Court papers identify Pasadena officers in killing of parolee

Two Pasadena police officers whose names were kept secret after they shot and killed a parolee were identified in federal court papers filed by an attorney representing the dead man’s family.

The officers who fatally shot 38-year-old Leroy Barnes Jr. during a traffic stop last year were identified as Charles Glen Reep and Michael Alvarado.

The filing Wednesday by attorney Edi M.O. Faal came in a wrongful death lawsuit brought by Barnes’ family in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.

The officers’ union has fought the release of their names, arguing that the disclosure was a violation of state law protecting the personal information of peace officers. Additionally, attorneys for the union argued that the officers’ safety might be in jeopardy if their identities became public.

A state court granted a temporary order barring the city’s release of the names. The Times has intervened in that case, contesting the order.

In a hearing earlier this year on the question of identifying the officers in court records in the federal lawsuit, U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick J. Walsh indicated that he believed the public had a right to know the officers’ identities.

“I can’t imagine another case where the public is more interested in and more entitled to know,” he said, according to a court transcript.

The Times reported the officers’ identities in February, citing law enforcement records. Nonetheless, Pasadena’s police union has continued its litigation to block the city from officially releasing the names. The court order remains in effect pending a hearing on the matter.

Barnes’ shooting led to criticism from residents in northwest Pasadena because several shots were fired into his back as he lay face-down on the ground. Police said Barnes was a gang member and was armed with a gun.

-- Victoria Kim

Comments

[james andrews]

Why don't we let the cops wear ski masks like the do in Mexico? Give me a break. Keeping the names of cops a secret is not how this country is suppose to run.

[OhWiseOne]

All criminals should have their names released. Period.

OWO

[wildone]

Gang member and armed with a gun.
That's all I need to know.

[JoeLo]

Maybe their own safety should have been considered before they killed that guy...