I wouldn't call the deceased a victim, I would call the officer who protected his fellow officer a hero and the guy who tried to take the gun a fool. The officer did his job well and if you have nothing to hide, then you cooperate with the police.

They fail to mention Joshua was in the military serving his country, and was planning to get married in a couple of months. Would that make the officers look bad? They don't fail to mention the officer and his time on the force. What happened to all the other suspects? Doesn't sound right to me. I pray there is a serious investigation here, and that some witnesses step forward to tell the true story, because I doubt this is it.

According to community leaders they were seen checking cars to see if they were unlocked.

The officers followed their training by increasing the level of force to stop threat, permanently.

probably an illegal allien

I can't think of one good reason to steal. If you are hungry you can beg up the money , use your independenc card or stop by a church for food and shelter. Can't think of one good reason or even need to steal in this country.

I agree with James. This is not like josh. Something else happened that isnt being said. I hope to God justice is served.

Please remember that Josh has a family and a fiance and we are grieving. We are real people who have real feelings. Please be considerate.

If Joshua was infact in the military, an extensive investigation will be done by the military. This whole story will be interesting to follow. Patch, please follow any updates on this one.

When did serving your country automatically make one a Saint? Because he served his country does that mean he would never commit a crime? Does serving his country grant him immunity from law enforcement? He assualted police and was allegedly carring stolen property. This is not the kind of person we need defending our country. I served my country and I encountered a few knuckleheads that commit crimes and who were a disgrace to the uniform. Unfortunately criminals and others who are unfit for duty do enter the ranks of our Armed Forces. This guy sounds like he would have eventually served time in the stockade or been given a dishonorable discharge.

Interesting to follow!? My best friend is DEAD! There is no way we know what happen we weren't there. All i know is that i served with Josh for my whole military career. I've know him for a long time, and the only way that he would even think about doing something like this article is saying is for one of those police officers provoked, pushed him, or did something to get him to be "combative". i agree with James something isn't being said. Oh yes Buzz read the article again it says that the police said he FELT like Josh was grabbing his firearm

Serving your country doesn't make you a saint anymore than serving your country as a police officer makes you honorable. Because a man serves the community does that make him immune from accountability. Unfortunately, there are only 3 men that know what occurred, Josh is dead, no way to defend himself. If he was guilty of a crime than there should have been a consequence. His family, his friends, and his ships mates can attest to Josh's character and none of this makes sense. If anyone passes judgment on an article or any media it doesn't mean it is truth. It is a fact only until proven otherwise. For instance, this states on "MONDAY", well all of us know this is FALSE as he was killed Sunday. Does that change the outcome? No, however, once the investigation continues it makes me wonder how many other "facts" will be brought to light. This has broadened my eyes to what society believes. Quick to judge. Ready to blame. How can you base an opinion of a person's life from a few lines on the internet? The man we all knew would have eventually served out his time for his country, married the woman he loves and made lots of pretty babies that serve the Lord, and did his family and country proud. Joshua Michael Lopez, was living out the legacy, and making choices to carry out not only a good name but build very good family. Tragic loss and a story I pray has closure. God bless them all, and Lord Jesus I pray your covering over this family. And may TRUTH not "facts" be revealed.

I think people who didn't know him shouldn't make judgements about him or his character. I served with him on the same ship, we did a deployment together, and he was not a criminal. Speaking from personal experience with him, I doubt he tried to take the gun. Lopez wouldn't do that.
Let the family grieve and stop abusing his character with baseless accusations.
"Gomer" -He was not a knucklehead. He always had a laugh to share and wasn't afraid to do a hard days work.
Buzz- Don't judge him. You didn't know him, and you don't know the story of what happened because it hasn't been investigated yet. How dumb will you feel if it turns out it was a case of mistakes made by officers ending in an innocent man being shot?
Know what they do teach us in the military? The deadly force triangle. Look it up. I doubt Josh had capability, opportunity, and intent if he was on the ground in a struggle with another officer over him. Why didn't the officer use a baton to restrain him? Or cuffs? Or a mock hold? A bullet to the head is not defense in any sense. It's murder.

