Hostage Killed By Police Officers In Stockton, CA
On July 16, 2014, 41-year old Misty Holt-Singh left her 12-year old daughter in the car while she made a quick transaction at a branch of Bank of the West. She had no idea what was about to happen. Three suspects entered the bank with guns drawn. They tied up a security guard and took an undisclosed amount of cash from the vault. Then, they grabbed two bank employees and Misty, fleeing in a Ford Expedition that was owned by a bank employee.
Police from the Stockton Police Department, responded to the robbery and for the next hour, pursued the Ford Expedition.
The three suspects, Alex Gregory Martinez, 27; Gilbert Renteria Jr., 30; and Jaime Ramos,19; were pursued by officers of the Stockton Police Department, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol. The three hostages were with them. In the shoot-out that occurred, one hostage was wounded. The wounded hostage and another were tossed out of the vehicle.
Two of the suspects, Martinez and Renteria, were killed. However, it is said that Ramos used Misty as a human shield.
According to preliminary ballistics report, Misty was shot at least 10 times by the police. Ramos has been charged with 3 counts of murder, (his 2 co-robbers and Misty); 22 counts of attempted murder of police officers; car theft; robbery and kidnapping.
Defending the actions of the officers, Stockton police Chief Eric Jones said at a news conference that Misty’s wounds “show the cowardice” of Ramos. He stated that the suspects fired on the officers first with a semiautomatic rifle, and that they had no choice but to return fire.
Chief Jones provided no details about the exact location of Misty’s wounds but did confirm that Misty was killed by bullets shot by officers. Thirty-three officers fired their weapons. At least 20 of them have been placed on administrative leave.
Hundreds of bullet holes were found in various places, including police vehicles, citizens’ cars, homes and businesses along the route through Stockton and neighboring communities.
Attorney Gregory Bentley is representing Misty’s family. He stated that the manner in which Misty’s life was taken raises serious questions and concerns. “The family is hopeful, however, that the promised information, policies and procedures concerning the events of July 16 will be provided so that a fair, complete, and transparent investigation can take place.”
Call me jaded, but it appears that Police Chief Eric Jones has already decided that the officers were justified.
On September 27th, Misty’s family and friends gathered to celebrate her life, with more than 100 golfers teeing off to raise money for her family. Misty’s son, Paul Jr., is helping his sister cope with the shock. She waited in the car outside the bank the entire time.
“You know they say it gets easier with time, but it is not it doesn’t. My heart is broken. I am empty. I am trying to be strong for the kids and the family, but I have my moments. I have my moments,” said Paul Singh, Misty’s husband.
Our condolences to the Singh family. Justice for Misty.
Helicopter video for when police opened fire:
Chief Jones speaks:
Ramos arraigned:
Posted on 10/22/2014, in Cases, Cops Gone Wild, Misty Holt-Singh and tagged Alex Gregory Martinez, bank, Chief Eric Jones, Gilbert Renteria Jr, Gregory Bentley, hostage, Jaime Ramos, Misty Holt-Singh, Stockton. Bookmark the permalink. 22 Comments.
Reblogged this on MrMilitantNegro™.
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Hey Jueseppi! As always, thanks for the reblog. Misty deserves it.
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This is so very heartbreaking. I can’t begin to imagine how terrifying it must have been for Misty during that one hour police chase with the suspects firing their guns during it. Such a horror. And, then for it to be the ten police bullets at the end of the chase that killed her.
I mourn for her family and all that they are going through. I send my condolences the her family and am praying now for them.
May you rest in peace, Misty.
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“Audio sheds light on Deadly Bank Robbery Pursuit”
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From 6 days ago:
“Attorney for Singh family: Officers used unreasonable force”
(w/ news video)
http://www.kcra.com/news/local-news/news-stockton/husband-of-slain-bank-hostage-to-discuss-case-in-stockton/29161390
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Yahtzeebutterfly,
I still don’t think that the family has gotten any answers although it’s been over 3 months.
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Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
I have no words!!
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Hey Horty! Thanks for the reblog. I know — it took me several hours to actually write about what happened to Misty because the pain and sorrow I felt was so strong.
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Always, my dear friend!! I can understand … this world is worse than topsy turvy!! This pain and sorrow is shared!!! ❤ ….
On another note, if you can go back to a recent "To start the day" post … about the butterflies. There was something that I forgot to write at the beginning … and you had already seen it.
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Here’s the link .. that way you don’t have to hunt for it!! Hugs ..
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Horty,
Bless your heart. Thanks for the dedication. I commented on your blog. (Hugs)
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Got it!! Thanks, sweets …. be well! ❤ …
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600 bullets are reported to have been fired in to the vehicle… 600 bullets, knowing a hostage was in the vehicle.. A helicopter was in the air, why engage in a high speed chase at all.. This has been a discussion on my FB today, and you would not believe the comments of those who justify the actions of the police.. As if the loss of human life was worth ‘catching’ those who had robbed a bank..
We had a case here a few years ago where a police officer instigated a high speed chase when he tried to stop a man who’s window tint was too dark. The officer hit the car of a citizen in his 80’s, killing him, during the pursuit..
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Mindyme,
Those justifying the cops’ actions should ask themselves, why would 30 plus officers on the ground, wearing bullet proof vests, so afraid of getting shot that they thought Misty’s life was worth sacrificing for their own? She is the one they were to serve and protect.
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And they knew they had… 600 rounds
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#362. Misty Holt-Singh 41 CA July 16. 2014 White
http://whatzenalotionbar.wordpress.com/police-assassinations/?preview=true&preview_id=2238&preview_nonce=67e055140f
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lady2soothe,
Sadly, the list continues to grow. (sigh) Thanks for giving us a place to remind us that these were real people with families and friends who love them.
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I have visited your blog many times lady2soothe, and I am always overcome by your dedication to acknowledge every soul removed (unjustly) from their family and friends.
And now, yet another innocent soul will be added to the list.
Thank you for keeping their memories, and our demands for justice alive.
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Thank you for always having the *kindess* things to say. We all missed your beautiful words when you left HP. Thank you for the following and I truly appreciate your support.
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How tragic! It’s horrifying to think such a thing could happen to innocent bystanders… sincere condolences to the family.
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