January 5, 2012 in News, City

Ex-SPD officer’s sentencing hearing postponed

Meghann M. Cuniff and David Wasson The Spokesman-Review

Tags:Carl OreskovichGrant FredericksJudge Fred Van SickleKarl F. Thompson Jr.Otto ZehmTimothy M. DurkinU.S. District Court

94 comments on this story. Comments are now closed.

Slightlyworried on January 05 at 11:16 a.m.
Give him a new trial. A second jury will convict.
icantbelivethis on January 05 at 11:20 a.m.
HEy , guilty is guilty, the feds should have done their part but, the end result will be the same. Thompson is allowed to enjoy a few more weeks of freedom and top notch defense at my expense. Nothing buyt the best for the SPD poster child of knightsticking the poor taxpaying folk.
BlondeSquawker on January 05 at 11:25 a.m.
I’ve just lost my faith in humanity.
icantbelivethis on January 05 at 11:27 a.m.
Thompson was likely a great cop that made one big mistake and, cant admit he did. What a poor role model he has become. When I was growing up, I was taught to own up and accept my punishment if I screwed up. Now its follow that rule unless your the Spokane Police and then you should hide your assets so you sone have to pay for your own defense, have your co-workers start a non-profit that isnt registered with the state so then the taxpayers and general public will pay your defense and buy some stupid bracelet that symbolizes the distain that many in the Spokane Police/SO have for the citizens. What a cool city I live in
lewis8457 on January 05 at 11:28 a.m.
blonde i lost my faith a long time ago none of this surprises me in the least.
in fact i wont be surprised if Karl the Klubber gets his job back with honors for killing a disabled man.
must be a proud day for the SPD knowing they can still kill at will.
rmg1612002 on January 05 at 11:30 a.m.
What about the fact this HIS constitutional rights have been violated by lack of disclosure on the part of the prosecution? If the defense doesnt receive all evidence in a case that is a violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights.
PlanB on January 05 at 11:36 a.m.
So a motion is presented based on an unknown expert who writes an unknown eight page document which is not presented by way of any established procedure.
Motion granted, of course.
I still think VanSickle is looking for any way to get Thompson off the hook for the murder he committed.
Shadedmuse on January 05 at 11:38 a.m.
Looks like the Cop haters will not go a way. let me say this one more time and hope it sinks in this time.
KARLTHOMPSON IS NOT GUILTY!!!!!!
KARL THOMPSON IS A HERO AND GOOD MAN.
FREE KARL THOMPSONS!!!!!!!!!!!
The_Seer on January 05 at 11:44 a.m.
mg: Your claim is simply speculation at this point. Do you have access to direct evidence to support your claim?
Hopefully you’ll remember the defense didn’t provide an expert in videotape to rebut the claims of the prosecution’s expert. There is absolutely no way for this “expert” to determine whether the prosecution provided the defense with complete disclosure. The only way he’d know for certain was if he already ignored his confidentiality agreement, which would taint any subsequent testimony he has to offer because of a history of ignoring legally binding agreements.
horse_feathers on January 05 at 11:48 a.m.
Bending over, I can feel Spokane justice coming.
rmg1612002 on January 05 at 11:51 a.m.
No I do not, but at the very least it is something that has to be inquired in to by the judge through the legal system procedures. I am just saying it isnt something to just ignore and depending on the outcome of that inquiry there can be a violation or there cannot. Everyone cried about constitutional violations by the defendant against Zehm during the trial but some comments here want to ignore the same rights for the defendants if violations occurred.
rpmarp on January 05 at 11:56 a.m.
Most of these dimwitted posters obviously read nothing beyond the first paragraph of this article. C’mon folks, open your eyes and your minds.
larry_b on January 05 at 11:59 a.m.
we have all seen the video. what could possibly be the evidence we have not seen? HE BEAT THE GUY!!!!!
take it to a jury in any state, GUILTY!
Ron_the_Cop on January 05 at 12:01 p.m.
I would encourage all to read the court’s ruling/order. Here’s my two cents.
This issue is not new and has been working its way through the process. The prosecution didn’t make a filing deadline so this appears to be a procedural issue that allows the defense some time to investigate this new information.
Since Thompson has right to investigate this additional information this would put the timeline to do so near or beyond the scheduled sentencing date. The Judge is combing this with the ongoing motion for a new trial and allowing some additional time for the defense to investigate this new information. That was my quick read of Judge Van Sickle’s ruling and order.
