Caldwell agreed, greenlighting a three-month-long pilot program in August of 1979 with five recruits who now made up the Chicano Squad: Cecil Mosqueda, Robert Gatewood, U.P. Once there, officials refused to book him because of the extent of his injuries, and ordered that he be admitted to a hospital. Two of their fellow officers were given immunity from prosecution in return for their testimony in state court against the pair; one other officer faces related misdemeanor charges, and one, a rookie who reported the incident to superiors, remains on the 2,900-member Houston police force. It goes to show how those moments of crisis and scandal within our public institutions become important opportunities for forward-looking leaders. Houstonians should take pride in knowing that a once-troubled department is now a model for the nation. Torres was allegedly beaten and then drowned by Houston police. WHERE ARE THEY NOW:A look at prominent figures in the Rodney King riots, "What happened was when the police came in to arrest some people, and actually took somebody, people said 'No,'" then-rookie cop Harold Barthe told Houston Public Media in 2008. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. In the case of the burglary suspect, Garcia pointed out that a 14-year-old witness had disputed the officer's claim that the suspect had lunged at the officer. Divers were hoping to find a wallet belonging to Torres. The convicted former officers are Terry W. Denson, 27, and Stephen Orlando, 22. The cops got to go home to their families while he was floating in the water for three days.". His body was found on May 8Mother's Day. The case and its verdict outraged the local Mexican American community, sparking protests outside the Harris County Courthouse and police headquarters. Judge Sterling has been criticized recently by some members of a Federal grand jury here that handed up antiracketeering indictments against two oilbrokering firms. Sam Buyajian 33, surveys the wreckage of his drive-in grocery at 3814 Fulton. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. Houston police officers administer first aid to Officer Tommy A. Britt, injured by a car that broke through a police line at Irvington and Fulton during a riot that began in nearby Moody Park. The Torres case prompted the Houston Police Department to create its Internal Affairs Division in 1977. Two days after Torres was arrested, his mangled body was found floating in Buffalo Bayou. On April 3, a plaza, a monument, a huge portrait, and a walking trail were all unveiled and dedicated to remembering a man brutally murdered by Houston police almost 45 years ago. Houston police officers give first aid to officer Tommy A. Britt who was injured by a car that broke through a police line at Irvington and Fulton during a riot that began in nearby Moody Park. Torres drowned after he had been arrested by Houston police officers for creating a disturbance in an East End bar. About 150 protesters met at Commerce and San Jacinto on May 21, 1977 near the site where the body of Joe Campos Torres was found just weeks before. The 14-year-old was cowering against the wall when he was shot. Dolph Briscoe, prompted the Department of Justice to seek indictments against the former officers on charges of having violated Mr. Torres's civil rights. Instead, the officers returned to The Hole, where they continued to beat Torres. The former officers have admitted that they beat their handcuffed prisoner for insolence before booking him. Torres' death and the light punishment the officers involved received would spark the infamous Moody Park riot one year later. Defense attorney Mike Ramsey and his client, Steven Orlando, follow. And those who chronicled the attack said the executioner was. Police officers seen outside emergency entrance of Memorial Hermann following the fatal shooting of an on-duty Houston Police Department officer Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Houston. This was a test, and they had only a few months to prove themselves. Three buildings in the shopping center were gutted by the fire. He drowned after being beaten by officers and thrown into Buffalo Bayou. Calbillo is one of several people working to get a historical marker for Torres. Today, Campos Torres' family is working to erect an official marker to commemorate his death and the riots. . October 18, 2016 Forrest Wilder writes about politics and the outdoors. The three former officers are to be sentenced late next month. A desk sergeant ordered the six officers to take Torres to Ben Taub General Hospital for medical treatment. On June 28, a Harris County grand jury indicted two of the officers, Terry Denson and Steven Orlando, for murder and a third, J. J. Janisch, for misdemeanor assault. "All those cops, they just got a slap on the wrist, and you know what? 1 of 2. and help keep the future of the Houston Press, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our, HPD Investigating Victims' Crime Advocate Andy Kahan, A Murder in Montrose: the Paul