In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.
8 Congressmen Seek FBI Probe Of Shooting
Josey1
Member Posts: 9,598 ✭✭
8 Congressmen Seek FBI Probe Of Shooting
By CANDACE J. SAMOLINSKI csamolinski@tampatrib.com
Published: Aug 3, 2002
ZEPHYRHILLS - A congressional team wants a federal investigation into the fatal shooting of a jewelry store owner by a Pasco County sheriff's deputy.
Deputy Erica Fernandez, 24, shot Sharlene ``Sally'' Jones, 39, three times May 22 inside Dan's Fine Jewelry at 36515 State Road 54. The deputy was sent there to check on Jones after Zephyrhills police received word that she might be suicidal. Fernandez told investigators she found Jones holding a .357-caliber Magnum, tried to convince her to drop the gun and fired after Jones pointed it in her direction.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement ruled the shooting justified but didn't find Jones' fingerprints on the pistol, supervisor Ray Velboom said. Jones' family has notified the Pasco County Sheriff's Office of plans for a wrongful death lawsuit.
The shooting has gained the attention of U.S. Rep. Carrie P. Meek, D-Miami, Rep. Alcee L. Hastings, R-Miramar, and Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Ocala. They joined five other House members and signed a letter to Attorney General John Ashcroft on July 24 asking him to order an investigation.
The letter was written by U.S. Rep. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, who represents the territory of American Samoa, where much of Jones' extended family resides. The congressman said he got involved after Jones' uncle approached him.
``I feel strongly that there are a lot more questions than answers about her death,'' Faleomavaega said Friday.
``I question whether there has been a thorough investigation in this case. I say let the Federal Bureau of Investigation get involved, and let the chips fall where they may.''
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office is aware of the congressman's interest in Jones' death, spokesman Kevin Doll said.
``Judging from what we know about the letter, it doesn't appear he has all of the correct facts about this case,'' Doll said Friday.
Ashcroft's office couldn't comment on the status of Faleomavaega's request, but a spokesman said more information should be available next week.
Reporter Candace J. Samolinski can be reached at (813) 948-4215.
http://tampatrib.com/FloridaMetro/MGA2Z41XE4D.html
"If cowardly and dishonorable men sometimes shoot unarmed men with army pistols or guns, the evil must be prevented by the penitentiary and gallows, and not by a general deprivation of a constitutional privilege." - Arkansas Supreme Court, 1878
By CANDACE J. SAMOLINSKI csamolinski@tampatrib.com
Published: Aug 3, 2002
ZEPHYRHILLS - A congressional team wants a federal investigation into the fatal shooting of a jewelry store owner by a Pasco County sheriff's deputy.
Deputy Erica Fernandez, 24, shot Sharlene ``Sally'' Jones, 39, three times May 22 inside Dan's Fine Jewelry at 36515 State Road 54. The deputy was sent there to check on Jones after Zephyrhills police received word that she might be suicidal. Fernandez told investigators she found Jones holding a .357-caliber Magnum, tried to convince her to drop the gun and fired after Jones pointed it in her direction.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement ruled the shooting justified but didn't find Jones' fingerprints on the pistol, supervisor Ray Velboom said. Jones' family has notified the Pasco County Sheriff's Office of plans for a wrongful death lawsuit.
The shooting has gained the attention of U.S. Rep. Carrie P. Meek, D-Miami, Rep. Alcee L. Hastings, R-Miramar, and Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Ocala. They joined five other House members and signed a letter to Attorney General John Ashcroft on July 24 asking him to order an investigation.
The letter was written by U.S. Rep. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, who represents the territory of American Samoa, where much of Jones' extended family resides. The congressman said he got involved after Jones' uncle approached him.
``I feel strongly that there are a lot more questions than answers about her death,'' Faleomavaega said Friday.
``I question whether there has been a thorough investigation in this case. I say let the Federal Bureau of Investigation get involved, and let the chips fall where they may.''
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office is aware of the congressman's interest in Jones' death, spokesman Kevin Doll said.
``Judging from what we know about the letter, it doesn't appear he has all of the correct facts about this case,'' Doll said Friday.
Ashcroft's office couldn't comment on the status of Faleomavaega's request, but a spokesman said more information should be available next week.
Reporter Candace J. Samolinski can be reached at (813) 948-4215.
http://tampatrib.com/FloridaMetro/MGA2Z41XE4D.html
"If cowardly and dishonorable men sometimes shoot unarmed men with army pistols or guns, the evil must be prevented by the penitentiary and gallows, and not by a general deprivation of a constitutional privilege." - Arkansas Supreme Court, 1878