I see that this is not the article that states Monday was the day of this incident. As a family friend I have found myself wanting answers for this and confess I have read a lot. Some of the stories already have incorrect information. My error is saying that this article had false information. I suppose it is just further proof that we see what we want to see, we hear what we want to hear. Nothing will change that Josh is gone. To us left behind there is this pull to know what happened. Nothing points to what occurred. It scares me for all young men with backpacks. We do live in a country that freedoms are protected, Josh being one of them. I have thought of sooooo many scenarios. I have heard innocent until proven guilty my whole life. I have equally heard guilt by association. We all have choices in life, and it seems to me that up until possibly minutes before Josh took his last breath his were the right ones. I hate that I have images in my heart and mind that he may have been afraid for his life. I wonder if they did indeed fall on the ground if he panicked. None of us know. To his family and friends we all have memories of a silly boy who was still a playful man. I will not dishonor them by putting private things online. We are all grieving in different ways and searching for answers that quite simply may never come. Decisions based on emotions aren't always the correct ones. My heart is troubled, it aches for the friends I regard as family & I leave my mark to say so.

tony your assumption of a man with a mexican last name being an illegal alien is pathetic for one, not even knowing the person.. I didnt know the man but I did know his father, and his dad was always a respectful friendly man, to judge one an illegal ailen without knowing the facts says more about you then anything!!!

This is completely a false propagandic lie

Buzz Beeler you are nothing more then a lethargic devil you know nothing about josh you know nothing about the situation it what actually happened all you know is what this false propoganda proclaims which may I add completely blastfimous josh was my best friend my brother my shipmate and more importantly a VICTIM of a CRIME committed by the police and to say that they are the hero when all they do is drive around for eight hours a day and give people bs traffic tickets to fill a standard quota. And then you have josh and the rest of the ship defending YOUR MY AND EVERYONE ELSES COUNTRY working hard sweating every single day of the week going on multiple nine month deployments away from home being a TRUE HERO but no because he was a "suspicious" person commiting crime or not just out of the blue decided to be "combative" with police? when we will say hypothetically he was stealing property if which was the case he would have ran josh was the fastest runner on our ship and that I had ever seen the most in shape man I ever met so why stand and bang when he could easily out run the police now ok

this is so strange because he was in the military and he was armed everyday at work. so he knew about gun safety. buzz you dont have your facts right he had driving a friend home from Virginia that night in that very community and was on his way home because he was never late to work. the police say a black man and got jumpy they got rough with him. both officers admit beating and pepper spraying him. he was only five foot seven and one hundred and fifty pounds. only the officers will ever kknow what happened but if i was in his situation and two cops were beating and pepper sparying me. in my head i would think there going to kill me, i need to get the gun and stop them hitting me. maybe thats what happend maybe they beat him to death then shot him. only they know. as for stolen property. he had never had any misconduct charges or insubordinate charges brought against him. i think they killed the wrong black kid. as the case unfolds they will see that he had reason to be there at that time. and was put in a situation were he had to fight for his life. i hope the cops get murder
charges because there was no stolen property on him for sure. and the military investigator are going to fry them with whatever they planted.

I can see how the internet can draw in that is for sure. It leaves way too much room for speculation and assumptions. I want to clarify that the choices I referred to that Josh made in his last moments cannot be replayed. Life doesn't have do overs. BUT by no means am I inferring that he did anything wrong. Just a generalization, like the same way you would go down a different road if you knew you would get an a traffic jam. Hindsight. I can only pray and for those making judgments from a few lines on the internet as if this was justified.... I hope your sons and husbands are never at the wrong place at the wrong time, and encounter police officers that take the life of your loved ones. My eyes are forced open to the hate that is out there. The venom of self-righteousness. The false authority of those who are speaking their minds. Let me end by saying, Josh served for the liberties of our country. Ironic that you can thank him for your freedom of speech, some of those choosing to judge, condemn and celebrate the police's actions. What if Josh was shot after he was beat to death? Would that change your mind? Judge not lest ye be judged.

Another point on how this is ridiculous the report says he was with a group of people heading tward a trailer park... Josh is stationed in Norfolk Virginia he has never been to Maryland before and the only reason he was there was to take a close friend to see his family who lived near the area for the weekend josh knew no one from that area he has no connection to anyone from Maryland other then our shipmate that he took there who's friends was with him at his mothers house so no it wasn't our shipmates friends he was with then who could it of been the fact of the matter is this is a complete farce he wasn't with any group of people if he was why was those people not asked questions or interrogated and searched and if they were why were we not told in ANY report on the internet I'll tell you why right now there was no one else with him or associated with him at the time so my point being if the police would lie about him being with a group of "suspicious" un named un identified un searched group of people what's to say they wouldn't lie about him reaching for his weapon or even being combative in the first place. And yes sir I am investigating this I will see both those "Heros" stripped of there badges and charged with the murder of JOSHUA MICHAEL LOPEZ

