Norman Given 90 Days' Jail Time

Hamley Family Satisfied With Sentence

Last updated Thursday, June 28, 2007 9:11 PM CDT in News

By Don Dailey
THE MORNING NEWS

BENTONVILLE -- Mary Hamley avoided looking at Larry Norman through most of her testimony, but fixed her eyes on him as she began to read from a closing statement.

"I've had a lot of early mornings since Erin's death."

Norman stared at the table in front of him through most of Hamley's testimony, but raised his head as she finished in tears.

"Time won't heal this broken heart."

"There's nothing I can do to bring him back, and I deeply regret it," a subdued Norman said later from the stand in a low monotone.

Mary said Erin dreamed of living as normal a life as possible despite his cerebral palsy and mental disabilities.

"His dream was ... he'd live to be an old man and hold his children and grandchildren," she said.

Arkansas State Police Trooper Larry Norman shot and killed Joseph Erin Hamley last year in a case of mistaken identity. A judge Thursday sentenced him to 90 days in the county jail, 30 days of community service, a $1,000 fine and a year's probation.

His lawyer, John Everett, asked him why he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor negligent homicide in the death.

"I made a mistake, and I try to take responsibility for my mistakes and teach my children the same," he replied.

Senior Circuit Judge Tom Keith handed down the sentence after almost two hours of testimony from Hamley's family, and Norman's family and former co-workers. Norman retired after the shooting.

"It's amazing how in a flick of a moment ... we had one life lost and another life unalterably changed, and it was a mistake," Keith said from the bench.

"This may be a form of closure, but there is no closure when you've lost a loved one, and there is no closure for Mr. Norman. Hopefully he will recognize that he's more than one mistake in one instant of time," he added.

Erin Hamley's brothers, Sean and Bud, also testified.

Bud said the he'd often been asked why the family wasn't keeping tabs on Erin the day he died. Bud said Erin was 21 years old and had shown he could take care of himself.

"He had his own life and own friends," he said.

It has never been revealed how Erin, who was on foot, got so far from his Springdale home. The shooting occurred almost 15 miles from his house.

Mary Hamley read a short statement after the sentencing in which the family said it was satisfied.

"We feel that justice was served and that the Constitution was upheld," Mary Hamley said. "I feel that justice was done for Erin."

Norman pleaded guilty May 4 after being indicted a year earlier by the first grand jury called in a quarter-century in Benton County.

Early on March 7, 2006, Norman shot the 21-year-old Hamley on the shoulder of U.S. 412 west of Tontitown. Norman was responding to a report that a man on the highway could be Adam Lee Leadford, who had eluded local police for three days after escaping from a prison boot camp in Michigan.

Norman testified in depositions and during Thursday's hearing that he believed Hamley was Leadford and shot in response to Hamley's hand movements, which appeared as if he could be reaching for a weapon.

His wife, Mary Norman, and his sister-in-law, also named Mary Norman, testified about how difficult life had become for Larry Norman in the wake of the shooting.

"He doesn't sleep. He hides behind his ball cap, and he'll never forgive himself," his wife said.

Larry wiped away tears as his wife spoke about how he cleans chicken houses for a living now and limits his contact with family and friends.

"That day we lost a part of Larry, as well," she said.

His sister-in-law, Mary Norman, speaking for the family after the hearing, expressed sympathy for the Hamley family and support for Larry.

"I believe that he has always served to protect and at that time that was what he was trying to do," she said.

Benton County Prosecutor Van Stone said the sentence was acceptable.

"If the Hamley family is satisfied, and the public is satisfied, then the prosecutor's office is satisfied as well," he said. "The family had an opportunity to tell the public what Erin Hamley was like" and that was important to them.

Benton County Sheriff Keith Ferguson took Norman from the courthouse in handcuffs, but he will be released today for 10 days to take care of his affairs at home.

Norman's adjudication took a somewhat unusual route. Instead of the common plea bargain in which prosecutors and defense attorneys agree on a charge and a sentence, Norman pleaded guilty to the charge handed down by the grand jury and asked for the judge to decide the sentence.