I have no clue if this new information will have any real relevance that would be grounds for a new trial.
The un enhanced video stands alone on its face and is what it is. The testimony of the witnesses was quite clear that there were baton head strikes with little or no warning by former Officer Thompson.
wdodd on January 05 at 12:04 p.m.
This says it alll!!!
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/dec/18/doug-clark-head-crackin-karl-can-hum-his-own/?audio
brianrbreen on January 05 at 12:05 p.m.
@generallyspeaking
I was kind of waiting for you to let me know exactly what Fredricks testified to at trial, if in fact he did. I know he was originally hired by Rocco Treppiedi and then the DOJ used him to an extent and there was a big issue with him in that regard. You might want to read this regarding Fredricks it might help some to understand where he might be coming from.
Or…don’t bother and just consider it “Blow Hard” stuff.
http://media.spokesman.com/documents/2011/08/USattnySupportForStay9-2009l.pdf
Shelala on January 05 at 12:14 p.m.
Put things in perspective. He hasn’t granted a new trial and he has to be sentenced to stage an appeal. Oreskovick has a reputation as a good bulldog attorney (even if he represents a lowlife). Thompson has been afforded the best attorney our taxpaying public could possibly buy. Donations largely by fellow SPD Officers have given him the financial means to buy his defense a little more oomph ($10,000.00 plus is nothing to sneeze at for an “indigent client”). What part of this is a surprise to anyone? He is like a caged bad dog looking for that proverbial hole in the fence to escape. It doesn’t mean the holes can’t be patched and the bad dog contained or that he is allowed to be let loose just because he found a possible hole in the fence. Thompson is facing some prison time which for a guy his age is a tough pill to swallow. IMO, he is not an honorable man and will go licking and screaming to his inevitable cell hopefully taking some of his staunch SPD supporters with him. This is his hail mary. As far as other media referred to in another post (KXLY reporting), if you read their FB blog during the holidays, their news team attempted to quiet bloggers upset with taxpayer money used to pay for Thompson’s defense by erroneously insisting Thompson was paying for his own defense. While they did post a half a** retraction several days later. IMO it does show IMO a possible bias and more than a little ignorance. It’s no wonder Thompson’s SPD supporters flock there to post.
generallyspeaking on January 05 at 12:17 p.m.
One of the government’s experts (a forensic video analyst) decided at some point, in his opinion, that the government did not properly disclose to the defense his findings and that specifically that the government’s disclosures are incomplete and inaccurate.
Sunshinegurl on January 05 at 12:20 p.m.
Allowing the defense to review the evidence not a big deal. Allowing the guilty party to remain free pending an appeal, not okay. Everyone else sits in the slammer while they go through the appeal process. I hope the prosecutor seeks to overturn Van Sickle’s ruling.
Meanwhile I believe Jeramie Davis remains jailed awaiting the outcome of an investigation that police have said could exonerate him of murder. DNA from another person was found on the murder weapon but not presented at his trial.
This is not okay, judges shouldn’t be making decisions based solely on social class.
Charlie on January 05 at 12:27 p.m.
@Shadedmuse, why don’t you trade places with ex officer Thompson?
Ron_the_Cop on January 05 at 12:32 p.m.
Generallyspeaking,
I just rescanned the link to AUSA Durkin’s proffer. This issue appears that Fredricks couldn’t confirm baton head strikes in the first second or so of the encounter. Fredricks apparently releases some video stills to Treppiedi that the feds thought were privileged to them and later discovered this release. The feds then ceased using Fredricks because of the conflict and atty/client privilege issues.
The feds then later used other experts and Dr. Gill to examine the videos. Dr. Gill was very direct about the head strikes in his testimony during the trial
Further there were also witnesses that testified to seeing these head strikes.
I think this will be a moot point as the original video speaks for itself without any enhancements and the separate witness testimony. Of course OC will blow a lot of smoke re the prosecution failing to release this new compelling evidence.
What is clear the prosecution was working with the court on this issue. What happened was the prosecution missed a filing deadline for unknown reasons which caused the release of Fredricks from his privilege. The defense then got access to this info that had previously been undisclosed because of the confidentiality atty/client privilege.
andrew5 on January 05 at 12:45 p.m.
As I have stated I am not a cop hater…I am a hater of abuse of power..Karl Thompson and others like him abused the trust and power placed in them
@shademouse…..wake up
Shadedmuse on January 05 at 1:11 p.m.