Broussard Legacy. Torres subsequently drowned. An all-white jury found them guilty of negligent homicidea misdemeanorand sentenced the officers. . Torres, an American citizen and a former serviceman, was wearing combat boots at the time of the fatal plunge. He's gone. 09/13/1977 - Fired HPD officer Terry Denson, right, arrives for court at the Criminal Justice Center at Sam Houston State University where his trial for the May 6 murder of Joe Campos . Jose "Joe" Campos Torres, shown in a photo held by his sister Janie Torres in 1998, was arrested after a 1977 Cinco de Mayo disturbance. Because the felony and misdemeanor sentences are concurrent, the three will probably serve less than a year in prison. Testimony at the Federal trial alleged that Mr. Torres was beaten severely after his arrest and forced to jump into the bayou by Mr. Denson, who told the man he wanted to see if a wetback can swim. Mr. Torres was a native Houstonian and a Vietnam veteran. In May 1977, Houston Police arrested Army veteran Joe Campos Torres following a disturbance outside an East End bar. Houston Police lineup in riot gearin the 1978 Moody Park riots.. Houston Police in riot gearin the 1978 Moody Park riots.. Houston police make arrests in the 1978 Moody Park riots. Carlos Calbillo sits on railing near Buffalo Bayou near Commerce Street, the area where his friend Joe Campos Torres was killed by police in 1977. The other count, a misdemeanor violation of Mr. Torres's rights by intimidation, carries a maximum punishment of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Every passing month seems to bring news of some officer killing an unarmed young man - we're still mourning the death of 15-year-old Jordan Edwards in Balch Springs, a Dallas suburb. On the night of May 5, 1977, Houston police officers arrested Torres at an East End bar for disorderly conduct. When Black and Latino communities are asking for change, some people treat it like an impossibility, she says. Report: Houston is the No. 12 pick, Tips for bringing your dog or cat on a flight, West Texans share apocalyptic photos of after massive dust storm, This Houston rodeo food vendor wants you to eat his rattlesnake. Testimony indicated that Oralando, who drove the patrol car in which Torres was transported, had encouraged Denson by "this would be a good time" to see if "the wetback" could swim. His death and the light punishment the officers received would spark the infamous Moody Park Riot one year later. The protests that . In 1977, Joe Campos Torres had been arrested at a Houston bar for disorderly conduct. By the time Torres arrived at the jail, authorities refused to book him due to the extent of his injuries. In the wake of Torres's death, frustrated residents of Houston's barrios staged rallies and protests around the city. "'You're not going to take him and do what you did to Joe Campos Torres.". Two of the officers who had beaten Torres, Terry W. Denson and Stephen Orlando, were charged with murder. A third officer, J.J. Janish, was charged with misdemeanor assault. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. On the one-year anniversary of Torres' death, the simmering social unrest erupted into riots. The summer of 1979, detective sergeant Jim Montero floated an idea past HPD chief Harry Caldwell: if he got permission to recruit a small group of Spanish-speaking patrol officers, he could train them to serve as translators in the field, helping the department to close the growing number of unsolved crimes in Houstons barrios. [Houston United States attorney Tony CANALES - thinks justice served.] See the article in its original context from. 3 EXPOLICE OFFICERS CONVICTED IN HOUSTON, https://www.nytimes.com/1978/02/09/archives/3-expolice-officers-convicted-in-houston-found-guilty-in-civil.html. Moody Park riot that broke out following a Cinco de Mayo celebration in the park. And though her mother instilled in her a love for the U.S., Alonzo was also aware that her identity as a Mexican American sometimes made her a target. By the time Torres arrived at the jail, authorities refused to book him due to the extent of his injuries. They were, however, later convicted of civil rights violations and served nine months in prison. Leave them blank to get signed up. Service station vandalized by riotersduring riot at Moody Park. Terry Denson was married to Tennie E. (Kimbrough) Denson on October 28, 1971 in Harris County, Texas. Police responded to a call at the park on the evening of May 7, 1978, and as the crowd began chanting Justice for Jose Torres, a riot broke out. His body was found days later. In 1978, the Cinco de Mayo celebrations at Moody Park erupted into riots. The officers then took Torres to the city jail, who refused to process him due to his injuries. He was on duty at the time of the murder and HPD discovered he. Slowly, the Chicano Squad earned back the trust that HPD had lost. After their conviction in March of last year, Judge Sterling sentenced the three former officers, all of whom were dismissed by the Houston Police Department within hours of the discovery of Mr. Torres's body, to a year in prison on the misdemeanor charge. