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Family seeks details of hostage negotiations
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| H&N photo by Todd E. Swenson Cassie Bassett reacts during a press conference outside the Klamath County Courthouse on Tuesday while holding a photo of Jesse Johnson and their baby son. |
April 25, 2007
Cassie Bassett wept as she held a picture of her boyfriend, Jesse Johnson, holding their son.
“The truth needs to be told: He loved his son very much,” she told media representatives Tuesday on the steps of the Klamath County.
Bassett and other family members called a news conference Tuesday in response to a Friday night shooting that left 27-year-old Johnson dead.
A Klamath Falls police officer shot Johnson after the man threatened to kill his 11-month-old son with a knife and a box cutter. City police officers say they negotiated with Johnson while he stood with the baby and the weapons outside a home at 109 Michigan Ave.
Police arrived at the scene after the baby's grandmother, Angela Bassett, called 911 and told dispatchers Johnson had a knife and was threatening to kill the 11-month-old baby.
Those close to Johnson said they don't know the facts of the case and pleaded with authorities to release details so they can decide whether the shooting was a justifiable homicide, believing it could have ended peacefully. They also said they want to be included when the case goes before a Klamath County grand jury.
“Law enforcement and the district attorney have made no effort to contact this family,” said Matthew Parks, an attorney representing the family.
Klamath County District Attorney Ed Caleb said in response that family members made no effort to contact him at his office. He added that law enforcement officials contacted Johnson's family prior to Tuesday's press conference, saying they'd release details once police reports were completed.
A grand jury will decide today whether Sgt. Dennis Davenport of the Klamath Falls Police Department was justified under law in killing Johnson. A grand jury consists of seven citizens selected from a jury pool to review all potential felony cases. The jury makes an independent decision.
Caleb said the grand jury will hear testimony to determine whether there was sufficient evidence backing Davenport's belief the baby could die.
The family said Tuesday it wants to see justice served.
“We just need questions answered so we can move on with our lives,” Angela Bassett said.
- Laura McVicker
Cassie Bassett wept as she held a picture of her boyfriend, Jesse Johnson, holding their son.
“The truth needs to be told: He loved his son very much,” she told media representatives Tuesday on the steps of the Klamath County.
Bassett and other family members called a news conference Tuesday in response to a Friday night shooting that left 27-year-old Johnson dead.
A Klamath Falls police officer shot Johnson after the man threatened to kill his 11-month-old son with a knife and a box cutter. City police officers say they negotiated with Johnson while he stood with the baby and the weapons outside a home at 109 Michigan Ave.
Police arrived at the scene after the baby's grandmother, Angela Bassett, called 911 and told dispatchers Johnson had a knife and was threatening to kill the 11-month-old baby.
Those close to Johnson said they don't know the facts of the case and pleaded with authorities to release details so they can decide whether the shooting was a justifiable homicide, believing it could have ended peacefully. They also said they want to be included when the case goes before a Klamath County grand jury.
“Law enforcement and the district attorney have made no effort to contact this family,” said Matthew Parks, an attorney representing the family.
Klamath County District Attorney Ed Caleb said in response that family members made no effort to contact him at his office. He added that law enforcement officials contacted Johnson's family prior to Tuesday's press conference, saying they'd release details once police reports were completed.
A grand jury will decide today whether Sgt. Dennis Davenport of the Klamath Falls Police Department was justified under law in killing Johnson. A grand jury consists of seven citizens selected from a jury pool to review all potential felony cases. The jury makes an independent decision.
Caleb said the grand jury will hear testimony to determine whether there was sufficient evidence backing Davenport's belief the baby could die.
The family said Tuesday it wants to see justice served.
“We just need questions answered so we can move on with our lives,” Angela Bassett said.
- Laura McVicker
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leesa wrote on Jan 23, 2009 12:37 PM:
" these things should never happened in this world. the world should be safe. "
samantha r. wrote on Sep 23, 2008 12:12 PM:
" this article is So true when your a teen girl and your pregnant It seems to feel like your life is over and there is no way you can fix it but that's not true if your young and your going to have a child then stay focused in school your child wants you to succeed in life so he/she can succeed in life my name is Samantha R. I'm 14 years old i live in Klamath falls and i might be pregnant :] If so I'm determined to make sure my child has a better life then i did :] "
Babe wrote on Jan 23, 2008 6:54 PM:
" I think that chiloquin people do need help and not just the teens but i have also seen places that are alot worse i moved from L.A to chiloquin and ive been back there since and trust me chiloquin is nothing. I also think that crime and drugs etc. are noticed more because it is so small compared to other places and there is no form of disaplin at all "
Tony P. wrote on Jan 19, 2008 7:55 PM:
" I remember the night the plane went down.. My mother crying and my dad in tears.. his dad searched for him for years...
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Jane D. wrote on Apr 10, 2009 12:00 AM:
I Love You Bobby
May your soul Rest In Peace
-Deems "