I thank all of you for defending Josh.... And dear al day, he was the best man I knew. He was going to be a great father and husband. He was an outstanding man with no criminal record. He was caring and loving... Opened doors for me, treated me like a woman should be treated... More of a man than most of y'all will ever be. Josh was never insubordinate. If only y'all knew him, you would not being saying these horrible things. @sean, can you please contact me.

thank you Sean for your words...it's so good to see support in JOSHUA MICHAEL LOPEZ'S honor...I pray that if there are any witnesses that they come forward...nothing will bring Josh back but there are too many unanswered questions...someone besides these officers must have heard or seen something....where are these people that called about activity in their neighborhood? if I called the police about something suspicious going on you can better believe I'm going to follow up by peering around and waiting to see what the police will do, if I felt threatened in my home or had fear enough to call the police I wouldn't be going to sleep waiting to see what may happen, I'd be on alert, paying attention, so if there were reports of suspicious activity perhaps someone saw something when police were in the neighborhood, or certainly when they heard shots fired....that is why I pray that someone that hears this story donates their services to find out the truth, we as lay people have little power. Perhaps with all the lives Josh touched, as the story gets out, his shipmates may know an attorney who can assist in this process, both criminal and civil suits.

Joshua was still in the service, was a Christian, was a good man, he was getting married in a few months. He was in Maryland talking his shipmate to see his sister for her birthday. He was out at 2am because he was on his way back to Norfolk because he was never late for work. This should not to swept under the carpet quietly. There is something totally wrong with what these cops did. Josh was 5'5-7" and weighed less than 150lbs. He was an honorable sailor, trained to listen to authority he would not have charged this cop, would not have reached for a gun, and was not a thief, he was returning from a birthday party. Who can investigate this honestly? Who will speak for this innocent victim? A huge waste of life, and to add insult to injury, the cops sound like they are trying to make it Josh's fault. Don't cop cars have video tape on the dash? What does the replay say about the confrontation? We need to see the evidence.

I really cannot believe some of the things that are being said here. None of us commenting were there to know what happened. 3 people do know... Josh.. And he can't tell us anything. The officer... If he tells the truth. And God our savior. Justice WILL be served. Remember your faith. Let this family and his friends Grieve with a little dignity. You cannot judge anyone by there military status or there law enforcement background. Sometimes those are the ones that cannot be trusted. As far as Joshua no matter what circumstance if the officer wasn't a vagina he could've restrained him without killing him. If Josh did something they could have let the courts decide. Too late for that. The officer will have to deal with his guilt if he is in fact guilty. The story does sound strange and I'm sure it's not all out yet. Give it time. Karma is a booger too!

Lopez was my friend and a great shipmate to all of those that have made acrimonious assualts to his personal character SHAME ON YOU! Lopez received extensive armed watch training and DEFINITELY knew his deadly force continuum. I find it very suspicious that he would have put himself in a position that juistifiable deadly force would have been an option. To Josh's friends and family I know its been tough we owe it to Josh to make sure the truth comes out.

The FBI needs to investigate. They did in this case.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/24/fbi-investigates-matthew-marin-double-amputee-brian-claunch_n_1910395.html

Melisa my numbers 503 902 2359 please txt me today and ill give ya a call when I can oh and to anyone else who wants to question josh's innocence there's my number I WILL NOT allow my brothers rep go to s##t when all these people like gomer and buzz Beeler etc wanna put my brother on blast and go public lets go public I challenge all of you ignorant brainwashed fools to post any and all evidence or even gimme a call you got my number I will defend him until a "hero" put the gun up to my head after pepper spraying and hitting me in the head with a Baton and pull that trigger then I'll shut up but till then I will make sure josh can rest in peace anyone disagree or don't think he disagreed hit me up with a legit argument

Melissa my email is seanmichaelhensley@gmail.com gimme your num I'll hit you up I been trying to find you and his brother

What about the poor people who have to drive over the blood every day to get to their houses now? They didn't even clean his blood up! It's still there like a stain on the community

Got it Sean! Thanks!