Karl Thompson did NOT abuse anything. all he did was his job and that is to protect the people from crims and skum bags and drug addicts and that is what he did. Karl Thompson is a hero and should get the presidental medal of freedom.
liberal_in_right_wing_land on January 05 at 1:30 p.m.
This is one of many things wrong with our justice system if this guy who is CLEARLY guilty can get off on a stupid thing like this that has nothing to do with wether or not this disgusting pig cop beat Zehm to death.
liveinfearoftheSPD on January 05 at 1:37 p.m.
muse are you one of Karl’s daughters? Medal of Freedom? Have you lost it completely?
Not only do you spit in the faces of the citizens of Spokane, you spit on a very prestigious award and those who have deservedly received it.
Dollie12 on January 05 at 1:38 p.m.
Someone please explain why the prosecution would miss a filing deadline? The biggest case our city has seen in years, doesn’t make sense…
paddleboard9 on January 05 at 1:42 p.m.
Let me see if I understand this, new info has come to the court out of the blue. “Out of the blue” how come this never happens to other people. It just happens to a police officer who MURDERED a innocent person. The public has no faith in the police, you are all nazi like thugs who helped to cover up a murder. This judge is going to find a way to release this monster. Watch what happens, the people of Spokane need to wake up and see that the police are not here to protect and serve. They are here to control and if they get the chance they will lay the boots to you.
Charlie on January 05 at 2:06 p.m.
@Shadedmuse—First of all, I wish you would get “Spellcheck” for your computer, you might sound more informed then. Second, was Otto Zehm a criminal, drug abuser or a scumbag. Thompson did abuse someone, Otto to the point of death. Are you related to ex- officer Thompson?
BlondeSquawker on January 05 at 2:18 p.m.
generallyblathering wrote: “One of the government’s experts (a forensic video analyst) decided at some point, in his opinion, that the government did not properly disclose to the defense his findings and that specifically that the government’s disclosures are incomplete and inaccurate.”
What She/He meant to say:
“I disagree with the stance that is valid to you. I counter your opinions with articles I have briefly skimmed and seem to support my opinion over yours. While not substantively addressing your point, I argue from a position of authority that asserts I have a level of experience that qualifies me to contradict you. I offer no real evidence to support my position, but assert that I have information that decisively invalidates your argument or point of view. Attempts to disagree with my stance/opinion will be retorted with ad hominem attacks against you in the community. I will do this in order to completely discredit your position to other readers, thereby elevating my perceived status and strengthening my stance.”
Stance! Lol. She/He must mean that in a Craigian way.
Shadedmuse on January 05 at 2:20 p.m.
I’m not Related to Karl Thompson, I come to the case at hand with a view that is not tainted by Spokane yellow belly tabloid press, where you are guilty before trial where they taint a jury pool buy using regional news source like NCWN who is a tool of KRUM Noise.
Otto was a crim with a crim pased that comes from a fam of crims like his cousin that set his wife on fire and shot at cops then shot him self,
I.m going by the facts not yellow tabloid spokane trash media.
Shelala on January 05 at 2:20 p.m.
IMO, I consider it personally disconcerting and abhor the fact that Otto Zehm as a victim is not among the living to have a say in Thompson’s trial surrounding his own death and has no choice but to allow the legal system to determine if he will be an expendable being in the political maneuvering and legal wrangling. In all likelihood. Otto had no idea why he was being assaulted or that he would die that evening. The DOJ may be able to seek justice in Federal court, but Thompson’s ultimate judge will probably not allow Oreskovick and his defense team to plead his case before his maker. You’re no spring chicken, Karl and time is not your friend.
generallyspeaking on January 05 at 2:21 p.m.
OH…..there is MORE to come….just wait….
brianrbreen on January 05 at 2:25 p.m.
@Dollie12
It appears they didn’t care what Fredrick’s contention was regarding discovery, so they didn’t file a response to the show cause and provided the defense and the court with a letter documenting their position regarding Fredrick’s allegations.
What it looks like it boils down to be, is the defense has until January 24, 2012 to investigate his allegations and include it in their motion for a new trial. The prosecution has until February 7, 2012 to respond, then the defense has until February 17, 2012 to get the their last shot in. All of which means the sentencing has to be pushed back. Then the Judge decides if he gets a new trial. The DOJ must not have been too awfully worried about it because they gave it all up without a fight. I don’t think it looks good to battle it out when someone essentially accuses you of prosecutorial misconduct, and why add more ammo to the appeal process, that is assuming of course he doesn’t get a new trial. I don’t see where Judge Van Sickle had any real option other than to give another couple of weeks to investigate it, and you might note that he came pretty close to giving them what the prosecution recommended which was 14 days.
