Redwood Curtain CopWatch, based in the north coast of California, is part of a larger movement of self organized CopWatch groups throughout the US. Our local efforts seek to intervene in the drastic rise of the presence, militarization, and violence of the police, and build support networks based on self-determination, caring, and concrete needs.
Vicki Sarmiento
Over $4.5 Million Awarded By Jury in Wrongful Death Case Against Eureka Police
Submitted by copwatch on Mon, 09/26/2011 - 8:23pmFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 26, 2011
Eureka Officers Viciously Beat Martin and Left Him to Die in Jail Cell
Eureka, CA: A jury delivered a resounding victory for plaintiffs in a police misconduct civil rights case by awarding the total sum of $4,575,000 against the City of Eureka and Eureka police officers Adam Laird, Justin Winkle, and Gary Whitmer for the death of Martin Cotton II. Punitive damages were assessed against the three officers. Mr. Cotton, a 26 year-old man living on the streets died of blunt force head trauma. The plaintiffs, represented by attorneys Dale K. Galipo and Vicki I. Sarmiento of Los Angeles County, were Mr. Cotton's 5 year-old daughter and his father. The jury found that Officers Laird and Winkle used excessive force, and that all three officers failed to provide medical care.
VICTORY AGAINST POLICE TERROR IN EUREKA
Submitted by copwatch on Sat, 09/24/2011 - 6:24pmMartin Cotton Family Awarded Over $4.5 Million in Trial Against Eureka Police (VIDEO included)
This link will also bring you to the video-taped interview from after the verdict. Video is also below.
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/09/23/18691150.php
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/09/23/18691150.php
Greetings,
The resounding jury decision could not have happened without the years of dedication by Redwood Curtain CopWatch; the courage, strength, and graciousness of Marty Cotton Sr.; the critical solidarity and organizing of the Oscar Grant Committee; the generosity of a few righteous Oakland attorneys; the networking and sharing of resources by Berkeley CopWatch; the bravery of the civilian witnesses to tell the truth; and the sharp, brilliant, hard work from the Cottons' attorneys, Vicki I. Sarmiento and Dale K. Galipo.
Martin Cotton Trial Radio Interviews Sept. 21, 23rd, 25th
Submitted by copwatch on Fri, 09/23/2011 - 11:09pmKPFA
94.1 KPFA.org
The Morning Mix with JR - September 21, 2011 at 8:00am
Martin Cotton Trial Interview begins at 39:23 minutes
Martin Cotton Trial Interview begins at 39:23 minutes
September 13, Update on Civil Trial About Fatal Police Beating of Martin Cotton
Submitted by copwatch on Tue, 09/13/2011 - 2:12pmMEDIA UPDATE & CLARIFICATION*: September 13, 2011
Jury Seated and First Testimony Heard in Civil Trial About Fatal Police Beating of Martin Cotton
Oakland, CA: On the morning of September 12, 2011 in U.S. District Court, Northern District in Oakland, CA, a seven person jury was sworn in to hear the civil trial brought by the family of Martin Frederick Cotton II, who was killed by a fatal police beating in Eureka, California four years ago. Supporters and members of Redwood Curtain CopWatch and the Oscar Grant Committee Against Police Brutality rallied outside the courthouse early in the morning, spreading the word about the trial about to occur, speaking out against state brutality, and holding signs "Cops Beat Martin To Death. Justice For Martin Cotton!"
UPDATE: Trial For Police and Sheriff's Murder of Martin Cotton II Scheduled for Sept 12, 2011
Submitted by copwatch on Sun, 02/27/2011 - 9:02pmPlease begin or continue to
*organize in the Bay area for the trial,
*send donations so Humboldt residents can attend the trial in Oakland,
*invite CopWatch to do a presentation regarding Martin's death,
*and fight police brutality in your region!
Contact us at (707) 633-4493 or
through email at copwatchrwc@riseup.net
ORGANIZING & CONNECTING Around Upcoming Civil Trial in Oakland: Cotton v. Eureka Police and Humboldt Sheriff's
Submitted by copwatch on Sun, 03/13/2011 - 12:20pmThe federal civil trial regarding the deadly beating by police of Eureka homeless resident, Martin Cotton, was postponed (We learned mid-December) . The new date was set for September 12th.
Now there is more time to organize.
We have been getting together with groups and individuals in the Bay area to spread the word about Martin Cotton and the trial. Also, we've been connecting to strategize and talk about how our communities are struggling against police violence. And how we can strengthen our efforts. So far, while the situations we are dealing with are so intense, our encounters in the Bay area have been enriching experiences!
Martin and his daughter Siehna
Martin Cotton II was Beat To Death by Cops: Be Present at the Civil Trial Against the Killers: Trial Begins SEPTEMBER 12, 2011
On August 9, 2007, Martin Frederick Cotton II was brutally beat to death- and then refused medical treatment -by Eureka Police and Humboldt County Sheriff "Correctional Officers" (in the jail).
Since September of 2008, there has been a federal civil rights lawsuit brought on behalf of Siehna Cotton (Martin's baby daughter) and by his father, Marty Cotton.
