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.
Whitmer, Gary
Badge# 3T71
Eureka Government Blatantly Supports KILLER Cops: Johnson, Harpham, Winkle, Laird, Whitmer
Submitted by copwatch on Sat, 10/29/2011 - 10:50amSWAT kills: Beware returning officers, Mike Johnson and Rocky Harpham
On April 14, 2006, Mike Johnson and Rocky Harpham, working for the Eureka Police Department SWAT, shot Cheri Moore EIGHT times, killing her. Both officers left the area- Rocky Harpham to Texas. Soon after, former Humboldt County Risk Managment agent, Kim Kerr, left Humboldt for employment in Ione, CA. She promptly brought Johnson and Harpham there to be officers in Ione. The people of Ione were unaware of these cops' past, but learned quickly of their violent ways through experience. In Ione, Johnson became Chief and Harpham became Seargent.
Redwood Curtain CopWatch has received calls from several people regarding Johnson and Harpham's really abusive behavior in Ione. (One call over 2 years ago said "They are acting like Nazi's on our streets') And NOW THEY ARE COMING BACK HERE!!
Martin Cotton Civil Trial Press Conference, Sept. 21 (with VIDEO)
Submitted by copwatch on Thu, 09/22/2011 - 9:00pmVICTORY 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.
CIVIL RIGHTS TRIAL ABOUT FATAL EUREKA POLICE BEATING OF MARTIN COTTON CONCLUDING THIS WEEK
Submitted by copwatch on Tue, 09/20/2011 - 11:54amFor Immediate Release Sept. 20, 2011
Short Update (9/14/11) from Martin Cotton Trial in Oakland: Eureka Cops Beat Him To Death
Submitted by copwatch on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 10:50pmClosing Arguments on Thursday, Sept 22nd!
Currently, the civil rights trial about the August 9, 2007 police murder of Martin Frederick Cotton II is in its last few days. The Eureka Police beat Martin Cotton brutally- in fact- beat him to death in broad daylight, in front of the Eureka Rescue Mission and many (other) houseless people. The civil trial, brought by Martin Cotton's father, Marty Cotton, and Martin's young daughter, Siehna Cotton.
Support for the Cottons has been wonderful from the Oscar Grant Committee, Redwood Curtain CopWatch, and Transport Workers Solidarity Committee.
On Wednesday (9/14) and Monday (9/12), two Eureka cops have been testifying, Justin Winkle and Adam Laird.. Thursday, EPD Officer Gary Whitmer.
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!"
CURRENT! Civil Rights Trial in Oakland about Fatal Police Beating of Martin Cotton II
Submitted by copwatch on Mon, 07/04/2011 - 12:37amTRIAL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 12, 2011 at 8:30am
[RALLY at 7:30am on 12th, first day of trial]
Trial Wed (9/14), Thurs (9/15), Friday (9/16), Wed (9/21), Thurs (9/22)
8:30am- 2:30pm
Must have U.S. ID or Passport to go in
READ UPDATES: 1 2 Hear Interview 9/16 4
Cotton Day is Monday Aug. 9, 2010 - watch VIDEO now!
This is an Invite and Call To Action!
The Death of Martin Frederick Cotton II
THE DEATH OF MARTIN FREDERICK COTTON II
UPDATE (Spring 08) FROM REDWOOD CURTAIN COPWATCH
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.
Homeless Man Killed by Car Driver; Car Driver Let Go
Pedestrian killed in Eureka
The Times-Standard
Posted: 04/16/2009 12:27:12 PM PDT
A Eureka man died Wednesday night after being struck by a car near the intersection of Fifth and M streets.
Omar Ben-Ieasu, 38, was struck just before 8:30 p.m., Eureka police said.
According to Humboldt County Deputy Coroner Roy Horton, the victim died of head injuries.
Gary Whitmer is one EPD cop who BEAT MARTIN COTTON TO DEATH, Aug 9, 2007
Submitted by copwatch on Sun, 04/05/2009 - 3:22pmOfficer Whitmer beat Martin Frederick Cotton II with a baton while Martin was face-down on the concrete, his hands under his body.
Gabriel Cuevas-Maldonado Was Killed by EPD Officer Gary Whitmer
Submitted by copwatch on Tue, 08/03/2010 - 12:04amGabriel Cuevas-Maldonado was shot with assault rifle by EPD officer Gary Whitmer on September 15, 2005. Mr. Maldonado was in a house when he was killed by Officer Whitmer and spoke no English.
The media and officials kept it quiet so people would not get upset. They criminalized Mr. Muldenado in the brief newspaper mention. This death was the first in a 2 and a half year killing spree by the Eureka police Deparment.