A lawyer could probably correct me, but that’s what it looks like to this blow hard.
Ron_the_Cop on January 05 at 2:41 p.m.
@Brian,
You’re a crusty ole blow hard but I do concur with your analysis. It would have come up eventually so the court might as well consider this in CO’s motion for a new trial and put this all to rest.
BlondeSquawker,
You took the words out of my mouth. Just read the fed proffer that Brian linked too. It’s near the end re the Fredricks issue. This is really not a new issue.
Middleman on January 05 at 2:45 p.m.
I urge anyone that is as annoyed as I am to the insane and thoughtless ramblings of one of our bloggers to not respond. Apparently they want to get a rise out of us when they spew the mis-spelled and poorly written vitriol. Just ignore, ignore, ignore! Every time we respond, it adds fuel to their childish mind. Sort of like the juvenile that wants attention, leave them alone and don’t react and they will eventually go away or change their behavior. Food for thought..
brianrbreen on January 05 at 2:53 p.m.
@Ron_the_Cop
Why do I have this strange feeling that the next thing up is the inevitable prosecutorial misconduct? Rotten Feds…just can’t trust them.
andrew5 on January 05 at 2:59 p.m.
@Middleman…I usually Would agree with what you are saying, but sometimes I have to point out ignorant statements.
@shademuse…I really do not care if you are related to Karl Thompson, it would not make you less or more of a human being just like it doesnt make Otto Zehm less of a human being becauae of bad things his family has done. Otto was not a “skum” or drug user. He was mentally handicapped. Two teenage girls got scared of him because he acted strange. They called the cops and we know the rest…the evidence is there.
Slightlyworried on January 05 at 3:03 p.m.
@brianbreen
“Prosecutorial Misconduct” is the next 505 Kool Aid to hit the shelves. Word on the street is that it tastes better than the original “Otto Took A Box Stance” and the recent release of “Jury Misconduct”
“Cheers” to the 505 24/7 100% crowd.
nslopeofw on January 05 at 3:04 p.m.
Shadedmuse is either a cop, one of Karl’s freinds/family, or a badge bunny. No one could be that stupid unless they are just ignoring the facts due to loyalty/love.
tomnsahl on January 05 at 3:11 p.m.
Let this basic lesson in civics and civility sink in - just because someone CLAIMS to be an expert, insider, film producer, fan or fanatic - and they post here … what they say is, or implicitly should be IMO (in my opinion) only!
Know-it-alls, pontificators and blowhards are equally entitled to their points of view - but NO one has all the information, facts or truth.
This “postponement” is part of the process; nothing more or less. While some opined that the Judge made rulings that favored the defense and which meant THIS delay would not occur - they were wrong … just admit it (or not)
To the side takers on both extremes and those who threaten or defame other posters - PLEASE keep it civil.
johnclarke on January 05 at 3:13 p.m.
nslopeofw on January 05 at 3:04 p.m.
I was thinking he was just a bomb tosser, but whatever. This lawyer sounds like the one you want to hire. He is throwing everything at this, as is his job.
I predict that the guilty party will do something drastic when jail day comes around. His type will not face the music.
brianrbreen on January 05 at 3:20 p.m.
@Slightlyworried
I think if you read the update and the statements of Breean Beggs he pretty well sums it up, and even though like myself he is Irish I believe, I don’t think you could lump him into the blow hard category.
BTW, I’m a Crystal Lite fan. I quit drinking the Kool Aid long ago, too much sugar.
brianrbreen on January 05 at 3:28 p.m.
@tomsahl
“blowhards” Thank you for my entitlement sir. :)
Shelala on January 05 at 3:30 p.m.
I re-read the docs that Brian provided a link to. I hope Condon has a really big broom to clean house with. It’s also obvious that the city has to put a cap on that gushing well of incompetenence called Rocky Treppeidi. I don’t think this latest defense tactic is the jury decision busting , get me a new trial discovery they would like to think it is. As we all expected, Thompson is being led kicking and screaming to his inevitable prison cell. I know a few things about DOJ attorneys and I know they are some of the best and brightest and can eat the Rocky’s of this world for breakfast. IMO they are perfectly capable of clearing the way to allow Thompson to fully appreciate his prison cell and how he got there. I would be completely surprised if they weren’t fully prepared to successfully counter these last ditch efforts by Thompson defense team.
