In March of 2005, after an extended public controversy, police constable Aldo Ayuso was charged for gunning down Leslie Rogers Jr. in February of 2004. But today the ex-cop walked free from those charges. This morning in Magistrate's Court, the prosecution presented a letter from the DPP to the Chief Magistrate explaining that he is withdrawing the charge because there is insufficient evidence. The DPP, the police, and the Ombudsman had earlier absolved Ayuso of any blame. But Ayuso was nevertheless charged last year after a coroner's inquest ruled that he was responsible for Rogers' death. This morning Ayuso told us that today's development is a relief.
Aldo Ayuso, Charges Withdrawn
"Well it is a relief. For my behalf, I have been through a lot of stress on something I know deep down was justified. I was working, this young pulled a gun at me, pointed it at me, I reacted, not as a police, as a human being.
I believe any person, that if they point a gun at any sane person who has a firearm, they will defend themselves."
Keith Swift
So you don't think you did anything wrong that night?
Aldo Ayuso,
"No, nothing; nothing that I did. I could not have prevented it. It was just a matter of seconds, me protecting my life, otherwise it would have been me on the street."
Keith Swift,
Aldo are you looking to return to the Police Department? Do you want to return?
Aldo Ayuso,
"Yes I really do love police work and I believe I will. However for now, I just need some time for myself to recuperate and just sort of put everything behind me."
Keith Swift,
Anything to say to the family of Leslie Rogers?
Aldo Ayuso,
"Well of course I am very sorry for what happened and there is nothing I could be proud of or be happy about, saying that I took his life. However I must state clearly, with no other feeling, that there was nothing else I could have done. He pulled a gun, I reacted. Everything just happened spontaneously and I am sorry for the loss of a life but I was protecting my own."
Ayuso was fired from the Police Department but he is appealing that decision. Leslie Rogers' father told us this morning quote, "there is no justice in the system."
