Shooting Case: Hand It Over to D.A.

Police officers carry guns because they are in a dangerous business--protecting the public from those who would harm others. Police are, in effect, licensed to use the force that is necessary to maintain peace and order. In return, the community must feel confident that officers use that force responsibly and judiciously. That’s why the Los Angeles Police Department should cooperate fully in the district attorney’s investigation of a controversial shooting.

In December, officers were called to St. Vincent’s Medical Center, where Sonji Danese Taylor was on the roof. Taylor was reported to be yelling and holding a knife in one hand and her 3-year-old son in the other.

Police officers managed to get the child away by using pepper spray on Taylor; later, officers said that they fired because she was threatening them with the knife.

Taylor suffered 10 wounds; seven shots struck her in the back. No drugs or alcohol were found in her body, according to a coroner’s report.

The district attorney’s office rightly wants answers. The LAPD has refused to turn over internal documents until its own inquiry is completed. In a move that irked the LAPD, a frustrated D.A.’s office went to the grand jury. It didn’t have to be that way.

Chief Willie L. Williams says he is committed to promoting openness between his department and the community. He can demonstrate that commitment by quickly ordering the LAPD to answer all questions about the strange death of Sonji Danese Taylor.