Root found probable cause that Ronald T. Ritchie, the lone person to call 911 from Beavercreek’s Walmart before shots were fired Aug. 5, 2014, could be prosecuted for making false alarms, a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by maximums of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Source: Probable cause for John Crawford III 911 caller | www.daytondailynews.com
Seems a rather pale and flimsy application of justice for the life of John Crawford III… but it is the law.
These are the moments where I find myself biting my lips to avoid saying “There ought to be a law….” And maybe there should be, but it is better that cooler heads look into that subject.
Damn, what a minuscule penalty in proportion to the effect.
If a SWATting results in a fatality, ANY fatalities, the person/people who made the call should at minimum be charged with manslaughter. This guy just got away with first-degree murder.
Agreed!
When will the family of the victim sue for wrongful death?
My guess, probably after the criminal trial. If found guilty or pleads guilty, then the lawsuit would have a better chance.
There were two (2) fatalities that night. Angela Williams died of a heart attack in the parking lot fleeing the Walmart after John Crawford III wa shot in the store. She died in front of her children because of the panic caused by Mr. Ronald Ritchies lies on the 911 phone call.
As far as civil suits, Ritchie probably won’t be sued, because he has no significant assets.