Re “Ex-San Diego sheriff’s deputy sentenced to 12 years for shooting fleeing man in back outside jail” (May 29): Some may think former Deputy Aaron Russell was punished too harshly for fatally shooting an escaped suspect outside the county jail. But a jury convicted Russell on the evidence, and a judge gave him the mandatory minimum sentence on the firearm charge.
San Diegans are still waiting for justice in two similar cases. Konoa Wilson, age 16, was shot and killed by a San Diego police officer in January 2025. Arabella McCormack, age 11, died from malnutrition in August 2022 partly because of the negligence of a police officer and a fire department volunteer.
Our City Council approved settlements totaling $40 million in those cases.
Three council members strongly criticized the lack of accountability for those employees’ actions.
The mayor’s office promised public discussion and updates.
But no hearings have been scheduled.
The status of any investigations is unknown.
And no one has been held to account.
— Paul Krueger, Talmadge