Trial of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Accused of Murder

On Wednesday, the trial against U.S. Border Patrol Agent Nicholas Corbett for shooting and killing Javier Dominguez-Rivera began. Attorneys for Corbett are claiming self-defense in the January 12, 2007 incident, saying that Dominguez- Rivera was threatening to crush the agents head with rock (rock vs. gun. Hmmm). The prosecution says that the 22 year old victim was surrendering and attacked from behind.

With one hand on the wheel, and the other holding a gun towards them, Corbett swerved his vehicle directly in front of them, frightening Javi and his companions. In a matter of moments Corbett jumped out of his car, gun in hand, and shot Javi at very close range. As he recounted what the eye-witnesses would say, the two brothers and the young woman were on their knees with their hands up or on the side, and Javi was going down towards the ground when Corbett hit him on the back of the neck and then shot him in the chest, downward, left to right, slightly back to front. Javi died almost immediately.

This case is a true test if the justice system in the U.S. really defends the rights of all.

Source : Latino Politico, Coalicion de Derechos Humanos