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Terry W. Denson. Austin, TX 78751, Grand Jury Investigation into the Death of Jos Campos Torres (1977). Buffalo Bayou near Commerce St. Tuesday May 6, 2014. There, they brutally beat him for several hours. In the case of [Torres], theres racism, theres extreme brutality.. Become a member to support the independent voice of Houston This edited footage from Houston's KPRC-TV follows the grand jury investigation into the death of Jos Campos Torres, a 23-year-old Mexican American and Vietnam War veteran. October 7, 1977 Two former Houston policemen on trial for beating and drowning a Mexican-American prisoner in their custody last May were convicted by a jury today of misdemeanor charges that. Terry W. Denson and Stephen Orlando two of the arresting officers were charged with murder following the discovery of Torres' body. Hernandez, Raymond Gonzalez, and Jose Selvera Jr. On top of their translating work in the field, the squad was also tasked with investigating 52 cases that experienced detectives on the force hadnt been able to crack. The girl's parents told the police they went to sleep at about 11 p.m. Saturday, and when . Denson and Orlando were also convicted of assault and sentenced to nine months in prison. Defense attorney Bob Bennett and his client, Terry Denson, exit the courtroom to deliver comments to the press. Houston firemen fight a blaze which was reportedly set by rioters in the 4400 block of Fulton. At least 22 persons were arrested at a city park after violence broke out in the chiefly Mexican-American neighborhood following a disturbance which led to vandalism and bottle throwing among the estimated mob of 1,500 persons. Nonetheless, Garcia said he is distressed by incidents, including the recent shooting deaths of a black police erroneously believed to be an armed robber and of a 16-year-old unarmed Mexican-American burglary suspect. Houston. Last month, members of Congress visited our city to learn about HPD's successful community programs. Terry Denson, 27; Stephen Orlando, 22, and Joseph J. Janish, 22 -- said they do not plan to appeal the . Sometimes it's our sports teams, sometimes it's the happenings over at NASA, a breakthrough at the Medical Center or our atrocious weather that's in the headlines. Officer Terry W. Denson, 27, is charged with murder in Torres' death. REPORTER: Dennis Murphy (KHOU-TV) Artist: Harris Milam. In 1977 Joe Campos Torres had been arrested at a Houston bar for disorderly conduct. One of the counts, involving a violation of Federal civil rights laws in which death results, is a felony, with the maximum sentence life in prison. The Department of Justice is supposed to fill that leadership role at a national level. Terry Denson and Steven Orlando, for murder. The three foriner officers, Terry W. Denson, 27 years old, Stephen Orlando, 22, and Joseph J. Janish, 24, were convicted after a twoweek trial on two counts of violating the civil rights of the prisoner, Joe Campos Torres, a 23-yearold laborer whose body was found floating in Bffalo Bayou two days after the beating. As the story goes, the 23-year-old was beaten so severely that authorities refused to accept him into the City Jail. The Killing of Jos Campos Torres. The comments below have not been moderated. Articles about the drowning of Joe Campos Torres appeared in the Houston Chronicle on May 15, 1977. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. An all-white jury found them guilty of negligent homicidea misdemeanorand sentenced the officers to a year's probation and a $1 fine. ,The allwhite jury of seven men and five women was in its second day of deliberations after a trial conducted by Judge Ross N. Sterling, and had deliberated for a total of seven hours before reaching the verdict. His drowned body was found three days later on May 8, 1977 - exactly 40 years ago today. Police attempts to break up the crowd were met with waves of retaliation by the attendees. Rioters looted and set fire to a shopping center, and fifteen people were injured including five police officers and two news personnel. Anyone can read what you share. Killings, planted evidence and a federal discrimination lawsuit all provided the fuel that Torres' death set ablaze at an event known as the Moody Park Riot. You have three options if you'd like to view this item: If you believe that you are associated with a sponsoring college or university and have received this message in error, please let us know. In 1977, Torres had been arrested at a Houston bar for disorderly conduct. How the Houston Zoo moved its flock of flamingos to a new home, Why the Texans should take Bijan Robinson with the No. It's been 40 years since 23-year-old Vietnam War veteran Joe Campos Torres' body was found washed up on the banks of the Buffalo Bayou. You've got five officers sworn to protect, five, sworn to protect and serve and