Josh's family lived across the street from me for the last few years and I spent a great deal of time seeing Josh and his family grow and learn. This is a Christian family who treat everyone with dignity and respect. The family is of mixed blood and have always talked to the children about the repurcussions this could bring their way. Now people are judging Josh based on the fact that he is a young 'black' man our late at night in an area where there was some trouble. He is also being judged because his last name is Lopez. Since Josh is in the military NCIS will investigate this. Hopefully, the attention to Josh's needless killing will allow us to look inside and know for a fact that we are all of mixed blood or heritage and we should judge the person we know - - not the color of his skin or his last name. Our President is of mixed blood also and even has a last name that gets questioned. Joshua Michael Lopez was a fine patriotic young man brought up in a loving family. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time and has paid with his life. He was a joy to know.

It's always a conspiracy. Always an "innocent" man. I'm not taking anyones side but I can say for a fact! Someone can be your bother, father, boyfriend, or grandfather and as much as you think you know them you don't! You don't know what goes through their mind when confronted with confortation. A cop and a military man Thats a lot of ego

Thanks so much....as I grieve to know that someone is disgusted by sons blood staining your street....I haven't even buried my son....I pray for your peace tonight. To be relieved of the image of blood stains. I will be sure that we put that on the top of his four siblings prayer list also.....sleep well...grieving mother

How fricken rude Ca... what if that was your family member. I dont think.you'd wanna see a comment like that.
Have respect for people damnit!

That blood was shed from a young man serving his county to protect your stupid ass... @Ca

Cops are not any more believable than a dead "suspect" in a case like this. Cops will lie to protect their own. It is a human reaction. Simply sick.

I've known Josh since we were in the 5th grade. I honestly don't believe this but to the lady w| the camera outside her house...how do you know it was him.? clearly it was dark right.? I'm sure he's not all in the camera w| his face..inspecting it. are the clothes on the camera the same as the ones he was shot in.?? OFFICER, why couldn't you shoot him in his knee..shoulder..something.?? why did you "shoot to kill" and ALL of y'all talking down on him, w| his friends and family on here...God is not sleep and I find that VERY disrespectful and hurtful.

Forgive me @Ca for my rude words. I was out of line. I wasn't raised to talk like that to anyone. Please forgive me. I was speaking out of anger. It's just hard to be all jolly and nice when your brother who was serving in the US Navy is just being talked down about by people who don't even know him. Just know that my mother reads this. No mother wants to see this about their child. Please have respect atleast.

Wow . . . . I wouldn't have never seen this coming. I've worked with alot of people over the last 20yrs in the Navy and this guy was definitely "a good person". He was a very respectful, hard working sailor, who always seemed to be in a good mood. I'm sure he will be heavily missed by all his Navy Buddies. My condolences to the Lopez family and his Fiance and all his Friends.

Emotions can ride high in both sides. What we have at the moment is only 3 people involved. Two with the police, who can say what happened, if there are no witnesses. One, Josh, who has no say. What is best in this case is to obtain all security camera footage in the area. Quickly so as not to be tampered with. Is there a police dash camera? There was mentioning of a struggle, pepper spray. A medical examination be administered and not tampered with. It has come to my attention that the Navy wanted to do their own medical examination. The truth from what we know, needs to be obtained, equal representation of legal systems to the truth is administered correctly. Lets find the truth to this tragedy. God bless the soul of the loved Josh and God help the police officers to find their souls to speak the truth.

The witnesses, video (if there is any) the toxicology report, physical evidence will reveal the truth.

This whole thread took a turn for the worse almost from the first comment when family and friends started right from the start to blame the police as if they shot him for no reason.

FIFA's comments are indicative and irresponsible of the tone of this issue. The cops are bad and don't trust them. Another person suggest shooting him in the leg. In these situations, seconds mean the difference between life and death.

There is no one commenting on a close combat situation that the police face many times. Seconds count. Like I said why didn't Josh just cooperate. Do people think a cops go to work at night thinking about having to take someones life. That's crazy. Those scars will last a lifetime. PTSD is high among combat vets that were doing their duty.

How many times in situations like this do we hear others say how shocked they were to learn about the person involved in this type of situation and hear them say - I never would have believed the person I knew would be involved in something like this.

The toxicology report will tell us a lot along with the other evidence.

It is rather strange to me that because Josh was in the military he could not have done something like this, but for the officer he just shoots innocent people because he's a cop or scapegoat.

Just because a person is brought up a in a good christian home does not mean they are going to turn out right. how many people become instantly agitated just because they are stopped by the police? he's in the military so being his height and weight he can defend himself and has military combat training correct? the family is grieving which i can understand, but then don't write your feelings on-line if you don't want people to respond back. even after an investigation, the family is not going to accept anything other than misconduct, and as one person posted, because of the "evidence they planted on him." everyone knows the news only gives basic information so don't rely on this report to give you all of the details.

