Wheels of Justice Spinning?

 

In mid-December, I wrote about the murder of a convenience store clerk in “Drug Dealing: Not a Victimless Crime.” In that piece, you saw the rapid response of a makeshift shrine, with many prayer candles burning. Now, that temporary shrine is replaced with a permanent cross, lit by two prayer candles at all times.

The cross confirms the sparse details given in a follow-up KTAR news story, shortly after the murderous attack, or robbery attempt:

Jose Alcarez-Hernandez, 54, died in the shooting that police said may have been the result of a robbery gone bad.

The second shooting victim was hospitalized in serious condition.

Police said they have not identified him due to safety concerns.

As I stopped to take a photograph of the permanent memorial at Z Convenience Store, I noticed someone had tagged a sign on the outside of the store. I looked back at the photographs I took the day after the shooting, and saw the same markings. So, it appears a gang put its mark on the business. Does this clarify the “safety concerns” over protecting the identity of the surviving shooting victim?

Meanwhile, the killer is still at large. The City of Mesa points you to CrimeReports.com for basic information on types, dates, and locations of reported crimes. Here is what is reported:

Homicide
2100 Block W MAIN ST
Dec 15, 2018 around 11 PM
Case No.: 20183490849 -1
Mesa Police Department

There have been no follow-up stories since the week after the murder. The hand-painted cross outside the store tells us that Jose Hernandez was born November 18, 1964, and was killed December 16, 2018. Those who placed the cross pray he may rest in peace. Two prayer candles, one freshly lit, the other burning down, ensure the cross will never be unilluminated.

May his family get justice in this world.

Published in Domestic Policy
This post was promoted to the Main Feed by a Ricochet Editor at the recommendation of Ricochet members. Like this post? Want to comment? Join Ricochet’s community of conservatives and be part of the conversation. Join Ricochet for Free.

There are 5 comments.

Become a member to join the conversation. Or sign in if you're already a member.
  1. Doug Watt Member
    Doug Watt
    @DougWatt

    “Tags” should be painted over as soon as possible. They mark turf, including the business that is tagged. I would imagine that the Mesa police department photographs tags, and keeps a book on the tags.

    I’ve seen them in Tucson. Tags attract more dirtbags to an area. They feel comfortable, and they become more comfortable as the numbers of tags increase in a neighborhood. The broken windows theory of policing is not a myth. Rundown neighborhoods attract dirtbags, and they also attract drug buyers, and those seeking prostitutes from middle class and upscale neighborhoods.  

    • #1
  2. Clifford A. Brown Member
    Clifford A. Brown
    @CliffordBrown

    Doug Watt (View Comment):

    “Tags” should be painted over as soon as possible. They mark turf, including the business that is tagged. I would imagine that the Mesa police department photographs tags, and keeps a book on the tags.

    I’ve seen them in Tucson. Tags attract more dirtbags to an area. They feel comfortable, and they become more comfortable as the numbers of tags increase in a neighborhood. The broken windows theory of policing is not a myth. Rundown neighborhoods attract dirtbags, and they also attract drug buyers, and those seeking prostitutes from middle class and upscale neighborhoods.

    Do you think the failure to paint over, in this case, indicates the shop owners judge the gang’s writ runs more to their doorstep than the Mesa PD?

    • #2
  3. Doug Watt Member
    Doug Watt
    @DougWatt

    I think in this case what is being claimed is the parking lot, and the immediate area outside the store. The memorial may have prompted the tag.

    The City of Portland has a program to remove graffiti, or tags. Mesa may want to consider this type of program if they don’t have a plan in place at the present time.

    • #3
  4. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    I know this was originally posted a while ago, Clifford. Are there any updates?

    • #4
  5. Clifford A. Brown Member
    Clifford A. Brown
    @CliffordBrown

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    I know this was originally posted a while ago, Clifford. Are there any updates?

    Sadly, no. Not a word in local media, and “transparency” ends short of actually showing, to the public, case status. I am not yet interested in paying for a copy of the police report.

    • #5
Become a member to join the conversation. Or sign in if you're already a member.