(In my Turner Report Newsletter column Thursday night, I wrote about the 2-year anniversary of the filing of a petition in Jasper County Circuit Court filed by Police Officer "John Doe" asking a permanent injunction to keep his name from being revealed. John Doe was the SWAT sniper who shot and killed 2-year-old Clesslyn Crawford.)Our judicial system often moves at a glacial pace and such is the case for those attempting to learn the identity of the Joplin Police Department SWAT sniper who accidentally shot and killed 2-year-old Clesslyn Crawford, Baxter Springs, during a hosttage standoff March 26, 2022.
The tragic death of an innocent child occurred when her father, Eli Crawford, surrounded by law enforcement, fired more than 90 rounds through a trailer window. The standoff began after Crawford killed the child's mother, 27-year-old Taylor Shutte.
The officer referred to as "John Doe" in court records, the sniper, thought he had a clear shot at Eli Crawford and instead killed the child. After that, Crawford killed himself.
Joplin city officials were preparing to release the information after receiving Sunshine Law requests from from KCUR, a Kansas City public radio station, and from Nathaniel Stephens Dagley.
Prior to releasing the information, the city took the unusual step of announcing it was going to release the officer's name, unless the courts intervened.
After that announcement, which appeared to be more of an invitation, John Doe, represented by Kansas City lawyer Sean P. McCauley, filed a petition in Jasper County Circuit Court asking for a temporary restraining order and a permanent injunction against releasing his name.
That action was filed two years ago today, November 20, 2023.
Online Jasper County Circuit Court records show the last filing took place in January and no hearings are scheduled.
Whatever decision Judge David Mouton makes, it's not going to be an easy one.
To allow the sniper's name to be revealed would obviously cause the man pain and suffering and his lawyer argues if all other information is released, the details of what happened that night will be available to the public, with the exception of the sniper's name.
Advocates for the release of the sniper's name, note that he is being provided with a level of protection that wouldn't be provided to anyone else and the name should be a matter of public record.
There's no doubt the death of Clesslyn Crawford weighs heavily on the man who fired the fatal shot.
At the same time, doesn't the child's family and the public have every right to know all of the facts of what occurred that night, including John Doe's name?
One thing's for certain. No one seems to be in any hurry to make a decision.
9 comments:
I think, if you look at this as a felony murder situation, it was the father's actions, actions that include committing a felony, (firing a weapon at officers) was the major cause and reason that lead to the death of the girl. There is no reason for any officer to be firing a weapon towards the trailer, except that to return fire and to eliminate a threat. It is my understanding, from a legal standpoint, that the father is responsible for the death of his child, and therefore the murderer. Had he survived, he would have been charged for felony murder, and most definitely convicted for it. So release the father's name and be done with it imo
My simple question is what made this guy or the police think he was a real sniper - because he had a scope or he took a class. Did he think he was Chris Kyle? Qualifications and years of experience, not just shooting his gun at the range. Before you pull that trigger you need to make and assess numerous factors, including wind, range, and environmental conditions, while maintaining physical stability and mental control through controlled breathing and a steady aim and his equipment / scope are all functioning correctly. Sometimes giving someone the title or job, doesn't mean they have the experience or skills to do that job. I hope his background and qualifications are brough up in the court trial.
The father’s name was released. It is Eli Crawford. The public wants to know the name of police man that fired the fatal shot killing a two year old child.
I don't want his name. I just want an assurance that he is no longer in LE. At least no longer on SWAT aka The Billy Bob squad, where half of the obese turds couldn't pass a basic PT test. I also believe he should be wide open for a manslaughter charge, plus any civil actions sought.
Yes they need to say the name
They need to say the name of the police officer that shot the little girl he should never have pulled the trigger and his name should be out there like everyone else's
In other high profile or national cases, the policeman's name has been brought into court, especially if there were irregularities or harm brought to third parties - should be no difference in Joplin, MO. Stop hiding behind the incompetence and ill trained individuals supported by the police department - you are all responsible for this tragedy. Time to step and take responsibility, let the heads start rolling.
Who would even go after the unnamed officer?
Blue liners and MAGAs are on cops side until the very end.
Libs and ANTIFA don't give a shit.
10:24, Forget the Criminal Case, the potential for a Civil Case, by relatives could possibly be brought. Remember OJ Simpson, won the Criminal Case, in 1995, but lost the Civil Case in 1997 - they are currently going after his whole estate. It is never too late to collect from a civil suit.
The estate of former professional football player O.J. Simpson, who died, has approved a $58 million claim filed by the father of Ron Goldman, who was fatally stabbed along with Simpson’s ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson in 1994. Simpson's estate is valued at less than $1- Million Dollars.
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