Sean, you say Josh has never been to MD before. Everybody wants respect for Josh and Johnny wants the cops charged with murder. If Josh would have been cooperative all of this could have been avoided. Others say he was driving a friend home.

All of those with police or military experience in dealing in combative situations please reveal your name and experience. Not one person was there and want respect without giving any. You call the police officer a murder and want respect without the complete investigation. You earn respect and if you want us to grieve for the Josh, I have yet to hear a word about the impact on the officer that faced the decision to use deadly force.

BCPD would have swept this murder right under the carpet if the victim's family hadn't kept the heat turned up.
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2012-06-14/news/bs-md-co-police-involved-death-20120614_1_police-officer-internal-affairs-division-investigation

Seems like that is the only way to get justice around here. Why not bring in another agency to investigate just to eliminate the appearance of impropriety?

I would suspect the possibility of an outside investigation. It does not make sense to cover this up because two wrongs don't make a right. Imagine the repercussions if there was a coverup?

We just saw the consequences of one in the White House.

The White House has nothing to do with this. Stop trying to deflect.

Buzz Beeler you want Sean to reveal who and what his experience is why dont you just stop, all you are doing is stirring up a lot crap (except when you gave the phone number out) JUST STOP SHUT UP WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU IN TEXAS.

LOL You tried to solicit work for a crime scene cleanup company??? From the family when they are obviously grieving????

That's pretty low. Even for you

Buzz Beeler, This Community is grieving and the family as lost their son, brother, fiance, grandson,cousin,nephew I gues we thought Ya'll cleaned a crime scene like we do here in Texas. so dont put that on us. That we have not ask if it got cleaned up.!!!!! BTW I did give you props thanks for giving the nimber out..... If your reading those comments in anger STOP and reread......

Bizzare! The freinds and family of Mr. Lopez continue to view these comments that make them angry and then respond to them as if their online testimony is being submitted as truth. Most of the disapproving comments have actually been perpetrated by their own comments. Just turn off your computer and greive together.

how can you tell someone how to greive.?? they are defending their family and backup the beliefs of Josh's friends. if you don't like it, YOU leave the conversation. !! buzz, buzz off. ! Chillin, chill out somewhere else. and it would be an old white man to say something about the President on here. he doesn't know Josh nor did he pull the trigger.

Buzz, I have been very careful with my words & perhaps I don't convey my thoughts as well as I would like to. I am one who is grieving. I am raising the question of WHAT HAPPENED because I watched this young man grow up, because my children went to school with him, because I love him & moreover I love his family that he left behind. I have had police officers in my family and some very dear friends that still serve the community on patrol. I respect that position. I wasn't trying to stir up emotion, I want a reason why Josh isn't ever going to come home. How is that bashing the police? We aren't talking about a bogus traffic ticket, we are talking about a LIFE. Does anyone on this panel really get that? We are all still here filling air into our lungs. Breathe deep all of you, those who knew Josh, and those just reading for something to pass the time....go ahead inhale fill your lungs, puff out your chests....exhale...do it again....did you do it? Josh can never do that again...EVER. That is why I am on the internet reading stories that make me cringe. I see the anger of people. I see the dishonor. It saddens my heart. What if we supported each other, what if neighbors looked out for one another, what if authority was respected, seems to be that there is a lot of judging. I haven't inquired about the officers because I don't know them. I knew and loved Josh. If it was someone in your life I would hope you would defend his honor, too.

I will not be apologetic for seeking out the events of that evening. I will not name call. I do my best not to assume, so I have inquired, without response, but I will continue to ask until I have answers. If it were my son I would hope our family and friends would support me as well. True there may be high emotions and youthful responses on this posting but that is one of the freedoms we have in this country I love. I would have to differ with the opinion that everyone that knew Josh is attacking the police. I've prayed for them as well. I don't know them. They are alive. I did know Josh. Josh is dead. I wouldn't be typing otherwise. I have observed very distasteful comments from those not knowing Josh. The one made by "Ca" especially was harsh. Makes me wonder if any of my neighbors have that kind of mentality. I believe in our right to free speech, but truth be told, there is a level of self control, self respect and honor of others that is lacking in our neighborhoods, in our communities, and in our homes. Christian or not, black or white, male or female, we all are breathing today, we all have choices, choose life, choose to heal, not just from grief but in our daily lives, you just don't know what someone is going thru. Let's promote love. About all else, let's be accountable to ourselves, for our words and our deeds. Let's leave this world a better place because of how we acted toward one another. I know JOSHUA MICHAEL LOPEZ did. Thank you for reading.

