D.C. Police Continue Investigation Into Shooting of Teen
By David Nakamura and Allison Klein
Washington Post Staff Writers
Saturday, May 10, 2008
The two D.C. police officers involved in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old DeOnté Rawlings will return to work next week as an internal investigation continues into their conduct, Chief Cathy L. Lanier said yesterday.
James Haskel and Anthony Clay have been on administrative leave since Sept. 17, when the officers, off duty and out of uniform, confronted the youth over a minibike that Haskel thought was stolen from his home. Authorities said that DeOnté fired first and that Haskel shot him during a chase on Atlantic Street SE. No weapon was found at the scene, however, leading the teen's family and some neighborhood residents to question the police account.
Federal authorities said May 1 that no criminal charges will be filed against the officers and that the two acted in self-defense. The internal investigation into whether the officers used excessive force or broke department rules will probably continue until August.
The handling of the case by Lanier and Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) has generated consternation in the police union, particularly after Fenty agreed to pay for DeOnté's funeral. Union leaders remain upset with Fenty, and that could affect his long-term relations with the police. Lanier has tried to mend fences with the rank-and-file while pledging a thorough investigation and full public airing of results.
In a department-wide e-mail issued May 3, Lanier wrote: "It has been a long road traveled for officers James Haskel and Anthony Clay since the September 17 incident. I'd like to thank all members who have supported and continue to support both officers through this trying event and time. You have truly been missed and we look forward to your return soon!"
In an interview, Lanier said that the e-mail was "a show of support" and that it "would be horrendous of me not to support the people who work for me." She also said she was trying to stem rumors about the officers' job status.
"It's clear if it comes from me," Lanier said. "It's amazing how rumors take a life of their own if you don't put information out there."
Bringing the officers back to work is standard protocol after criminal investigations are completed, Lanier said. Haskel and Clay's duties will keep them out of contact with the public. Haskel will return to his job as a lookout in the helicopter division. Clay will return to the training academy, where he worked in media production.
"There's no reason to keep the officers off duty," Lanier said. "We want them back at work, and they want to be back at work."
Yesterday, Lanier and Fenty attended the Fraternal Order of Police's annual memorial service even though the organization had rescinded its invitation to the mayor Thursday because of his actions in the Rawlings case. In addition to helping with the funeral costs, the Fenty administration released the officers' names to the news media after the shooting, upsetting the union.
Although Fenty aides had said the mayor would speak during the ceremony, he sat silently in the front row, offering condolences to the family members of five officers from the District and Maryland who died in the line of duty.
Police union officials had warned Thursday that officers might snub Fenty, but none did. Fenty shook hands with them before and after the service.
"We support all the officers. You are the true heroes," Fenty told reporters afterward, declining to take questions as he left to attend a graduation ceremony for fire department recruits.
Marcello Muzzatti, president of Lodge 1 of the FOP, which represents 11,000 active and retired officers in the region, said he was ambivalent about the mayor's attendance.
"We got our message across," Muzzatti said, suggesting that Fenty meet with his group and "open a dialogue" that would help mend hard feelings.
Muzzatti said that Lanier's e-mail showed she was trying to be supportive but that Haskel remains "very concerned" about the investigation.
Kristopher Baumann, head of the police union, was tougher on Lanier, questioning why she did not ask the mayor to stay away from the memorial ceremony.
"The chief, by inviting the mayor despite our concerns, made it clear what's most important to her," Baumann said.
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