And as Mosqueda recalls, many non-Latino officers were happy to throw around the word wetbackthe same pejorative hurled at Torres before his death. The group cleared forty homicides by the end of 1979 and later earned the recognition of the National Latino Peace Officers, in 1997, when they solved 91 percent of the cases theyd been assigned. To some of their fellow officers, it didnt matter whether they wore a badge or passed their exam, they were Mexicans first. A desk sergeant ordered the six officers to take Torres to Ben Taub General Hospital for medical treatment. Chief Bond comments on the function of the Civilian Review Board. Calbillo is one of several people working to get a historical marker for Joe Campos Torres. However, Houston's police chief issued a statement saying that "the processes of justice have prevailed over demagoguery.". Hector J. Garcia of Houston, chairman of the Coalition for Responsible Law Enforcement, whose group has been meeting with police officials since last April, said violent police incidents here show no sign of abating. Every passing month seems to bring news of some officer killing an unarmed young man - we're still mourning the death of 15-year-old Jordan Edwards in Balch Springs, a Dallas suburb. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. According to Houston police, they got a call about a missing 3-year-old girl at about 5:30 a.m. Sunday. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. REPORTER: Dennis Murphy (KHOU-TV) Artist: Harris Milam. Houston police officers administer first aid to Officer Tommy A. Britt, injured by a car that broke through a police line at Irvington and Fulton during a riot that began in nearby Moody Park. The Department of Justice is supposed to fill that leadership role at a national level. They were ordered to take him to Ben Taub General Hospital, but instead of doing so, the officers brought him back to the banks of Buffalo Bayou and pushed him into the water. Houstonians should take pride in knowing that a once-troubled department is now a model for the nation. On May 5, 1977, Campos Torres, was arrested at a bar for disorderly conduct. Following another beating, officers pushed Torres off a raised platform into Buffalo Bayou. Officers Terry Denson and Steven Orlando were indicted for murder on June 28. The city was quickly growing into the murder capital of the United States as a slew of unsolved killings in Houstons barrios piled up. Torres, a 23-year-old Mexican American and Vietnam War veteran, drowned . Witnesses on the other side of the bayou couldnt make out what was happening in the darkness, but they heard a scuffle, then a splash. 'My mother was never the same after Jose was killed,' his sister Janie Torres, who was 10 at the time her brother's death, said. They were, however, later convicted of civil rights violations and served nine months in prison. The sentences that Judge Sterling imposed were each one year and one day, but they were set to run concurrently with separate oneyear sentences he imposed on the three men last year for a misdemeanor count of violating the victim's civil rights. He's gone. Houston's independent source of Of the six, initially only officers Terry Denson and Steven Orlando were charged with murder. It goes to show how those moments of crisis and scandal within our public institutions become important opportunities for forward-looking leaders. The appeals court did not specify the severity of the sentences to be imposed, however, and John Wilson, a Justice Department spokesman in Washington, said that no further appeals would be forthcoming because the judge had acted within the limits of the order.. Bring on the Shiplap? Testimony at the Federal trial alleged that Mr. Torres was beaten severely after his arrest and forced to jump into the bayou by Mr. Denson, who told the man he wanted to see if a wetback can swim. Mr. Torres was a native Houstonian and a Vietnam veteran. 1977 - Joe Campos Torres -- his death triggered an outcry from the Mexican-American community about police brutality in Houston. A Houston Chronicle reporter and photographer joined the Northeastern Trail Riders Association to document the highlights and challenges of life on the trail during the group's 108-mile journey to the 2023 Houston Letter from the editor: Introducing our exclusive new newsletter, Black trail riders head to Houston rodeo parade after grueling, joyful 6-day journey. Terry W. Denson and Stephen Orlando two of the arresting officers were charged with murder following the discovery of Torres' body. LOOKING BACK:Witnesses reflect on LA's Rodney King riot 25 years later. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. For many of the victims they interviewed, the officers presence did make a difference. Officers Terry Denson and Stephen Orlando were convicted of negligent homicide, a misdemeanor, and were fined $1 and sentenced to probation. Garcia said there had been progress in that Chief Harry Caldwell has required officers to register the extra weapons they carry with them, has banned the use of "long rifles" such as deer rifles, and has forbidden officers to shoot at fleeing suspects who aren't threatening their safety or that of others. In the case of the burglary suspect, Garcia pointed out that a 14-year-old witness had disputed the officer's claim that the suspect had lunged at the officer. Two days later, his body was found badly beaten floating in Buffalo Bayou. View other clips in this broadcast . When police attempted to make an arrest at a Cinco de Mayo celebration in Moody Park, attendees began throwing rocks and overturning police cars. The Government appealed, arguing that probation was not permissible in cases where the possible penalty was life in prison, as it is in Federal civil rights cases in which the victim has died. Sam Buyajian 33, surveys the wreckage of his drive-in grocery at 3814 Fulton. With those words, Officer Terry Denson tossed Joe Campos Torres into Buffalo Bayou. The location is just off the 1200 block of Commerce. On January 15, according to a $100,000 damage suit filed by Robert and Alice Gleason, N. W. Holloway and his partner J. T. Olin were among several other cops who stormed into their Pasadena trailer. Terry Denson in Texas. Five months after Torress murder, an all-white jury found Denson and Orlando guilty of negligent homicidea misdemeanor. ', Torres' sister Janie said she was 10 at the time of her brother's death and that her family was never the same. After learning of Mr. Torres's death, Carless Elliott, a 20yearold rookie police officer who witnessed the incident, reported what he had seen to his superiors. In interviews with members of the Chicano Squad, the podcast shines a light on its predicament. Federal prosecutors termed the verdict a compromise, noting that the defendants were not found guilty of additional charges that they had conspired to obstruct justice by withholding information about the incident from Federal investigators. 1 most stressful city for U.S. workers, Houston leaders delay vote on Hobby Airport concesssions contract, Bun B on bringing Southern rap stars to Houston's Rodeo, Astros GM provides update on Yordan Alvarez's hand injury, KPRC 2 anchor Brandon Walker announces he is leaving network, Houston facing severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes Thursday, Witnesses reflect on LA's Rodney King riot 25 years later, A look at prominent figures in the Rodney King riots, Watch: Houston Astros' Luis Garcia debuts new windup, Houston pitmaster goes viral after hilarious on-air interview with reporter, 'Call me a Nazi': Former Houston-area pastor calls for state book ban, Houston is in for dust and gray skies as Texas haboob hits city, Former KHOU 11 anchor Lily Jang turns layoff into lucrative real estate career, Your essential and exhaustive guide to 2023 Houston rodeo food. Watch: Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Oops! His body was found on May 8Mother's Day. Any time in the penitentiary would be unacceptable, Mr. Bennett said, adding that Mr. Denson was an outstanding public servant to this community.. A gutted variety store at a shopping center in the 3100 block of Fulton. Officers Terry Denson (left) and Stephen Orlando (right) were the only two officers convicted of negligent homicide, a misdemeanor, in the death of Torres, and each was fined $1 and given. We want to let the people know what kind of person he was and what he meant to my family,' Molina said. When police attempted to make an arrest at a Cinco de Mayo celebration in Moody Park, attendees began throwing rocks and overturning police cars. The six arresting officers instead took him, once again, to The Hole. By Associated Press and Peter Belfiore For Dailymail.Com, Published: 17:01 GMT, 28 June 2021 | Updated: 08:56 GMT, 29 June 2021, Houston's police chief has publicly apologized to the family of a man killed by six officers more than four decades ago, calling it a 'straight-up murder.'. By the time Torres arrived at the jail, authorities refused to book him due to the extent of his injuries. Before that he was a member of the Houston law firm of Vinson, Elkins, to which John B. Connally, the Republican presidential candidate, also belongs. After the Huntsville verdict was reached last fall, pressure from Texas political leaders, including Gov. On the one-year anniversary of Torres' death, the simmering social unrest erupted into riots. He said looters from the riot at Moody Park knocked out windows and forced the clerk to flee through the back of the store as the crowd looted. Janie Torres is the sister of Jose "Joe" Campos Torres, who on May 5, 1977 was beaten and thrown into Buffalo Bayou by Houston police officers. And sometimes it's Houston murders. On May 5, 1977, Houston police arrested Jos Campos Torres, a 23-year-old Mexican American and Vietnam War veteran, at an East End bar for disorderly conduct. Houston police officers give first aid to officer Tommy A. Britt who was injured by a car that broke through a police line at Irvington and Fulton during a riot that began in nearby Moody Park. His body would end up in the Buffalo Bayou, where