One person here commented that just because he served his country does not make him a saint. I agree. Just because one wears ANY uniform does not make him a saint in fact. .....
It does look bad if the young mans' prints were on cars in a neighborhood where he has no friends? or does not know the owners of the cars his prints are on? but the jump from pepper spray to bullets seems very much a panic reaction. Perhaps understandable if the officers thought the two of them would loose to the young man, Understandable, but not excusable. To go from a petty theft charges to dead is a big jump for a boy that age ....

The scariest thing I see in all this is the prevailing opinion that the officers ... (uniforms) are infallible and have "cleansed" our civilized community. Instead of waiting to see what happened in the investigation. Hopefully there will be one. If this was a sports hero or a pop icon ..;. there would be different opinions. When the Jews were rounded up in Germany it was said to be, "good for the communities", and was to protect the neighborhoods. Careful with blind endorsement of idealistic power. ? ... I guess they can't afford tasers or stun guns in that county? They go from pepper spray to lead Flying huh? that's a shame !!
He will NEVER tell his side of the story ...
How 2012!!!
or 1912 ?
... one of the two ... God Help this Country ...

Debbie, these situations are always tragic on both sides. I only know what the neighbors told me when they called. The rest was in the media. I can understand how Sean feels. My mother is dying and that is tough to deal with.

This whole situation got out of hand because people jumped to conclusions. I only commented what was on the record. I can tell you through experience that we never know about one's true character and I don't mean that in a negative way.

I learned through personal experience. I had arrested a housewife for DWI where she was twice over the limit indicating a serious drinking problem. When I called the husband and the family they were flabbergasted. The husband said he never saw her drink before and other family members confirmed this, however she had a serious drinking problem that was slowly killing her.

As I stated before, the film (if there is one), the eyewitnesses and physical evidence at the scene will reveal what really happened. Other than that it's all speculation. I've been through this with my own family on more than one occasion. I learned not to be shocked by anything. The chips will fall where they may and then we can begin the healing process.

Let the process run it's course and then we will know. I would not be surprised if there is more than one law enforcement agency investigating this case.

You sound like a reasonable and caring person who is seeking what we all are and you're in pain.

Thank you Buzz, for your respectful response. It was difficult to read the judgments from others. I'm proud of our country and I am not naive enough to believe that justice is always served ; Not for the accused, nor the enforcers. There are stories on each side. I found it disheartening that because of one article that educated people could believe what they read. A media story is not facts, evidence is, and there is a procedure for that for a reason. Of course, even in that lengthy process errors or deceit can be made, on either side, prosecution or defense. The enormity of emotion and conviction on both sides, as if any of us know what happened, is a little shocking to me. And yes, I know from first hand experience that looks can be deceiving, and character fleeting for some. I hope that is more the exception than the rule. But then again I try to see the GOOD in the world and cling to that. It's there even if you have to squint to see it.

I was Glad to hear from an officer Like Buzz on here ...

Likewise a man Like James C .... Good Cops ... it sounds like ...

Thanks Bill. People need to heal and let he pros do what thy are trained to do. I'm sure the NCIS will get involved. Better to put all doubts to rest.

Bill, James C Thank you for helping put a different perspective and the kind words. and Buzz Beeler well I guess you are read what we are saying or you have seen something we have not but thank you. we are no longer on your front page so things are quieting down on here which is good. this is not over at all. God bless your city

Can everyone please stop feeding the semi-professional journalist with more fodder for his propaganda gun? He's just trying to drag this out so he can capitalize on it. It's disrespectful to Josh's memory.

NCIS will investigate. Then we can all have some closure.

/end

To all, I served with QMSN Lopez. He has done two sea deployments and we recently returned. Being one of his direct leaders I know first hand that this wasnt like him. He was a deligent worker, my go to guy. If this happened yes it was wrong but it's not right to dishonor his name and family. Our division understands that this was a devestating loss. We all miss him very much and our regards go out to everyone's families involved. May he rest in peace. Miss you Lil Q

I met Josh when he and my son returned on their recent deployment, he was such a happy, funny , sweet young man that my son called friend. His death saddens me for his family, his fiance, and friends, but what saddens me the most is the true ignorance and such disrespect of some of these people's comments. We don't know what happened, but this family is grieving, I just find it so hard to believe the comments about the loss of a 22 year old life. Disgusting!!!!! I mean after all the cops have NEVER shot an innocent man, nor beat an innocent woman to death, they would never do that.....yea right....rest in peace Josh, and to the Lopez family I pray you find peace and get true justice, don't give up.