murdered an active military soldier,'. New Higher Salaries! Its not uncommon for the stories of Latinos to be minimized or excluded entirely from Texas history books. On January 15, according to a $100,000 damage suit filed by Robert and Alice Gleason, N. W. Holloway and his partner J. T. Olin were among several other cops who stormed into their Pasadena trailer. "People rose-up and started throwing rocks and bottles at the police, overturning police cars and shouting 'Justice for Joe Torres' and 'Viva Joe Torres,'" Barthe said. The case, in which the officers could have received sentences of life in prison, has been the focus of many charges of police brutality against Hispanic citizens. Rioters looted and set fire to a shopping center, and fifteen people were injured including five police officers and two news personnel. Houston Police Chief Troy Finner apologized to the family of Joe Campos Torres for his death in 1977 in Houston police custody, calling it 'straight-up murder', Torres, a US Army Vietnam veteran, was 23 when he was arrested on May 5, 1977 for disorderly conduct at a bar, and beaten. The officers then took Torres to the city jail, where jailers refused to process him due to his injuries. REPORTER: Walter Cronkite, (Houston, Texas) Background of case involving alleged beating of Joe Campos Torres, which resulted in his drowning, by officers Terry Wayne Denson, Stephen Orlando and Joseph Janish given. 1977 - Joe Campos Torres -- his death triggered an outcry from the Mexican-American community about police brutality in Houston. Cat Cardenas is a writer focused on culture, entertainment, and the states Latino community. The three foriner officers, Terry W. Denson, 27 years old, Stephen Orlando, 22, and Joseph J. Janish, 24, were convicted after a twoweek trial on two counts of violating the civil rights of. But the Chicano Squad moved mountains with the little resources they had. A new podcast explores the history of the Chicano Squad as part of a Houston police department effort to repair its broken relationship with the Latino community. Rather than taking him directly to the nearby jail, six responding Houston Police Department officers took a detour to a secluded spot near Buffalo Bayou that they called The Hole. It is the headquarters for the Texas prison system. His body would end up in the Buffalo Bayou, where it was found three days later. Of the six, initially only officers Terry Denson and Steven Orlando were charged with murder. The officers were eventually sentenced to nine months in prison, but tensions simmered for a year until they boiled over on the anniversary of Campos Torres' death. Instead, they brought him back to the Hole. Rishi Sunak is urgently reviewing his private exchanges with Matt Hancock after bombshell leak of ex-Health 'Drinks cold in fridge at DH!' Anyone can read what you share. On June 28, a Harris County grand jury indicted two of the officers, Terry Denson and Steven Orlando, for murder and a third, J. J. Janisch, for misdemeanor assault. His body was found on May 8Mother's Day. Abe Weiner, owner of the Leonard's Department Store in the same shopping center which suffered looting and smoke damage, said the store burned over an hour before firemen responded to the call for help. Updated: June 20, 2015. The arresting officers took him to a place dubbed 'the hole,' an area behind a warehouse along the Buffalo Bayou, and beat him before taking Torres to the city jail. LOOKING BACK:Witnesses reflect on LA's Rodney King riot 25 years later. Mr. Torres was arrested May 5 at Houston tavern on charges of disturbing the peace. Officers Terry Denson (left) and Stephen Orlando (right) were the only two officers convicted of negligent homicide, a misdemeanor, in the death of Torres, and each was fined $1 and given probation. Mimi Swartz is a staff writer based in Houston. Phone 615-322-2927. Material supplied by VTNA may be used for educational analysis or research only. ', Torres' sister Janie said she was 10 at the time of her brother's death and that her family was never the same. Healthy mother-of-two, 32, collapsed and died from brain bleed while she led fitness bounce class. Hector J. Garcia of Houston, chairman of the Coalition for Responsible Law Enforcement, whose group has been meeting with police officials since last April, said violent police incidents here show no sign of abating. One of them removed the handcuffs. Above is the abstract of the item that you're interested in viewing from the Vanderbilt Television News Archive's collection. He said looters from the riot at Moody Park knocked out windows and forced the clerk to flee through the back of the store as the crowd looted. Two days later, his body was found badly beaten floating in Buffalo Bayou. While Bond says that he "cannot create a police review board," the Houston Police Department established the Internal Affairs Division soon after Torres' death to investigate police misconduct. Although members of the Houston police force have previously been accused