and in many other message boards.
So while we’re doling out copious amounts of thankage today, thank yourself for taking the time to build your awareness and delve into the minute details of this case.
The S-R, The Inlander and many everyday citizens helped turn the wheels of justice and put mechanisms in place for people to learn and comment. I reserve any thanks to the TV stations since few of those reporters were even around in 2006 and it’s kind of ridiculous to see the newbies reporting on the trial as if they have any concept of the magnitude or meaning. Maybe Eric Loney and Melissa Luck deserve some credit, but that’s as far as it goes.
katieh4389 on November 03 at 3:32 p.m.
Good job Doug. You keep the newspaper interesting and Karl Thompson got what he deserved. Althugh I think he should get life in prison. Everytime I see the news replay the surveillance of the night when he was killed it makes me cringe at what Zehm was put through. It breaks my heart nobody should have to go thru pain like that. I just hope everybody else that lied be put to justice as well. It is sad that a city should have to be scared of it’s own cops. What is this world coming to?
Ron_the_Cop on November 03 at 5:58 p.m.
@Zelda 2:13PM,
I said the same thing in the other thread.
Good point. It’s the synergy between the old media and the new/alternative/social media that has kept the community’s interest active for the last six years. The common denominator is the sense of fairness and ensuring that justice was indeed served.
Congrats to all in the MSM that stayed on this case. I expect no less as I expected better of Ofc. Thompson.
MrBoosDad on November 05 at 10:32 a.m.
The city is full of hope that comminity healing will begin. In reality officials want to turn their back on the culture of corruption and cover up and hope we will all forget soon. With the attitude of officers at the Thompson hearing Friday how could anyone think the culture has awakened. All that has been awakened is the contempt officers have for the people they pledge to serve and protect. Please keep attention on special batons and other personal gear cops use…this is one of the practices that needs to be reformed.
mary1958 on November 12 at 3:26 p.m.
I liked BrianrBreen’s post on “Where do they go….” If an officer were to take a stand against the killing of Otto Zehm they would be wrong by the mere fact that leadership is outspoken in support of Thompson. How could anyone expect an officer who has the motto of the “Code of Silence” hanging over their heads to get the guts to stand up to the statements of Verner and Kirkpatrick which are in the newspapers. Double whammy. In the beginning Nicks set the stage. I choked when I heard him say on the news that the officers “followed procedure.” (Now the brainwashing sets in….) I am glad he reversed his statement but…..
Mary C. Brown, MS Former SPD Mar88-Dec91
OTRA on November 13 at 8:02 p.m.
Last time I checked, cops, old white men, and people who kill the mentally handicapped don’t fare so well in jail. But buck up. If you practice sitting on your baton 9 or 10 times a day, by the time your boots hit intake you’ll be an old pro and not afraid to bend over in the shower at all. God bless Karma. I’ll pray you find Jesus. Ain’t nobody else in that entire prison gonna love you like He does.
theone31 on November 19 at 9:38 a.m.
Mr. Clark, you are awesome! It takes a lot of guts to write as you do. Especially in this city. If I had but one wish that could come true today. It would be that more people could read your article.