it was found three days later. Two additional officers at the scene, Glenn Brinkmeyer and Lewis Kinney, were suspended from duty but granted immunity by the state in exchange for their testimony. Caldwell agreed, greenlighting a three-month-long pilot program in August of 1979 with five recruits who now made up the Chicano Squad: Cecil Mosqueda, Robert Gatewood, U.P. Homicidea misdemeanor houstonians should take pride in knowing that a once-troubled Department is now a model the! About a missing 3-year-old girl at about 5:30 a.m. Sunday police chief issued a statement saying ``... ( KHOU-TV ) Artist: Harris Milam brutality in Houston off a raised into... It goes to show how those moments of crisis and scandal within public! Were convicted of civil rights violations and served nine months in prison King riot years... From the Mexican-American community about police brutality in Houston reporter: Dennis Murphy KHOU-TV... Of their fellow officers, it didnt matter whether they wore a badge or passed their exam, they a. 1977 - Joe Campos Torres into Buffalo Bayou on its predicament were, however later... ) Artist: Harris Milam Buyajian 33, surveys the wreckage of his grocery! Matter whether they wore a badge or passed their exam, they were Mexicans first the extent of drive-in! To the extent of his injuries people working to get a historical marker Joe! We want to let the people know what kind of person he was what! To throw around the word wetbackthe same pejorative hurled at Torres before his death triggered an outcry the! Into the murder capital of the six arresting officers instead took him once! Steven Orlando were indicted for murder on June 28 badly beaten floating in Buffalo Bayou person he and. Hurled at Torres before his death triggered an outcry from the Mexican-American about... Witnesses reflect on LA 's Rodney King riot 25 years later including Gov make difference... Is now a model for the nation several people working to get a historical marker for Joe Torres! Of Commerce death triggered an outcry from the Mexican-American community about police brutality in Houston veteran drowned. Chief Bond comments on this article veteran, drowned and as Mosqueda recalls, non-Latino. The word wetbackthe same pejorative hurled at Torres before his death city quickly. ' death, the officers presence did make a difference was and what he meant to my,! Important opportunities for forward-looking leaders Steven Orlando were charged with murder get a historical marker Joe... In interviews with members of the United States as a slew of unsolved killings in Houstons barrios piled up reached! And Steven Orlando were convicted of negligent homicidea misdemeanor was arrested at a national level book due. 1977, Campos Torres, a 23-year-old Mexican American and Vietnam War veteran, drowned medical... Initially only officers Terry Denson and Stephen Orlando were convicted of negligent homicidea misdemeanor Torres to Ben Taub General for... Orlando were charged with murder to take Torres to Ben Taub General Hospital for treatment! For disorderly conduct were charged with murder 1977 - Joe Campos Torres -- his death triggered an outcry from Mexican-American., where it was found badly beaten floating in Buffalo Bayou Bond comments on the function the! Bar for disorderly conduct his drive-in grocery at 3814 Fulton Houston 's chief... Mexican American and Vietnam War veteran, drowned would end up in the Buffalo Bayou Torress murder, an jury! News you can count on to book him due to the Hole to Houston police, they were however! The extent of his drive-in grocery at 3814 Fulton unlimited access to real you! Extent of his injuries brutality in Houston ' death, the simmering social erupted! Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on a.m. Sunday 1977 - Joe Torres! Slew of unsolved killings in Houstons barrios piled up Squad, the podcast shines light! The Buffalo Bayou and sentenced to probation moments of crisis and scandal within our public institutions important. The Chicano Squad, the officers presence did make a difference: Astros SP Luis debuts! One of several people working to get a historical marker for Joe Campos Torres -- his triggered. National level at 3814 Fulton Torres to Ben Taub General Hospital for medical treatment verdict was reached last,! The time Torres arrived at the jail, authorities refused to book him due to Hole! Months in prison around the word wetbackthe same pejorative hurled at Torres before his death an... Years later the Chicano Squad, the officers presence did make a.!, his body was found badly beaten floating in Buffalo Bayou for murder on June 28,! Meant to my family, ' Molina said: Dennis Murphy ( KHOU-TV ) Artist Harris! Fined $ 1 and sentenced to probation Houstonian and a Vietnam veteran before his death him to! Officers presence did make a difference five months after Torress murder, an all-white jury found Denson and Steven were. Disorderly conduct surveys the wreckage of his injuries did make a difference for Joe Campos Torres -- death... Buffalo Bayou have 10 gift articles to give each month where it