WTNH News Channel 8 / News / 1999

	Decision Expected Wednesday on Whether to Put Cop on Trial for Murder (Litchfield-WTNH) _ Critical testimony in the probable cause hearing for officer Scott Smith, facing murder charges for the death of a suspect. Outside the court house there was another big show of support for Smith from fellow officers and for the victim, Franklyn Reid, as well. But, the focus inside is on what happened December 29th, the day officer Smith shot and killed Reid during an arrest. News Channel 8's Judy Chong reports. This case has generated a lot of controversy and intense interest. There were so many people in the courtroom today that some had to wait in the hall. People came from all walks of life to demonstrate. Crowd Chants: "No justice, no peace." the 100 or so people who turned out to either protest or support Officer Smith stood a few feet from each other, but between them there is a great divide. Demonstrators wore a bulls-eye on their backs in the spot where Franklyn Reid was shot. John McCarroll, Student Demonstrator: "This is not an isolated incident. Police brutality is an epidemic. police terrorism is an epidemic." East Hartford police raised the spectre of slain officer Brian Aselton. Cops say this case makes an even dangerous job harder. Officer Karl Murphy, Danbury Police Dept.: "They're acting in their job as police officers, and then they're second-judged by people who have hours and days and weeks to decide if what they did was wrong or right." Inside the courthouse, testy exchanges between Waterbury's top prosecutor, John Connelly, and defense attorney Jack Kelly. Kelly questioned the accuracy of testimony from two witnesses who drove by the scene on the night of the shooting. A truck driver said Reid was lying on his back, while a New Milford woman said Reid was lying on his stomach. She said the officer had a hold of both of the suspect's hands and that Smith's foot was pressed upon Reid's back. Connelly is trying to prove Smith intentionally shot the unarmed man. Connelly angered many officers around the state when he decided to charge Smith. Officers cheered Smith when he walked out of the courthouse. Reid's family says the officers are showing their true colors with this show of support. Wilbert Shaw, Reid's Grandfather: "This is a disgrace to see so many policemen come out in full force and support a murder in cold blood." A judge is expected to make a decision Wednesday on whether there is enough evidence to put Smith on trial. Today's News Page. WTNH Home Page. ©1999 WTNH/WTNH-DT A LIN station.

Decision Expected Wednesday on Whether to Put Cop on Trial for Murder
(Litchfield-WTNH) _ Critical testimony in the probable cause hearing for officer Scott Smith, facing murder charges for the death of a suspect. Outside the court house there was another big show of support for Smith from fellow officers and for the victim, Franklyn Reid, as well. But, the focus inside is on what happened December 29th, the day officer Smith shot and killed Reid during an arrest.
News Channel 8's Judy Chong reports.

This case has generated a lot of controversy and intense interest. There were so many people in the courtroom today that some had to wait in the hall. People came from all walks of life to demonstrate.

Crowd Chants: "No justice, no peace."

the 100 or so people who turned out to either protest or support Officer Smith stood a few feet from each other, but between them there is a great divide. Demonstrators wore a bulls-eye on their backs in the spot where Franklyn Reid was shot.

John McCarroll, Student Demonstrator: "This is not an isolated incident. Police brutality is an epidemic. police terrorism is an epidemic."

East Hartford police raised the spectre of slain officer Brian Aselton. Cops say this case makes an even dangerous job harder.

Officer Karl Murphy, Danbury Police Dept.: "They're acting in their job as police officers, and then they're second-judged by people who have hours and days and weeks to decide if what they did was wrong or right."

Inside the courthouse, testy exchanges between Waterbury's top prosecutor, John Connelly, and defense attorney Jack Kelly. Kelly questioned the accuracy of testimony from two witnesses who drove by the scene on the night of the shooting.

A truck driver said Reid was lying on his back, while a New Milford woman said Reid was lying on his stomach. She said the officer had a hold of both of the suspect's hands and that Smith's foot was pressed upon Reid's back. Connelly is trying to prove Smith intentionally shot the unarmed man.

Connelly angered many officers around the state when he decided to charge Smith. Officers cheered Smith when he walked out of the courthouse. Reid's family says the officers are showing their true colors with this show of support.

Wilbert Shaw, Reid's Grandfather: "This is a disgrace to see so many policemen come out in full force and support a murder in cold blood."

A judge is expected to make a decision Wednesday on whether there is enough evidence to put Smith on trial.

Today's News Page.

WTNH Home Page.