Letter to the Editor

Questions about shooting

I am Andrew McLendons' mother-in-law.

"The shots entered McLendon's body at a DOWNWARD ANGLE on his FRONT SIDE." Front side...I think we deserve a little bit more detail than this. DOWNWARD ANGLE...now I'm really confused. It is your job and responsibility to investigate, inform, and question even if it is out of the norm to do so. How do you shoot someone at a DOWNWARD ANGLE if they are coming at you? Was he standing up flailing his arms? Was it in a threatening manner? Was the officer standing on something which raised his level above Andy's.

And what factors determine the location of a person's "front" side? Which side?

Almost every person that read your article is asking those same questions.

Isn't it your duty to inform and investigate? I am by no means implying that anyone has told untruths or that this is some sort of cover up. I just want a few more details so I can set my mind at ease, and if the officers' statements are true, I can ask God to forgive me for thinking someone in law enforcement wasn't completely honest. That fact is no longer far fetched in these days and times.

From someone who knew and loved Andy.

Mary Jane Palermo, Cape Girardeau