ADDISON (WBAP/KLIF News) – Detectives in Farmers Branch and Addison continue to investigate the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy by an off-duty police officer.
“I think based on the facts that were outlined and how quickly this event took place and the policies that were violated, I expect an indictment in this case,” said Attorney Pete Shulte. “Whether it’s assault with a deadly weapon or murder will be up to the criminal investigators.”
Farmers Branch Police Officer Ken Johnson is expected to give a statement about the events that unfolded before Jose Cruz was shot. Johnson has said he caught Cruz and another teen breaking into cars in the parking lot of an apartment complex in Addison. Investigators said he followed them in his personal vehicle and shot at them after a confrontation. The other teen, Edgar Rodriguez, was injured. Police haven’t said whether the teens had weapons.
“I like the fact that he’s going to give a statement. That tells me he believes his actions were justified, and if he can show that there was a reasonable belief that his life was in danger, he’s going to be fine. However, if he can’t show that, he’s going to end up being indicted,” said Shulte.
Johnson’s attorney, Chris Livingston, said his client fired his weapon because he feared for his life and “felt that fear was justified.” Livingston did not provide specifics about what prompted the shooting Sunday. Detectives said many details won’t be revealed until their investigations are complete, including whether either juvenile had a weapon.
Cruz’s family met with the police chiefs from both Addison and Farmers Branch Tuesday morning. “We’re hoping that criminal charges be filed against the officer,” family spokesman Carlos Quintanilla said.
A funeral for Cruz has been set for 8:00 a.m. Wednesday at Hughes Family Tribute Center in Dallas.
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