In Aftermath of Police Killing of Navajo Woman, Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission meets with the City of Winslow
Loreal Tsingine with her daugther, Tiffany.
Published August 16, 2016
ST. MICHAEL’S, NAVAJO NATION— In the aftermath of the brutal killing of Loreal Tsingine, a 27-year-old Navajo mother, on Easter Sunday by Winslow Police Officer Austin Shipley, the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission met with officials of Winslow, Arizona.
Winslow is a border town where many Navajo Nation citizens reside.
On April 13, 2016, the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission (“Commission”) had a meeting with Winslow’s Stephen J. Pauken, City Manager, Ellen Van Riper, City Attorney, Stephen Garnett, Chief of Police, and Lt. Kenneth Arend, Patrol Commander. At the meeting, the Commission followed up on a Monday, April 4th letter sent to the City of Winslow requesting the following information:
- In police unit camera policy
- Lapel (on the body) camera policy
- Public complaint(s) against police officers within the past 4 years
- Public complaint policy
- Firearm discharged policy
- Drug testing policy for police officers
- Police training record for the past 4 years
- Dispatch policy
Three year police officer Austin Shipely has horrible employment record
Of the eight requests, six of policies were provided to the Commission and the two remaining requests would take time to compile by the City of Winslow. The Commission staff is now reviewing the provided information with the understanding the additional information will be provided when compiled.
At the meeting, the Commission learned right after the fatal shooting of Loreal Tsinginge, Chief Garnett made the decision to contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division (“DPS”) to investigate the incident. It took four hours for DPS to arrive on scene from Phoenix, Arizona.
The Commission learned it would take 60-days for DPS to finish their investigation into the fatal shooting of Tsinginge and once the investigation is completed, the investigation’s report and findings will be given to Navajo County Attorney’s Office for them determine if criminal charges will be filed against Police Officer Austin Shipley.
All the evidences gathered by DPS from the March 27th incident will not be released to the general public until after Navajo County Attorney’s Office makes the determination on if criminal charge is warranted.
Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission, Leonard Gorman indicated to Chief Garnett the Commission is seeking the assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division (“USDOJ”) to examine the practice of law enforcement with the Winslow Police Department.
Gorman further added, “I am confident the City of Winslow realizes the seriousness of this unfortunate incident. It would be in their best interest to accept the wishes of the Navajo stakeholders in the community.”
“In the interest of cooperation and transparency, the City of Winslow welcomes a thorough review of this tragic event and our Police Department just as soon as the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Navajo County Attorney complete their investigation and review,” Winslow City Manager Stephen J. Pauken said,
Earlier in the day, the Commission also met with Navajo community members. Over 30 people attended the meeting, where 6 recommendations were made and conveyed to the City of Winslow. Three highly important principles conveyed were: 1) an independent investigation is strongly recommended with the USDOJ serving as the investigating party; 2) community and police collaboration must commence immediately to re-establish and restore the trust and confidence between law enforcement officers and the people; and 3) an independent or private investigation be conducted immediately and have the results shared with the Navajo Nation, USDOJ, and City of Winslow.
If you have any questions regarding the meeting you can contact the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission at (928) 871-7436.
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ENOUGH OF THESE POLICE OFFICERS WHO BRUTALLY ABUSE AND EVEN KILL THE INNOCENT
I agree Adrian A Robinson Jr.
Why do these police officers kill? Is their no other way to stop or detain some body. These extreme acts of violence is uncalled for. Im sure their were several other ways to have detained or halted Loreal Tsinginge that would not have resulted in her loosing her life. For God sakes whats wrong with law enforcement is their no proper training to do every thing in their power to avoid using leathal force. I realize their are some dangers out their that law enforcement must use what ever means neccessary because the threat to their own lives or the publics is on the line. But did the 27yr old beautiful woman pose such a threat? I doubt it. Its so sad. This happens way too often. Once is to much. Now whats going to take place? Let this be the last person to die uncessarily at the hands of law enforcement. No more deaths.
I find it shocking that the Navajo nation and others in the public have tried and convicted this officer, who may be guilty of a crime But , I wonder how many apologies the city and its police will receive if the body cam shows that she did threaten him with something. People let the DPS do its job. Then the issue can be discussed.
What a dedicated group of caring professional personnel can accomplish with all who have shared their concerns under Native Online News’ comments. We are still able to work together to eliminate dangerous events perpetrated by dangerous individuals at will. It is no wonder the Ten Commandments focus on “loving they neighbor as thyself”. What a joyful and assuring commandment.
We will see what we will see? Or- we will see what they let us see? A civilian review board is the ONLY answer to the ongoing, unchecked violence committed by those who misuse authority by wielding violence, even to the point of unjustified homicide against 1st Americans, which has been going on since the so-called ‘Discovery of America’ by that genocidal maniac, Christopher Columbus.
Cks finds it shocking that the Navajo Nation & others have Tried & Convicted this “officer”, who MAY be guilty of a crime? 1st of all, NO ONE has tried & convicted this officer: The Navajo Nation & others don’t have that power: the power to Try & Convict, is given to the Courts. Comments are just that: COMMENTS. 2nd of all, Cks, I find it shocking that you find the comments ‘shocking’, but you DON’T find the unnecessary death of Loreal Tsingine shocking. You don’t even mention her NAME, so I assume it’s not even important to you. And, the officer’s name is Shipley, another name that will not be forgotten. Just like other apologists for Shipley, you don’t want the matter discussed; you want people to shut up, and mind their own business, right? Well guess what, cks, IT IS the peoples’ business, because they are a community, and yes, a NATION, and what happens to one of them, happens to all of them. AND- don’t count on any apologies when & if Shipley is not Tried & Convicted; he had a baton, department issue, AND he had a taser. He used it on other questionable occasions. Why not this time? And why 5 shots, even IF she came at him, which all eye witness accounts contradict? So, NO, people will NOT be silent, not anymore.
Right On Richard Smith/ Adrian Robinson Jr. “How many apologies have we heard for the thousands of infants, children, mothers, grandmothers, and men young and old; who were killed by the so right government?” But CK comes to the defense of the one whom abused his authority. CK…You believe this one ALLEGED case of beer under twenty dollars is worth this mother’s life? That is lack of training or negligence of learning proper take down procedure…At least the Officer gets to see his family, and face consequences! I am sorry Loreal Tsingine, I support your JUSTICE….