OK, we didn't post the story yesterday.... because Bunny and I do have lives, ya know! We also have jobs! Get off me! But there's definitely enough at the top of Chris Joyner/CL's Friday report to give you a taste for more:
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith said he is pressing forward with his investigation into the 1995 shooting death of Jackson police officer Robert Washington although Jackson Mayor Frank Melton has called for a full federal probe.
"I'm going to let the DEA and the FBI get to the bottom of this," Melton said.
In a statement given to Smith and police investigators last month, accused killer Stephan Hickman, 28, said he saw Sharrod Ray Moore, 30, shoot Washington. He said Melton had talked to Moore earlier in the day and encouraged Moore to show he was loyal to him, not Washington.
Hickman also alleged Melton used his influence and money to control the destinies of local drug dealers, setting some up in power while setting others up to be killed. Melton denies knowing Hickman or Moore, both of whom have long criminal histories.
"I don't know either of these guys, but it's safe to say they didn't go to Harvard," he said. "Somebody is behind this and I've got to find out who."
But former Jackson Police Chief Robert Johnson said investigators at the time of Washington's death were aware Melton and Moore knew each other. Johnson said Moore immediately became a prime suspect in Washington's shooting death, but Melton was never a target of the investigation.
OK, it's speculation time.... Melton may welcome Hickman's court testimony because it appears to be very easy to discredit -- discrediting the biggest street rap against him (so says the 'hood) in court would conceivably assist any re-election bid.
But why so quick to call for the Feds? They'll come whether you invite them or not, thanks.... in fact, they're already here, and snooping.
Melton calls for federal probe | clarionledger.com | The Clarion-Ledger
