01/17/04  The Murder of Jose Lopez

Jorge Torres has done a fantastic job of outlining the main cause of juvenile crime in our area (Northwest Dallas), the lack of parental control or even caring. The other major cause is the juvenile justice system, and the police themselves.

I was on the scene after Jose Lopez was stabbed. I saw the look of shock and horror on the faces of all the students. Television news crews were falling over themselves to interview the young witnesses as the three helicopters circled overhead for a live shot.

The next day the suspect's father was observed on the news as being very upset his son would not be released to come home after his arrest. After all, his son had only allegedly murdered a thirteen year old.

I think you can start to get an idea as to why the young man is a problem to our neighborhood.

Until young juveniles are dealt with severely for minor crimes it should be no surprise that they commit major offenses.  I know from experience with local gang members that the police have very little interest in going after juveniles who have committed crimes such as burglary and theft.

The probation officers for those juveniles who have been caught and convicted in court juggle about two hundred cases each.  Putting aside a terrific work load, some probation officers act more like friends than as an enforcer who will make the kid walk the straight and narrow.

I have been told by several juvenile prosecutors that young offenders rarely get punished for a first or even second offense. They are normally turned over to their parents.  When these first and second offenses occur is the time to impress upon the young offenders that such behavior will not be tolerated.  Until such changes are implemented, we
should expect the status quo.

Additionally, I was talking with a local Bachman area business owner Friday.  He is having trouble with teenagers vandalizing his building. The police did catch the kids in one instance.  Unfortunately the police just gave them a warning and let them go.  Didn't even write down their names, and didn't call their parents.  No repercussions for these kids only teaches them they can continue vandalizing.

One last item.  Gang graffiti now adorns a new stucco wall along Midway at Brookview just a few blocks south of Northwest Highway.  Perhaps as gang members push their territory into the prestigious Preston Hollow area, those affluent homeowners will use their clout to help push for changes in the system, and changes in the attitude of our police force.

I challenge our local TV press to put some time into investigating the problems with the juvenile crime problem in Dallas, and what common sense solutions should be put into affect.

My deepest sympathy to the Lopez family for the loss of their son.

Gary Turner