James C. Where were you a Law Enforcement Officer at and what was your assignment and rank?....If you were a a former Law Enforcement Officer you know that every situation is different and anything can happen in a split second (Thats if you been in an altercation with a combative person) and depending on where you work that does not happen everyday. I work with a lot of Officers that claim that they have been in confrontations when in fact they worked the desk for most of their career or were not very proactive Officers. These same Officers give opinions about policing, tactics and how to react when involved in a confrontation after the fact (pepper spray, baton, Taser etc). Pepper spray does not work and is not an effective descalation tool that is why is not being used any more on most large metropolitan police departments. As an former LE Officer you should know that the majority of the population thinks police work is what they see on film or television. Which is nothing but far from the truth. I hope the investigation reveals the facts and everyone comes to a closure.

Santigo, well spoken. As a rookie this very large man threw me and a lot of others around like rag dolls. You thought he was on PCP or something, but in fact he was having a heart attack and was out of it.

The drug calls were the worst because of the enormous strength these people had along with a high tolerance for pain.

This is a big case and I think the truth will come out based on the forensic evidence. It's sad there has to be victims in any situation. Some turn out OK while others raise more questions. That is why being a cop is flush with situations of life and death in a matter of seconds where you don't get second chances.

Joshua Lopez was an honorable, decorated US NAVY Sailor. He was gunned down by officers. There is no doubt that police officers have a tough job, but this time they got it wrong. Where is the surveillance, where is the video of the dash camera? We live in a country where there is a legal system in place to prosecute criminals. There is a procedure to follow and instead this innocent man was denied that. As truth is revealed I pray those who can read something in the media and assume they know the story will have their eyes opened and not leap to judgment. This man was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I am certain that Josh fought for his life, not in combat, but as a result of over zealous police officers. They will try to build a case but they will fail. If they really were respectable officers they would tell the truth and possibly restore faith in law enforcement. Cops face tough decisions but if they live by the oath they took to protect and serve they would admit they screwed up this time. What a story headline that would make, instead of covering it up. Now that we have buried Josh I will not let this go without answers. How much coverage do you think this would get if these officers admitted what happened that evening, gave Josh's family some real closure & peace, and drew attention to the decisions officers face and how as a society we can work together for safer communities? What if these officers saved tax dollars & did the right thing?

And yes I can say innocent man, because he was never prosecuted in the court of law. Never convicted. Those who disagree with the judicial system policy of "innocent until proven guilty" need not comment.

Before people call the cops murders and dirty, they should read this.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/bs-md-co-police-involved-shooting-20120928,0,349197.story

I have read the article and to me just more questions come up. Most of which James C has already addressed. Further, it shocks me that people believe everything they read without question. Having electronic equipment in a vehicle for a young man is not unusual. Men tinker. Backpacks are not illegal. Having a flashlight in a car is smart. Having basic tools is smart. The article only mentions a screwdriver, not a crime. QUOTE Inside the vehicle he was driving, Batton said, investigators found "a significant amount of electronic equipment." Investigators "believed it was tied to other vehicles," she said. UNQUOTE. Buzz, and others still not convinced that this will have a different ending, even this article says "believed" as in UNPROVEN. I see more holes, and I know without a doubt that as long as truth is coming out, even if slowly, that we haven't heard the end of this. Look at the difference in the reports already. I know you want to side with the police officers, I suppose that would be a natural response. We are all tired of injustice of real criminals getting away with stealing and other crimes HOWEVER this is NOT one of those cases. I know for myself I drive a 2001 car, my son a 1993. We have jumper cables, tools, and all kinds of junk for the times the car has trouble starting or we are stranded. We even have slim jims in each others cars because we lock keys in by mistake. I carry a backpack daily, my son has a black duffle bag. continued....

Debbie in this investigation the people are already calling the cops murders and dirty?

I did not draw a conclusion I posted a news link for people to read.

From what I've read the cops shot and innocent for the hell of it. The article tells what they found in the bag, nothing more.

The people on this site have already called the cops murders and declared Josh innocent. I think the conclusions have already been drawn. What about the registration from one of the other cars and other electronic equipment? Where did that come from?

That is evidence and will be presented at the GJ hearing.