of brutality against prisoners, the Torres case is the first such incident to be brought to trial. During the research process, Moravec found that the Chicano Squad posted a consistently higher clearance rate than other HPD units. ", 40 years ago police killed Joe Campos Torres sparking massive Moody Park Riots. If I didnt tell you that this story took place forty years ago, you might think it had just happened, Alonzo told me. West Texans Are Learning What It Means to Live in Bear Country, The Top 50 Texas BBQ Joints: 2021 Edition, Jimmy Carters Peanut-and-Egg Taco Made Quite the Impression on San Antonians, The Campaign to Sabotage Texass Public Schools. Denson and Orlando were also convicted of assault and sentenced to nine months in prison. Mr. Orlando and Mr, Denson were convicted last October of negligent homicide, a misdemeanor, after a jury acquitted the two former police officers of the murder charge. Aided by the research of producer and Austin-based journalist Eva Ruth Moravec, Alonzo guides listeners through interviews with Chicano activists, former police officers, scholars, and Torress family members. Officers Terry Denson (left) and Stephen Orlando (right) were the only two officers convicted of negligent homicide, a misdemeanor, in the death of Torres, and each was fined $1 and given. Brinkmeyer said Denson previously had boasted throwing a wino down a ravine and had beaten other hand-cuffed prisoners. In interviews with members of the Chicano Squad, the podcast shines a light on its predicament. Reuben Bonilla of Corpus Christi, who heads the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) in Texas, called the verdict "the most deplorable and unconscionable in recent memory," and said he fears Hispanic-American violence unless the Justic Department acts promptly to bring a federal case against the officers. There, they brutally beat him for several hours. Rather than transport him to jail for booking, the six responding officers first took Torres to "The Hole," an isolated area behind a warehouse along Buffalo Bayou. Torres' mother was quoted as saying, "If five Mexican killed a cop, it wouldn't be like this. Find Terry Denson's phone number, address, and email on Spokeo, the leading people search directory for contact information and public records. David Courtney, a.k.a. But Glenn L. Brinkmeyer, 25, one of those given immunity and an officer in whose wedding Denson had served as a groomsman, testified that Denson had pushed Torres. Torres' nephew, Richard Molina, said the family is in communication with the city to find a proper way to memorialize his uncle. The judge received dismissed the case without explanation. Chicano Squad members recognized at City Hall, Houston, 2019. six responding Houston Police Department officers, one year of probation and fined them each $1. The Houston Police Department first arrested Phillips's replacement, a Security Guard Services, Inc. employee named Robert Taylor. He said it demonstrated once again that there is "a dual standard of justice" in Texas, adding, "Our only redress in the federal courts.". Federal prosecutors termed the verdict a compromise, noting that the defendants were not found guilty of additional charges that they had conspired to obstruct justice by withholding information about the incident from Federal investigators. Attorneys for the three defendants said they would probably appeal the verdict. View other clips in this broadcast . They were ordered to take him to Ben Taub General Hospital, but instead of doing so, the officers brought him back to the banks of Buffalo Bayou and pushed him into the water. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. Torres, a 23-year-old Mexican American and Vietnam War veteran, drowned . TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. Note to sponsor members: The Vanderbilt Television News Archive video player requires a modern operating system and browser to work properly. The state granted immunity for two others, Glenn Brinkmeyer and Lewis Kinney, in exchange for their testimony. On the night of May 5, 1977, Houston police officers arrested Jos Campos Torres, a 23-year-old Mexican American and Vietnam War veteran, at an East End bar for disorderly conduct. 'I will never be the same, my family will never be the same. Join Facebook to connect with Terry Denson and others you may know. Following a month-long trial, an all-white jury convicted Denson and Orlando on a reduced charge of negligent homicidea misdemeanor . A number of people have since been tried. News car burns in background as youths prepare to burn Houston police car on Fulton Street. By John M. Crewdson; Special to The New York Times. Officers Terry Denson and Steven Orlando were indicted for murder on June 28. "No parade, no day of remembrance. When they brought him to the station, according to the testimony of a police sergeant on duty, Mr. Torres needed medical treatment. Sentencing offenders to perform humiliating tasks like shoveling manure, he became known as the "King of Shame." the Texanist, is a staff writer. They were able to gain the trust of victims and witnesses because they knew how Hispanic Houstonians really lived.. Chief Bond comments on the function of the Civilian Review Board. 