The OCDA has published a letter regarding the Santa Ana Police Department’s officer-involved-shooting of Jason Hallstrom and Travis Mock. The letter, “OCDA Legal Conclusion Officer-Involved-Shooting – Jason Hallstrom and Travis Mock,” is available here.
As expected the OCDA has found that Santa Ana Police Officers Pete Picone and John Rodriguez had no criminal culpability in the shooting of Hallstrom and Mock on March 15, 2013. Hallstrom eventually died of his injuries while Mock is still on trial on various charges.
The letter purposefully lacks detail because Mock is on trial.
Eyewitnesses reportedly saw Hallstrom raise his arms to surrender and say that he was shot in the back and was unarmed.
Art, I for one do appreciate your diligence in reporting the facts surrounding Orange County neighborhoods and their struggles and accomplishments. I was saddened to hear of the OCDA’s findings of my friends death by the hands of these officers. Although shock eludes me because I grew up watching this happen all the time, I still can’t stop wondering when will it all change and what will it take? I wish there was a leader who could mass a full scale revolution against these gangsters with badges and these bigots in the district attorneys office who protect these individuals, I hope they never have to feel the loss that my friends family does, or maybe with any luck they will and they themselves will lead the revolution with their power and knowledge cause there is a better way than just brushing issues like this under the rug. Thanks again my friend – Jeff Lowe
Hello Art! It has been awhile since we have spoken. After spending another long night reviewing the medical reports and circumstances, I would like to present a question to Officer Picone regarding his shooting Jason. “Was the first shot taken when Jason was facing you with his hands up and after you chased him down and shot him again in the back?” Im certain the question will provoke many answers, however, after analyzation of one shot through front and one through the back, it becomes clear after reduction of possibilities. The intent is very clear: no threat of life, no weapon, not in commission of a crime, hands in the air, and two separate shots, one through the front and one in the back.
I have not read any follow-ups to your suggestion that the event had ties to a previous event Mr. Mock was involved in with APD and the possible involvement of SAPD as a result, from you or any other editorial. SAPD and the DA stating they cannot release information due to Mr. Mock still awaiting trial for the petty miscellaneous charges he received on that date or our inability to receive a Death Certificate for same reasons, yet they were able to complete and print a report for the shooting declared justified. Since it has never occurred in the OC, just what circumstances would be required to report an unjustified shooting?
To add to the pain and confusion, persons Jason knew and a few realitives have continued to be unsympathetic, they have taken part in acts to cause more pain. There are no words to express the sadness felt every day for losing Jason. These are the times when support for an unexpected tragedy is necessary and comforting. It is very sad that it has not happened and will never happen.