Color Scheme

Subscribe now

This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Zehm

Nina Culver’s article, “Spokane officer takes home world cross fit medal” (July 30), features Jason Uberagua and gives him a free pass for his involvement in Otto Zehm’s death 10 years ago.

Officers Uberagua and Erin Raleigh put their weight on the upper torso of a prone Otto Zehm, which led to his asphyxiation, according to trial testimony. This occurred after a dozen baton blows and some Tasering. Karl Thompson was convicted of civil rights and obstruction charges.

Feature stories generally highlight worthy public servants, such as Officer Pat Eismann, “Post Falls cop cites shoplifting mom and buys Easter baskets for the kids,” (March 30). Uberagua has excelled as a strong athlete. However, the public, as well as the Spokane City Council, deserves to know Officer Uberagua’s views on Otto Zehm’s death and his fellow officers’ salute to Karl Thompson.

Mike Kraft

Spokane

Letters Policy

The Spokesman-Review invites original letters on local topics of public interest. Your letter must adhere to the following rules:

  • No more than 250 words
  • We reserve the right to reject letters that are not factually correct, racist or are written with malice.
  • We cannot accept more than one letter a month from the same writer.
  • With each letter, include your daytime phone number and street address.
  • The Spokesman-Review retains the nonexclusive right to archive and re-publish any material submitted for publication.

Unfortunately, we don’t have space to publish all letters received, nor are we able to acknowledge their receipt. (Learn more.)

Submit letters using any of the following:

Our online form
Submit your letter here
Mail
Letters to the Editor
The Spokesman-Review
999 W. Riverside Ave.
Spokane, WA 99201
Email
letters@spokesman.com
Fax
(509) 459-5098
Phone
(509) 459-5403

Read more about how we crafted our Letters to the Editor policy