POLICE OFFICERS DO NOT RESPOND TO SUBPEONA - CASE AGAINST HOLLIMAN DISMISSED - CITY TO BE SUED
6-14-08
In an unprecedented display of arrogance, SELMA POLICE OFFICERS DID NOT OBEY a lawful subpoena to appear in Municipal Court to testify in the case of Walter Holliman, Jr. whom the officers had charged with assault. Consequently, the Municipal Judge had no choice but to dismiss the charge against Holliman. This ridiculous action of not appearing by current and former Selma Police Officers has left the City of Selma wide open to a civil suit by the Holliman and Gordon families.
WE WANT TO KNOW, AND ARE DEMANDING, THAT CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS HAVE THE BACKBONE to ask Mayor Perkins and Chief Riley what disciplinary action they have taken against these officers for failing to appear in Court when lawfully subpoenaed. We also recommend that the Municipal Judge find these officers in contempt of Court and let them spend a day or two in jail. IT IS ABSURD WHEN OFFICERS who are sworn to uphold the law do not appear in Court when lawfully subpoenaed.
Because these officers did not appear in Court, the Judge had no choice but to dismiss the assault charge against Holliman. In doing so, the Judge wrote:
"5-9-08 case called; witnesses under subpoena were not present and were necessary for the Defense to present their case; accordingly case dismissed"
Though we are strong supporters of law and order and want to support the police, we have long believed that PERKINS, MARTIN, AND MOST OF THE OFFICERS INVOLVED in the beating of Holliman and Gordon have done everything possible to cover this sordid mess up and keep the truth from coming out. With the Officers and City about to be sued, THE TRUTH IS GOING TO COME OUT AND IT WILL NOT BE PRETTY FOR PERKINS, MARTIN, AND THE SPD.
However, Chief Riley is now the Chief and he was the Chief on May 9, 2008, when those under his control did not appear in Court, though they were lawfully subpoenaed. WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT RILEY AND PERKINS ARE GOING TO DO ABOUT THAT.
The Court also dismissed all of the other charges against Gordon and Holliman including attempting to elude, following to closely, resisting arrest, as well as the assault. Under the circumstances, we believe the Court did the right and lawful thing, even though the City of Selma will be sued over this matter - as well it should! For 3 years, Perkins and Martin let some police officers run wild and now the chickens are coming home to roost!