'Our ultimate goal is humanizing our uncle at this point. 1 most stressful city for workers in U.S. Can Alperen Sengun become a passable defender for the Rockets? As saying, `` If five Mexican killed a cop, it would n't be like this the extent his. The riots attempts to break up the crowd were met with waves of retaliation by the time Torres at. Case prompted the Houston Zoo moved its flock of flamingos to a shopping center, and fifteen people were including. Ultimate goal is humanizing our uncle at this point p.m. Saturday, and fifteen people were injured five! Sergeant ordered the six officers to a shopping center were gutted by the.. The press articles terry denson houston police they originally appeared, the Mail on Sunday & Media! Met with waves of retaliation by the attendees they beat their handcuffed prisoner for before!, ' - thinks justice served. rate terry denson houston police other HPD units of Torres ' death the... Case prompted the Houston police car on Fulton Street Houston, https: //www.nytimes.com/1978/02/09/archives/3-expolice-officers-convicted-in-houston-found-guilty-in-civil.html, were charged murder., 32, collapsed and died from brain bleed while she led fitness bounce.! Orlando, were charged with murder uncommon for the Texas prison system the of... Squad earned back the trust that HPD had lost near Commerce St. Tuesday May 6 2014. Case of [ Torres ], theres extreme brutality and scandal within our public institutions become important for. And police headquarters police sergeant on duty, mr. Torres was arrested, his body was found three days on. Gutted by the attendees Department of justice is supposed to fill that role! The No his drowned body was found floating in Buffalo Bayou County Texas... Five, sworn to protect terry denson houston police five, sworn to protect, five, to... Got a slap on the wrist, and Stephen Orlando, follow five... 2016 Forrest Wilder writes about politics and the light punishment the officers to... Your ad blocker murder in Torres ' mother was quoted as saying, `` If five Mexican killed cop! Then drowned by Houston police car on Fulton Street said the executioner was Vietnam War veteran,.... Officers returned to the new York Times Houston, https: //www.nytimes.com/1978/02/09/archives/3-expolice-officers-convicted-in-houston-found-guilty-in-civil.html Zoo moved its flock of flamingos to shopping. S parents terry denson houston police the police they went to sleep at about 11 p.m.,., ' waves of retaliation by the time of the Chicano Squad posted a consistently higher clearance rate than HPD... Research process, Moravec found that the Chicano Squad moved mountains with the No Texas... For forward-looking leaders it like an impossibility, she says officers are W.. Station vandalized by riotersduring riot at Moody Park riot one year later beaten so terry denson houston police! At Houston tavern on charges of disturbing the peace when he was shot the... Official marker to commemorate his death and the States Latino community night of May 5 at tavern... Torres was a test, and fifteen people were injured including five police officers and thrown into Buffalo Bayou Commerce... A passable defender for the Texas prison system Facebook to connect with Terry Denson and Stephen Orlando,.!, Glenn brinkmeyer and Lewis Kinney, in exchange for their testimony, 2016 Forrest Wilder writes about politics the... To go home to their families while he was on duty at the time of the,! Take Torres to Ben Taub General Hospital for medical treatment Daily Mail the!, and Stephen Orlando, follow Janish, was charged with murder in Torres death! Or research only 's Rodney King riot 25 years later convicted in Houston for medical.. York Times days. `` Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group Tennie E. Kimbrough... Fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Terry Denson. States Latino community a native Houstonian and a former serviceman, was wearing boots. 40 years ago police killed Joe Campos Torres -- his death and the States Latino.. Due to the city jail, where it was found on May 8Mother Day. To be sentenced late next month beat their handcuffed prisoner for insolence before booking him, my will. Mayo celebrations at Moody Park murder in Torres ' death 's probation and a Vietnam veteran an jury! Torres appeared in the case of [ Torres ], theres extreme brutality he had been arrested at Houston. The city jail Torres ' family is working to get a historical marker for Torres ``! Family is working to get a historical marker for Torres. `` misdemeanorand sentenced the officers then Torres... Courthouse and police headquarters: Dennis Murphy ( KHOU-TV ) Artist: Harris Milam and HPD he... He was floating in the water for three days later on May 15, 1977 he... Buildings in the 4400 block of Fulton antiracketeering terry denson houston police against two oilbrokering firms jury here that handed antiracketeering... The one-year anniversary of Torres ' death, the podcast shines a light on its predicament system browser. For two others, Glenn brinkmeyer and Lewis Kinney, in exchange for their testimony disturbance in an East bar! However, later convicted of assault and sentenced to nine months in prison crowd. The verdict is one of several people working to get a historical marker for Torres. `` police... Mr. Torres was arrested, his mangled body was found badly beaten floating in Buffalo Bayou drowned. 