If he wasn't doing the wrong thing, maybe he would still be alive. I am so tired of relatives blaming the police for shooting one of their family members. If they were at home instead of commiting a crime, and fighting with the police..hey maybe they would still be here. Criminals and their families never want to take any responsibility for their actions, they only want to blame everyone else. The police officer had to protect himself and so unfortunately this was the outcome.

Why dont you call his parents and ask them about the vehicle registration, and tell the investigater that was suppost to be talking to the Lopez family to call them they will be able to answer those questions. I would answer them for you but its not my place. DebbieReighn i dont mean to over step you but these people are just pissing me off. I know your a friend of the family as well. We both want the same thing answer for why they shot Josh and closure for his family

Too many unknowns in this case are made public at this time. Three people know what happened that night and one of them is no longer with us to tell his side of events. Between the two investigations some type of truth will emerge. And friends, family and officers will have to deal with the outcome. I don’t know Josh and from what you say on this forum he was most likely a good kid but good kids sometime fall from goodness. As for the police officers they have a split second to decide to use lethal force to save themselves or someone else. Did these officers use the best judgment that night again that’s hard to say I wasn’t one of the three, neither were any of you. What would your opinion of Josh be if he did get a hold of the officer’s weapon and killed the officer, would he still be the good, nice, friendly Josh you all claim?

James C The reason I asked where you worked and what was your assignment is because you are providing tactical scenarios as what those officers should have done when in fact none of us were present when this occurred. And I am very surprised that you are basing your judgement on a press release! If you have ever INVESTIGATED a shooting or have been INVOLVED in a shooting you know that a Public Information Officer or a shift commander usually a Lieutenant depending on the size of the department, gives a PRESS RELEASE based on the INITIAL SUMMARY OF EVENTS. This includes: The Officers involved, the reason for them being at the location, the action taken at the scene and the number of persons killed or injured at the scene and possible evidence recovered. (pretty standard press release). Then after or during the press release they will do a WALK THROUGH. A walk through is when the District Attorney's shooting team (ADA prosecutors not Police Officers) along with The Internal Affairs Division and The Homicide Division from the Officers police department walk through the scene with the Officers and listen to them relate the events that transpired during the shooting. All the investigators that I mentioned will ask the Officers questions about the shooting and the events that led to the shooting. Everything is recorded and if they feel that something is not right they will investigate any misconduct or wrong doing. This is why we have Indepent prosecutors. Where did you work?

Joshua was loved and respected by all those who knew him. He is greatly missed. I pray that absolute truth be revealed. I pray for his family and friends to have peace and comfort. I pray for justice in this horrible situation.

James C I dont really know if you were an Officer or not but you sure dont go by what you preach! These are your own words: "So much for innocent until proven guilty right?" ...... I do believe in innocence until proven guilty but for both parties. If those Officers committed a crime then they will get what they deserve. But dont come in this forum and speak about how they failed to do this and do that without complete knowledge of the facts or without being present during the altercation. You sound like the same "ignorant" people that you are criticizing. If you indeed were and Officer then help your family and explain how the Justice System works and what are their options instead of coming in here and pointing out that one party is guilty. THIS IS WHY I EXPLAINED TO YOU WHAT A PRESS RELEASE IS and what it contains. Read your own words: "They fail to mention Joshua was in the military serving his country, and was planning to get married in a couple of months. Would that make the officers look bad?" I hope you understand what a press release is and what it contains now.

Santiago, scroll up and read my comments where I posted the Sun Story. It's all there.

James C, I cant have a battle of wits with an unarmed man. I do hope that this is solved and that Justice is served for both parties. By the way you never said where you worked as a former law enforcement officer.

So what's happening with this case right now?

Investigations take time to come to a final conclusion. Sadly all those involved continue to be affected. The neighborhood is understandably jumpy with all the venom spewed towards them FOR looking out for one another from strangers breaking into their property. They're saddened to know a young man died making a series of poor choices and that his family and friends are heartbroken. One neighbor came home from work to find several small American flags near where Josh died. They were left alone out of respect and then by morning someone else had come and removed them...again even this made it sadder. Another neighbor there has family in the Navy and the police departments but they especially understand loss and the need to fully evaluate all the evidence surrounding the events before people were forced to call 911 in the first place.

Jay, I would error on the side of caution. Many times small inconsequential observations can be crucial. It's best to call just to make sure on either side. Leave no stone unturned.

The public is not trained to make those kinds of decisions. All evidence is important.

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