FBI to Review Texas 'Rain of Death' Shooting; DPS Chase Stats Appalling

"The Texas DPS chief on Friday asked federal agents to review the deaths of two Guatemalan immigrants, killed last week when a state trooper opened fire on a smuggling vehicle near La Joya.  The Texas Rangers will hand over their investigation to federal agents upon completion, according to Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw.  McCraw said he asked the FBI and Justice Department to conduct an independent investigation into the Oct. 25 shooting by a trooper in a helicopter. ... [Texas State Legislator] Sid Miller, R-Stephenville, said Friday he had spoken to McCraw and saw no need for a policy review.  “I can't find anyplace or anywhere protocol wasn't followed,” Miller told the Associated Press on Friday.  “Looks like everything was done according to DPS policy.  It's unfortunate some people died, but I guess the lesson is: Don't be running from the law." - Lynn Brezosky and Jason Buch, San Antonio Express-News, Nov. 3, 2012.

"In 2010, an Express-News analysis of DPS data found DPS troopers regularly engage in aggressive pursuit tactics prohibited by most law enforcement agencies, including firing guns at fleeing vehicles.  Over a five-year period, the data revealed DPS chases resulted in 1,300 wrecks, 780 injuries to troopers, other law enforcement officers, suspects and bystanders, 28 deaths and an estimated $8.4 million in property damage.  The chases were concentrated along the Texas-Mexico border, where drug and human smugglers try to evade arrest." - San Antonio Express-News Editorial Board, Oct. 31, 2012.