Tonight there are two heavy homicides to report and both have left 26 year old men dead. First, a man was killed at the Hattieville Prison this afternoon, and it's an inmate who pulled the trigger. Also, late last night, a police sergeant killed a San Pedro resident and eyewitnesses say he used excessive force. We'll have both those stories and we begin with the stunning murder inside the prison walls.
Around 3:00, prison authorities received reports that there had been a shooting in the medium max area. They have confirmed that the prisoners of the medium max block were on recreation break in the yard, and were being regrouped for lockdown. But while on the stairs, someone shot 26 year old Gilroy Wade in the head. The gun had a home- made silencer and there was only a popping sound. The prisoners scattered and by the time wardens got there, all they found was wade dead on the stairway. The gun, a 38 revolver was recovered later. It had been tossed behind the cellblock and was still carrying the silencer. Gilroy Wade was sentenced to death for murder and, late this evening, his family was begging for answers. Keith Swift spoke to his mother Avis Williams.
Avis Williams, Mother of Deceased
"I have no idea. Only rumors we started to hear because I got home about 3:30 and by that time my son was already dead. I didn't get a call from the prison, I didn't get a visit from the prison - nothing. Up to now it is six o'clock and I haven't heard nothing from the prison. I went there to get my son's things and they told us we can't get in, the boss can't see us right now. That is all I know. I don't know anything else.
All I heard is that a high powered man from the tower shot him and he got shot in the back of his head. I know if they would shoot you, it would be because you are escaping. Everybody says my son wasn't doing anything. As to what I get to understand, someone has a hit out on him, some Hyde from back there and you can say that too, I don't even care."
Keith Swift,
Why would someone want to hurt your son?
Avis Williams,
"I don't know. This is something which is going on from a long time; about two or three months back. They said they would kill him."
Keith Swift,
So you expected this?
Avis Williams,
"I don't even know. It is something which was happening. I don't know exactly what happened because I haven't gotten an understanding. Like I said, no one from prison has told me anything up to now."
Keith Swift,
Did you see your son's body?
Avis Williams,
"I saw him."
Keith Swift,
Where was the bullet wound?
Avis Williams,
"One shot back here behind the ears." [Points to back of left ear]
Keith Swift,
What do you want?
Avis Williams,
"I want the truth as to what happened..."
It's of note that prison authorities say they had intelligence that a firearm was in the prison and searched for it but could not come up with it. Police and prison authorities say they have suspects, but no one has been arrested yet as police are at the prison investigating.