The_Seer on January 05 at 3:35 p.m.
Spokane tap water here…
brianrbreen on January 05 at 3:37 p.m.
@tomsahl
Which reminds me. I was expecting you to go to the defense of your Saxon buddy. I was going to….but this Tiger just couldn’t bring himself to do it. Forego the one post limit and help him out will you!
horse_feathers on January 05 at 3:48 p.m.
johnclarke,
The reason this laywer is throwing everything at it is because it is at taxpayer expence. It’s going to be a huge bill and he will have a great vacation and maybe even have enough left over to get a new Mercedes.
callsemasiseesem on January 05 at 3:54 p.m.
sometimes you just have to flush twice…
tomnsahl on January 05 at 3:55 p.m.
lol @ BB - we’re both rule benders. Please note who called YOU a “crusty ole blow hard” - psst - it was NOT me.
And no thanks to defending or offending anyone (least of all a fellow Saxon or Coug). Most folks here don’t need to be propped up or put down : ))
Ed Byrnes on January 05 at 3:58 p.m.
Although I am Irish like Mr. Breen and Mr. Beggs that is not why I am weighing in here.
In previous postings I have been crystal clear about my personal assessment of the Zehm incident, the Thompson trial and SPD accountability in general. My previous opinions are not relevant to what I have to write now.
Due process guarantees are assured in our constitution and assured for all. Before any of us speak disparagingly of due process itself, or of those who exercise their due process rights, let us imagine if we were in legal trouble and how we might then think of feel about our constitutionally guaranteed protections.
Please do not take my preceding statement as an endorsement of the offender’s innocence because I unequivocally agree with the jury verdict; Take it as an endorsement of our constitutional due process rights.
Ed Byrnes
johnclarke on January 05 at 4:12 p.m.
horse_feathers on January 05 at 3:48 p.m.
johnclarke,
The reason this laywer is throwing everything at it is because it is at taxpayer expence. It’s going to be a huge bill and he will have a great vacation and maybe even have enough left over to get a new Mercedes.
Ya I totally get that. Still, the guy is tenacious. Just what I want in a lawyer, oh and someone to pay for it.
brianrbreen on January 05 at 4:32 p.m.
@johnclarke
He is a hell of a good lawyer, and Thompson’s lucky to have him. If people had any idea of how much time and effort the DOJ put into this case and what a good job they did they might understand what a good CO is doing at considerably less than what he would ordinarily make. If you look at the Grant Fredricks issue alone, I can tell by the witnesses the DOJ called regarding the video that they spent one heck of a lot of time preparing the case. Someone had to go back and research all of Fredricks previous testimony were he testified in the defense of several officers and how his testimony might reflect on their case in chief…. no easy task.
ericdx on January 05 at 4:42 p.m.
Dollie,
As far as the Prosecutors office not getting it in before the deadline, It was sitting on Rocky’s desk, while he was on vacation, and Steve Tucker was at the Golf Course in Palm Springs. Thats how the motion was late.
The fact of the matter is, someone in the prosecutors office let this drop specifically because they could not handle the fact that after the Prosecuter said “all was good to go, Thopson did nothing wrong,” they could not handle the fact that the Feds came in and said “no, its not.”
Sunshinegurl on January 05 at 4:46 p.m.
Ron the cop - I think you are spot on.
I don’t like the judge taking this extraordinary measure because Thompson is a police officer. They deserve equal protection not exceptional protection under the law.
I think Treppiedi likely had something to do with this. I doubt this forensic guy came up with this all on his own, and why so late in the game? Very suspicious.
Kudos to the prosecution for playing along, I don’t care that they were a couple days late because I know it was over the holidays and frankly Van Sickle should have taken that into consideration.
Boooooooo at Van Sickle.
Sunshinegurl on January 05 at 4:47 p.m.
Correction, Thompson WAS a police officer. Now he’s just a convicted felon.
Justice2 on January 05 at 5:04 p.m.
Wow—he beat an innocent man to death. The local Law Enforcement agencies should be crying out for justice. Send him to jail. By doing the opposite they are telling the world that they are corrupt and no longer serve the people.
generallyspeaking on January 05 at 5:25 p.m.
Oh ya….the good old “god” will get you….if thats what ya gotta tell yourself Shelala…….Don’t kick and scream too hard if he is exonerated…..after all it will be by the justice system you have been praising all along….
nosheet on January 05 at 5:33 p.m.
