Guest columnists Tom Wetzel and Denise DeBiase are certified law enforcement executives with close to 60 years of combined police experience.
On May 22, 2019, our Richmond Heights community suffered the loss of a beautiful young woman named Maiya Latimer, who was killed by her husband. After a thorough and dogged investigation by our police officers and detectives, aggravated murder charges were brought against the perpetrator approximately 50 hours later.
On Oct. 6 of this year, he was found guilty of murder after a trial. This effort brought a small measure of justice for Maiya and her family.
Maiya Latimer (Photo Courtesy of Richmond Heights Police Department)
What is often missed by many is just how much work actually goes into an investigation of a serious violent crime such as the Maiya Latimer case. We can tell you that what you see on television shows like “Law and Order” (with a case that goes from a crime scene to investigation and a trial all in about 45 minutes) doesn’t happen in real life.
While it is fascinating for the general public to watch a conviction based on what appears to be simple evidence, it takes an incredible amount of teamwork among patrol officers, detectives and, sometimes, federal, state and county law enforcement personnel to put someone behind bars.
Patrol officers are the first to respond to the crime scene. They then call out detectives to assist with the investigation. The first few days of a crime like homicide are the most important. The detectives assigned to the case then have to start at square one by backtracking what the victim and/or suspect did.
Most of that is by identifying good witnesses who were on scene. However, the witness identified in public could potentially face scorn by neighbors for assisting the police in their investigation. They may even be hostile at times, since they do not wish to betray that family member or friend.
What is important to know is that by not cooperating with the police, the public could be placed at serious risk. There could be more victims of violence -- maybe you or your neighbor.
If witnesses do not cooperate or evidence is destroyed, the case could be lost at trial. That is why it is so important for people to come forward and do the right thing if they observe a crime.
After a suspect is charged and the case goes to court, it is up to the judge or jury to determine the fate of the accused. Trials can take weeks, depending upon what is presented. If a defendant is found not guilty, they can never be tried again for the same crime. If a defendant is found guilty, they will be sentenced, and the hope is that the violent offender is not released too soon, as it could result in repeated violence with more victims.
At times, an offender is set free despite a solid investigation. This result leads to frustration and disappointment to the victims and their families, as well as the officers and investigators who worked so hard on the case.
Criminal investigations require a large degree of elbow grease, professionalism, an appreciation for the rule of law and a deep commitment to justice by the police.
But like all matters of criminal justice, police cannot do it alone. We rely on our “customers” to help us get the job done. And it is all worth it if we can all help to bring some solace to families like the Latimers, who suffered so much.
Readers are invited to submit Opinion page essays on topics of regional or general interest. Send your 500-word essay for consideration to Ann Norman at anorman@cleveland.com. Essays must include a brief bio and headshot of the writer. Essays rebutting today’s topics are also welcome.
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