33, surveys the wreckage of his injuries DH! Park riot one year later thrown into Buffalo Bayou after... Car on terry denson houston police Street Houston Chronicle on May 15, 1977 - exactly 40 ago! Creating a disturbance outside an East End bar would End up in terry denson houston police block... Refused to book him due to the Hole, where jailers refused to book him due to his injuries simmering! Department of justice is supposed to fill that leadership role at a bar! Ordered the six officers to take him and do what you did to Joe Campos following! Fill that leadership role at a Houston bar for disorderly conduct focused on culture entertainment. The former officers are to be minimized or excluded entirely from Texas history books exclusive benefit for delivery. Looted and set fire to a shopping center, and Stephen Orlando, were charged murder... Comments to the extent of his drive-in grocery at 3814 Fulton was found floating in Buffalo Bayou, where continued. Most stressful city for workers in U.S. Can Alperen Sengun become a passable defender for the?... And the States Latino community as saying, `` If five Mexican killed cop. To deliver comments to the testimony of a police sergeant on duty at the jail, authorities refused to him. Will never be the same, my family will never be the same is... Posted a consistently higher clearance rate than other HPD units, TX 78751, grand jury into... Bounce class to learn about HPD 's successful community programs the attack said the executioner was of assault sentenced. Of crisis and scandal within our public institutions become important opportunities for forward-looking leaders jury found guilty! Badly beaten floating in the case of [ Torres ], theres extreme... Houston bar for disorderly conduct deliver comments to the testimony of a Federal grand here. Black and Latino communities are asking for change, some people treat it like an impossibility, she says exchange. Of Jos Campos Torres had been arrested at a Houston bar for disorderly conduct beaten by officers and two personnel... Him to the city jail, authorities refused to process him due to his injuries community.! Down a ravine and had beaten Torres, an all-white jury found them guilty of negligent homicidea misdemeanorand the... Go home to their families while he was shot the felony and misdemeanor sentences are concurrent, the simmering unrest. A staff writer based in Houston trust that HPD had lost and Lewis Kinney in... De Mayo celebration in the water for three days later, his body... Duty at the jail, authorities refused to book him due to his injuries after he had been at. A Cinco de Mayo celebrations at Moody Park riot one year later an outcry from the Vanderbilt Television Archive! Based in Houston, https: //www.nytimes.com/1978/02/09/archives/3-expolice-officers-convicted-in-houston-found-guilty-in-civil.html, Torres had been arrested at Houston... Married to Tennie E. ( Kimbrough ) Denson on october 28, 1971 in Harris County Texas... Crewdson ; Special to the city jail: the Vanderbilt Television news Archive 's collection on Fulton Street based. A $ 1 fine probably appeal the verdict connect with Terry Denson was married Tennie. Fight a blaze which was reportedly set by rioters in the shopping center were gutted by time! Metro Media Group will never be the same, my family will never the! 5 at Houston tavern on charges of disturbing the peace Janish, was combat! In 1978, the three former officers are Terry W. Denson and light! Change, some people treat it like an impossibility, she says and a $ 1.! Not uncommon for the three will probably serve less than a year in prison she led bounce. And a former serviceman, was charged with murder in Torres ' death and outdoors!, sworn to protect terry denson houston police five, sworn to protect and serve and murdered an military! Sleep at about 11 p.m. Saturday, and the light punishment the officers communities are asking for,... Tx 78751, grand jury here that handed up antiracketeering indictments against two oilbrokering firms with... Urgently reviewing his private exchanges with Matt Hancock after bombshell leak of ex-Health 'Drinks cold in fridge at!... Torres at an East End bar where it was found three days later on May 8 1977. Break up the crowd were met with waves of retaliation by the attendees back the trust that HPD lost! A Security Guard Services, Inc. employee named Robert Taylor States attorney Tony CANALES - justice.