OMG…is the truth coming out!!!?? What will these poor bloggers do now….You people are missing the point…the video expert solicited the court for its wrongs…..not the judge, not the prosecutor…not the defense team…the witness himself. Sounds like the crack may be in the dam….truth will spill out finally….I wonder if you will ever hear about the jailed witness who testified “voluntarily”…or about the toy pistol in Zehm’s pocket….yes….finally……maybe….
Marie on January 05 at 5:37 p.m.
I read Judge Van Sickle’s opinion on the KXLY site. After reading it my questions are: If this information really didn’t matter why didn’t the Feds just give it to the defense? Why not release Fredericks from the confidentialty agreement? Why create an issue if it’s not necessary?
Albert on January 05 at 5:39 p.m.
@ Johnclarke “I predict that the guilty party will do something drastic when jail day comes around. His type will not face the music.”
Totally agree.
brianrbreen on January 05 at 6:21 p.m.
@lewis
Please believe me when I say that Shadedmuse is NOT a cop. I would hope you would trust me on that, and middleman is right there are some problems there and it is better ignored.
Shelala on January 05 at 6:36 p.m.
@generallyspeaking
Huge leap between this and exoneration. You are missing a few important steps. Unlike yourself, I still have trust in the judicial system and am not consumed searching for technicalities in a remote hope it will free a guilty man. To quote an old proverb” “it is simpler to commit murder, than justify it.” or should that proverb be updated to state “subsequent death via blows to the head by a police officer”. Dead is dead.
SpokaneIsFun on January 05 at 6:37 p.m.
I find it ironic that one veteran police officer could cause this much damage to the City of Spokane. If only another police officer could have responded to this call the city would have been spared it’s reputation, the police chief, the mayor, and a half million taxpayer bucks.
Slightlyworried on January 05 at 6:58 p.m.
@brianbreen
I used to drink Pepsi until I found out that possessing a 2 liter bottle meant that I was carrying a deadly weapon without a permit.
generallyspeaking on January 05 at 7:00 p.m.
Well Shelala…..you should note I said, “IF” he is exonerated….AND what you can’t seem to get through your head…..Karl Thompson was not found guilty or even ACCUSED of Killing Zehm…..I do believe the charges are excessive force, and lying….how odd we are NOW learning that it is the FEDS who might be the ones not so truthful…..withholding evidence that could have changed the verdict….
generallyspeaking on January 05 at 7:03 p.m.
What was it?? Oh ya…”inaccurate” I believe was the word the FEDS own expert witness used…..and I find it quite odd that if they didn’t have something to hide…..WHY not let their witness out of the confidentiality agreement….as a matter of fact WHY have one at all……OH how the cards are going to start to fall……
generallyspeaking on January 05 at 7:04 p.m.
wonder what other secrets the FEDS are desperately trying to hide….BUT I have no doubt….those secrets are SOON to be exposed……
BlondeSquawker on January 05 at 7:05 p.m.
It’s just the inevitable delay of KARL THE KLUBBER’S SENTENCE FOR MURDERING A DISABLED MAN.
Deal with it, gs.
davidw on January 05 at 7:13 p.m.
FYI — The final updated version of this story will be posted before too long.
We’ll also be posting two additional documents, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office motion in response to today’s developments. Although much of it won’t make the print edition, there’s several interesting portions in Durkin’s filing about the apparent lack of notice that was given to the U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding the ex parte order. If you’re a news junkie, you also should make sure and read Van Sickle’s order, which has been attached with the online version of this story since before lunch.
And, finally, just a heads up. With reporter Tom Clouse enjoying some much-deserved time off right now, I jumped back into the reporting pool to help sort through today’s developments. Glad reporter Meghann Cuniff was on hand to help.
Thanks for reading The SR,

David Wasson, deputy city editor
BlondeSquawker on January 05 at 7:13 p.m.
That nasty video of KTK beating in Otto’s brains just won’t go away:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2017083878_spokane24m.html
brianrbreen on January 05 at 7:22 p.m.
@Justme09
Just out of curiosity…. why not wait until January 24th when the motion for a retrial is filed it will contain all the rotten, underhanded, and deceitful stuff the DOJ did and then jump on it…. or are you having as much fun with this as I am.
BlondeSquawker on January 05 at 7:23 p.m.
Spokanian Rhapsody:
Momma, Karl killed a man
Slammed a baton upon his head
Whacked him till he was
Brain-dead
Momma, life was lots of fun
Now a cop will spend part of his
In Federal prison
Momma, oooooh, oooooh
Why’d he have to lie?
