Chalk up one more innocent killed in a drug raid:
XENIA -- Greene County Prosecutor Bill Schenck said he intends to meet with investigators Feb. 2 to discuss possibly reconvening a Preble County grand jury to revisit the Sept. 27, 2002, shooting death of Clayton Helriggle by a police officer.
Helriggle was killed when, carrying a handgun, he came down the stairs of the home where he was living, surprising officers during a drug raid. One year ago, a grand jury declined to hand up any indictments in the shooting. Schenck, Greene County prosecutor, was appointed as a special prosecutor in the case, which was investigated by the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office.
"Some cases beg for their day in court. This case needs to be aired," Schenck said Monday. He and Suzanne Schmidt, a Greene County assistant prosecutor who also worked on the case, are concerned about a public perception that Helriggle was a drug dealer. They and investigators will look into possible perjury charges against Kevin Leitch, whose grand jury testimony in January 2003 conflicted with what he earlier told Eaton and Preble County law officials.
"I think it's fair to say there was no drug dealing by Mr. Helriggle," Schenck said.
This is a popular theme in drug investigations. A single witness, himself a druggie, provides 'evidence' that the police rely on to stage a surprise raid. It's a very dangerous practice.
Drug War Bystander Casualty Count: 21 dead, four wounded.
Posted by Walter at January 15, 2004 05:35 PMClayton Helriggle was my good buddy. I worked with him, and his parents. They own their own small business hanging garage doors. Clay was an amazing person, He would give his shirt off his back for a complete stranger. This war on drugs has claimed yet another great person. I can say to you as his best friend, Clay was no drug dealer. I hope that someone reads this
Posted by: Shane at September 4, 2004 04:15 PMDitto Shane
Posted by: Keish at November 3, 2004 02:32 PMClayton was my son. What a wonderful young man, killed in his prime - still searching to find himself. We know that Clayton did not have a gun and will continue to fight to prove it. The police had no evidence to go on...and we will prove that it was a vendeta.
Two years have passed, we are still standing and fighting. The corruption in our justice (injustice) system is sickening. We have not found yet how far reaching it is. Cops cover cops, lawyers cover lawyers, doctors cover doctors - as I was told by my own attorney. Is there any honor left in our government? It appears that there is not.
Posted by: Sheri at November 13, 2004 09:34 PM