Transparency demands accuracy!

I am disappointed with the way the Town of Thermopolis released the officer cam video of April 28, 2023, regarding the officer-involved shooting. The video was narrated by the Town and stated the officer had permission to cite or arrest. This is misleading at best. I refer you to the October 12, 2023, Independent Record article in which the Wyoming DCI Special Agent report is given in its entirety. Clearly, the officer in question did not have permission to illegally break down a door without a warrant, as laid out in the DCI investigation. The DCI even gave recent Wyoming Supreme Court rulings to back up this.

The Special Prosecutor, who made a legal case as to why the officer in question had illegally broken into a home, then cleared the officer because of a castle doctrine exemption for law enforcement on “Official Duty”. It is my opinion that the moment the officer chose to ignore legal advice from the assistant County Attorney, illegally breaking into a home, the officer was no longer on “Official Duty”.

Those who have concluded that the “End Justifies The Means”, are wrong. Some say to me they are glad the drug dealer is dead. As for me, I am not glad about this. I am however thankful there were not two more deaths that day. If only a warrant had been obtained. Remember 3.5 hours transpired between the fast food restaurant and the illegal entry. A few more minutes might have provided the Liberty and Justice we all want and provided the evidence that would be admissible in court.

In closing, I would ask this divided community to remember why our Bill of Rights is so important. The boundaries placed on government have good historical reasons. America’s legal system is not perfect, sometimes people get away with things, but we have always believed justice will ultimately be done. So please let’s hold fast to the checks and balances the Bill of Rights provides, and expect the same from our officials.

Sincerely, Joseph Casciato