A different judge is gonna say the same thing again tomorrow
“Carry out the sentence
Carry out the sentence”
‘Cause it doesn’t matter what they say
Karl’s just a poor cop
Nobody loves him
Had to divorce his wife
Just to say he lives in poverty
And we’ll pick up the tab to feed this monstrosity
He’s just a poor cop
Nobody loves him
Wrongly took somebody’s life and now he wants to be free
Oh, Momma Mia, Momma Mia, Momma Mia “set me free”
Give me back my baton so I can clean up the streets!
For mee, for mee, for meeeeeeeeeee!
“So they think they can sentence me and send me away!
Not so say my cop buddies who wrote on Facebook for me
Christmas Day!”
Oooooh, baby, jury sent you away, baby
Just gotta do your time, just gotta do your time and go away
‘Cause it really doesn’t matter, matter what they say
Thompson is guilty and he’s gotta pay
BlondeSquawker on January 05 at 7:25 p.m.
Here’s some music to help you sing along!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8fnJ4Kfxqs
brianrbreen on January 05 at 7:38 p.m.
@davidw
You need to get Cunnif on the Ogopogo story, after all Fredricks said the video was a bunch of birds, and Cuniff likes those monster stories anyway.
brianrbreen on January 05 at 7:53 p.m.
Thanks for posting the documents Mr. Wasson, it all sounds pretty nefarious. :) :)
detroitdude on January 05 at 8:06 p.m.
Karl Thompson is a konvicted klubber. Most people settle disputes in a civil manner, Karl Thompson klubs you.
“how odd we are NOW learning that it is the FEDS who might be the ones not so truthful”
WTF are you stupid? There is a video of the poor man getting klubbed down when he didn’t do anything!
johnclarke on January 05 at 8:35 p.m.
BlondeSquawker on January 05 at 7:13 p.m.
That nasty video of KTK beating in Otto’s brains just won’t go away:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2017083878_spokane24m.html
Squawker;
Thanks for posting that link. I found myself becoming once again enraged by this entire tragic story. If I were the revenge oriented type of person, and I’m not - I might say that Mr. Thompson deserves to go to prison. Then when he is in the general population he deserves to have some armed fellow convict beat the hell out of him for no reason, then maybe some convicts could sit on his chest until he stops breathing. Then all those convicts could lie about what really happened and cover for each other. Again, I’m not into revenge. The system will hopefully do it’s job.
Each and every one of you cops that showed up in court to salute Mr. Thompson, you should turn in your badges and go find other work. You do not deserve the public trust, or my tax dollars.
Liberalsblow on January 05 at 8:45 p.m.
Thompson is innocent. The prosecutor manipulated the testimony. Thompson will get a new trial. Now Ron and Brian have something to bloviate about again.
zelda on January 05 at 8:50 p.m.
This case is getting more gnarled and twisty with each passing day. The dark shadow of Rocky T., perhaps.
All that needs to happen now is for us to find out that Karl Thompson’s mother tried to hire a hit man to kill the prosecutor a la Ruth Coe.
brianrbreen on January 05 at 8:52 p.m.
Not only did the prosecutors manipulate the testimony, but don’t forget they intimidate the witnesses.
BTW; Did Grant Fredericks ever testify?
BlondeSquawker on January 05 at 8:53 p.m.
Innocent of lying? Not. Innocent of police brutality? Not. Boo Hoo. You’ll lose. ^^^
nslopeofw on January 05 at 8:54 p.m.
Generalyspeaking-
Pray all you want, try to muddy the waters all you want.
fact #1. Karl F. Thompson is a convicted felon, convicted of violating a man’s civil rights which led to his death, and then lying about it to cover up the fact that he had no real reason to klub Otto Zehm over the head repeatedly. There is even a video that shows no “boxing stance” or aggressive movements were made toward ex-officer/convicted felon Karl F. Thompson.
Fact#2 Karl F. Thompson WILL go to prison, no matter how much maneuvering is done by his tax payer paid lawyer.
Fact#3 Convicted felon Karl F. Thompson will continue to be out on bail awaiting his sentencing. He will be living in his ex-wife’s $750K home, sleeping with his ex-wife each night, and generally living high on the hog while he awaits his sentencing. I’m fairly sure this would not be the case if convicted felon Karl F. Thompson were not an ex-cop.
