Family releases ‘dash cam’ video of man killed by police

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The family of a man killed by a police officer in the Central Valley wants to give the public a chance to decide for itself whether or not the shooting was justified by releasing a ‘dash cam’ video of the incident.

The video appears to show Manteca Police Officer John Moody with his gun drawn, commanding Ernest Duenez Jr. to not move, then firing at him several times.

A report issued this week by the San Joaquin County district attorney’s office ruled that the June 2011 shooting was justified. The report noted that Moody knew that Duenez was a parolee at large, armed with a throwing knife.

Close inspection of the video by experts found that a knife is visible, the D.A.’s office said.

But members of Duenez’s family said they don’t see a weapon when they watch the video, or any sign that Duenez was threatening the officer.

‘There’s nothing showing this officer, this trained officer, was threatened,’ said Duenez’s mother, Rosemary.

The city of Manteca and its Police Department declined comment, citing a pending lawsuit.

Attorneys representing the family said they released the video in an effort to get federal authorities to review the case.

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-- Chris Biele, Fox 40 Sacramento