Rednecks March in Support of ex-deputy who Killed Unarmed Black Insurance Salesman
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On Tuesday, nearly 150 people walked and carried hand-lettered signs supporting Glisson, the former sheriff's deputy who killed Kenneth Walker during a narcotics investigation on Dec. 10, 2003, that ended with a traffic stop on Interstate 185. Nearly a year later, a grand jury decided not to indict Glisson, who had been fired by Sheriff Ralph Johnson 10 months earlier. Allegations of drugs led to the stop on I-185, but from the beginning the issue of race was inescapable. On Tuesday, all of the marchers were white though two unidentified black men interrupted a TV interview to shake LeRoy and Katie Glisson's hands and tell them they were thinking of them. Even now, Glisson's legal future is unclear. A civil suit is pending, federal authorities could get involved and the case could be brought in front of another grand jury locally. Next month Glisson goes in front of the city's personnel review board alleging wrongful termination. In light of these ongoing legal and administrative proceedings, Glisson has been unable to talk openly about what happened the night of the shooting or about what has happened since. Family members aren't so constrained. "My son is not guilty of murder," Katie Glisson said. "He loved his job too much. He's as sorry for this as anybody." Carrying a sign that proclaimed: "I'm David Glisson's Mother-in-Law and Proud of It," Gloria Etheridge was also among the marchers. "Consider all the facts and leave David alone," she said, breaking into tears before she could finish her sentence. [more]
Rally for Justice By Walker Supporters
Friends and family members of Kenneth Walker rallied on Sunday night at the Spirit Filled Methodist Ministries Church on Mulberry Avenue. "We will not stop until justice is served," said Edward Dubose, President of the local NAACP branch. Walker supporters are calling for another grand jury to get involved. Last week, a grand jury decided not to criminally indict Glisson for Walker 's death. Debose said the circumstances resulting in the "no bill" verdict are not grounded. The NAACP is also calling on the U.S. Justice Department to get involved. They have started a letter-writing campaign to the federal government demanding Glisson be prosecuted before a federal judge for violating the civil rights of Kenneth Walker. Walker, 39, was killed by Glisson on Dec. 10 during a traffic stop that was part of a drug investigation. Former Muscogee County Sheriff's Deputy David Glisson will get a chance to explain why he did not deserve to be fired for the shooting death of Kenneth Walker. The city's Personnel Review Board will hear Glisson's appeal Feb. 16, Human Resources Director Tom Barron said Friday. [more]
