Mindwatch: Old Man Put Down

Monday, September 16, 2013

Old Man Put Down

Monroe Isadore was killed nine days ago (link) in his home.

He was 107 years old, shot multiple times by a SWAT assault unit.

Local police and the regional SWAT team believed Isadore was a threat. They reported he had a pistol, and that he'd shot at them.

Now with hundreds of worldwide reports of the killing, and much criticism, no information or details have been released about recovery of a weapon. Did Grandpa Isadore have a gun?

At his funeral, Isadore was compared to a mighty oak which suddenly disappeared, but left behind many acorns - he's survived by 10 children, 27 grandchildren and 66 great-grandchildren.

Now an Arkansas judge has sealed all police records, and forbidden any further release of information to the public.

But among documents still online - including copies of three local police reports, we can find troubling details. In the hours after the shooting, over thirty people were recorded to have entered Isadore's home. One local commentator termed it "contamination" of the crime scene and "a sighseeing tour"