Fact#4 The police in Spokane will continue to support said convicted felon, showing that the LEO’s in Spokane are above and beyond the “common” law that governs the rest of Spokane’s population, which will further erode the way the people of Spokane think of the police. They also will continue to believe that they are better than the little people, and that they have such dangerous jobs that “shoot first, ask questions later” will still be OK. Meanwhile, convicted felon Karl F. Thompson will call the feds in and tell them he can give them the rest of the killer gang on a silver platter if the feds cut him a deal. (He will have forgotten the salute by then)
Sorry JC, i know how you feel about me posting “FACT” in quotes and caps, but its the only way i can make the emotion i feel for this statement to come out.
brianrbreen on January 05 at 8:54 p.m.
@Zelda
That was a good one!!! LOL
brianrbreen on January 05 at 8:57 p.m.
@Zelda
Jack Olson has passed on…so who is going to do the book?
Marie on January 05 at 9:01 p.m.
@brianbreen
Grant Fredericks did not testify.
brianrbreen on January 05 at 9:02 p.m.
I know Marie…but thanks
D Statler on January 05 at 9:05 p.m.
It is not too late for Governor Gregoire to pardon Karl Thompson on the way out ! LOL There is your hail mary move. I could see something like this happening to keep poor Karl out of prison. Him being such a decorated hero makes it much more likely. Things are never equal in our criminal justice system. If Tucker would have prosecuted when this first happened. Thompson would have been jailed for three years or more now. If the Spokane County public defenders office were to hire this kind of representation for all indigents. The Spokane County jail would be empty also.
I am very disheartened that justice in Spokane is not equal and fair to all. Our constitution is of little more use than toilet paper if you are not a cop or rich enough to hire competent attourneys. Having a Prosecutors office that picks and chooses who they want to send to prison is wrong.Turning a blind cheek when there is plenty of evidence and facts to support a conviction is wrong. It is time to recall Steve Tucker or at the very least. Send him packing at the next available chance.
I will be surprised if real justice is achieved for Otto Zehm. I also wonder how much the city’s insurers responsibility will be negated by the proven cover-up? A generous settlement should have been negotiated four years ago. This is going to cost us millions in extra cover up charges. Welcome to the Mayors office Mr Condon :^( Otto’s death has effected change in police tactics.Time to put this mess to rest and try to rebuild our Police leadership and Community trust in the SPD and Sheriffs offices.
zelda on January 05 at 9:29 p.m.
@brianrbreen — Well, there’s always Ann Rule but this case doesn’t have the requisite sex or domestic violence and she’s getting on in years. It’s time to pass the torch to a new generation of true crime chroniclers.
With dying words like “All I wanted was a Snickers,” a convenience store called Zip Trip, the fading noir burg of Spokane and a city attorney named Rocky, surely there’s enough material for at least a working title.
Ron_the_Cop on January 05 at 9:36 p.m.
Zelda,
I heard that the Zip Trip is being torn down. It’s in a gutted state right now. Perhaps it won’t become another Zombie bldg:-)
lewis8457 on January 05 at 9:36 p.m.
if you want to smell the stench of rotten pork the 505 crowd is over at KXLY on this story. It is hard for me to believe a person that took the oath of a police officer could actually think beating a innocent man to death is alright if a cop is the one doing the beating.
brianrbreen on January 05 at 9:39 p.m.
@Zelda
At least I don’t have to worry about writing another scathing report on the way the department handled this one. As far as getting along in years it’s getting to the point that there are a lot of people around here that don’t remember much about the Coe case. But I agree this one would make a great book.
BTW; somewhere around here I have an autographed copy of Son.
zelda on January 05 at 10:09 p.m.
@brianrbreen — Is it too much to hope for that Thompson’s attorney at some point gets drunk and drives his car into the Spokane River and there’s an S-R photographer around to capture the moment when he wades to shore so it can be printed on the front page? Ah, those were the days.
The Zip Trip’s being torn down? Dang, I was hoping to start a Sleaze Tours of Spokane business including famous crime scenes. Sic transit gloria.
Shadedmuse on January 05 at 10:10 p.m.
Dstatler
Gregoire doesnt have athority to pardon Karl Thompson he was not tried at state level he was tried at federal level meaning only Barrack Obama can pardon him and I have been donating money to Obama with notes asking him to give Karl Thompson a full pardon. and everyone I talk to is doing the same thing.
brianrbreen on January 05 at 10:12 p.m.
@Zelda
You only know the half of it. :) :)