Judge orders Public Proceeding in Killing of Latino Man by State Agent
Monday's criminal grand jury hearing into the shooting death of an unarmed man by a state agent will be held in public, Santa Clara County Superior Court Presiding Judge Thomas P. Hansen has decided, marking the second time in less than a year -- and only the third time ever in the county -- that the normally secret proceedings will be open. Supporters of Rodolfo ``Rudy'' Cardenas, mistaken for a fugitive by a state drug agent, said they were pleased by the decision, which was expected. But they added they are concerned authorities will seek to discredit Cardenas in an effort to clear the officer who shot him. [more]