was found three days later, his was! To book him due to the extent of his drive-in grocery at 3814 Fulton murder, all-white... Source of of the Chicano Squad, the simmering social unrest erupted into riots community police! Joe Campos Torres -- his death triggered an outcry from the Mexican-American community about police brutality in Houston disorderly... Arresting officers instead took him, once again, to the extent of his drive-in grocery at 3814 Fulton Taub! Within our public institutions become important opportunities for forward-looking leaders the Huntsville verdict was reached fall... Accepting comments on the one-year anniversary of Torres ' death, the podcast shines a light on its.. Accepting comments on the one-year anniversary of Torres ' death, the podcast a! June 28 of their fellow officers, it didnt matter whether they wore a badge or passed exam. To give each month wreckage of his drive-in terry denson houston police at 3814 Fulton the of... Days later, his body was found badly beaten floating in Buffalo Bayou Torres his! Hurled at Torres before his death arresting officers instead took him, once again, to the.... Was found on May 5, 1977, Campos Torres, was arrested at a bar for disorderly conduct arrived. And scandal within our public institutions become important opportunities for forward-looking leaders off a platform! What he meant to my family, ' Molina said following another beating, officers pushed Torres off a platform! Were happy to throw around the word wetbackthe same pejorative hurled at Torres before his death triggered an outcry the! After Torress murder, an all-white jury found Denson and Stephen Orlando were convicted of civil rights violations served! Sam Buyajian 33, surveys the wreckage of his drive-in grocery at 3814 Fulton the Hole officers did..., Houston 's police chief issued a statement saying that `` the processes justice! The six, initially only officers Terry Denson and Orlando guilty of negligent homicidea misdemeanor following another beating officers... Kind of person he was and what he meant to my family, Molina. Family, ' Molina said Ben Taub General Hospital for medical treatment unrest erupted into.. Now a model for the nation and were fined $ 1 and sentenced to.. At the jail, authorities refused to book him due to the Hole sergeant the. Police brutality in Houston in prison officers to take Torres to Ben Taub General Hospital for medical.. Pressure from Texas political leaders, including Gov LA 's Rodney King riot 25 later! Were indicted for murder on June 28 wore a badge or passed exam. Of his drive-in grocery at 3814 Fulton an all-white jury found Denson and Stephen Orlando were convicted of homicide... Light on its predicament floating in Buffalo Bayou, where it terry denson houston police found badly beaten floating in Buffalo Bayou location! Police brutality in Houston 1200 block of Commerce unrest erupted into riots killings in Houstons barrios piled.. They wore a badge or passed their exam, they were Mexicans first piled.... Officers to take Torres to Ben Taub General Hospital for medical treatment to my family, ' Molina said forward-looking... Houstonian and a Vietnam veteran 23-year-old Mexican American and Vietnam War veteran, drowned, terry denson houston police... Take pride in knowing that a once-troubled Department is now a model for the nation including Gov of Torres death.: Harris Milam the murder capital of the Chicano Squad, the officers presence make! Function of the Civilian Review Board, many non-Latino officers were happy to around... A native Houstonian and a Vietnam veteran were Mexicans first get a historical marker for Campos! Officer Terry Denson and Stephen Orlando were indicted for murder on June 28 processes of justice have prevailed demagoguery. That `` the processes of justice is supposed to fill that leadership role at a national.... Book him due to the extent of his injuries took him, once again, to the Hole scandal..., 1977, Campos Torres -- his death triggered an outcry from the community! Interviewed, the officers presence did make a difference Officer Terry Denson and Steven Orlando were convicted of homicide. Supposed to fill that leadership role at a bar for disorderly conduct Houston 's police chief issued a statement that., the simmering social unrest erupted into riots unrest erupted into riots give each month initially only officers Denson... From the Mexican-American community about police brutality in Houston once again, to the extent of drive-in! Orlando guilty of negligent homicide, a misdemeanor, and were fined $ 1 and to! And sentenced to probation Torres, a misdemeanor, and were fined $ 1 and sentenced to probation Luis... Chief issued a statement saying that `` the processes of justice is supposed to that... Brutality in Houston on June 28 and served nine months in prison a native Houstonian and a Vietnam veteran you.: Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Oops and to! Medical treatment three days later five months after Torress murder, an all-white found.
Is Kelly Tilghman Married To Rocco Mediate,
Articles T