Keith ordered a relatively rare presentence investigation, which provided a sentence recommendation.

Only the recommendation portion of the presentence investigation was made public Thursday. The investigator recommended a sentence of 30 days in jail with 29 days suspended and a $750 fine paid to the charitable organization of Mary Hamley's choice.

Norman, 41, of West Fork, an 18-year police veteran, faced up to a year in jail.

The grand jury concluded Norman disregarded orders, played the radio in his police cruiser too loudly to hear dispatches and did not communicate with other officers before shooting Hamley.

Norman was sitting in his cruiser in a parking lot in Fayetteville when he heard Trooper Wilson Short dispatched to check out a report that Leadford had been spotted, the grand jury's report said.

Acting on a "gut feeling" that the reported man was indeed Leadford and that there would be a problem, Norman sped to the location. Once there, he ignored Short's order to block traffic on the highway and instead joined Short and four Washington County deputies in a perimeter around Hamley with guns drawn, the grand jury report said.

The officers ordered Hamley onto his stomach, but Hamley lay on his back instead. Norman said Hamley appeared to be reaching into his pocket, but the grand jury decided Hamley may have been attempting to turn onto his stomach.

The grand jury reported Norman, who had been on the scene less than a minute, fired his shotgun once and the slug grazed the pavement before hitting Hamley in the side. Norman told Short the shot was not an accident.

Police captured Leadford later that day in Springdale after a high-speed chase. Leadford was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his actions in Benton County. He was sentenced to six years in prison on charges in Washington County.

Norman waived his right to a jury trial in his plea and also waived the right to appeal.

The state paid Hamley's estate $1 million, and the family agreed the settlement would satisfy all claims. The State Police did not admit wrongdoing.

The agency granted Norman medical retirement last year based on what his attorney called an "enormous psychological overlay" from the shooting. Norman testified that his retirement pay is about $16 a day.

Some of the incident was captured by cameras mounted on police vehicles. The film and other evidence, including hours of interviews conducted by the grand jury of Norman and other officers on the scene, were made public Thursday.

THE Morning News' Doug Thompson, Robin Mero and Josh Dooley contributed to this report.

AT A GLANCE

The Sentence

* 90 days in the Benton County Jail. He will be given 10 days to get his affairs in order before starting his sentence

* 30 days of community service at the Benton County Sunshine School or the Benton County Adult Development Center

* 12 months' probation

* The maximum $1,000 fine

Why A Negligent Homicide Charge?

Robin Green, who was serving as prosecutor when Erin Hamley was shot by State Police Trooper Larry Norman, requested a grand jury be convened to consider an indictment.

Green presented several optional charges to the 16-member grand jury, including manslaughter, a felony carrying a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Jurors chose the lightest charge: misdemeanor negligent homicide. They released an eight-page report that called Norman's actions "troubling" and "disturbing."

A charge of manslaughter would have required recklessness on Norman's part. Recklessness is defined as consciously disregarding risk.

Source: Staff Report

Reader Comments (64 comment(s))


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harleydriver wrote on Jun 28, 2007 10:56 PM:

" I'm sorry, but after watching the tape it appears to me Mr. Norman got off with less than a hand-slap. Maybe someone could tell me how Trooper Normans or anyone else's life was at stake. The other police on scene didn't fire and they had been there much longer. I saw no gun that Mr. Hamley had in the video. I'm no attorney, but manslaughter would have been too light a sentence unless I'm missing something. 90 days for that? Law enforcement has a tough job, but at least see a weapon, or at least something that looks like one. "

Deacon wrote on Jun 29, 2007 12:44 AM:

" I agree with Harleydriver. If you compare Norman's sentence with that of Leadford (the person Norman thought he was killing) that must mean that Leadford Killed 120 people in Benton County and 24 people in Washington County. "

Noone wrote on Jun 29, 2007 2:06 AM:

" I also agree to me it seems that he was on the ground or almost on the ground when he was shot... Norman should have gotten alot more jail time I understand that he's a cop and he thought that he was in danger but even if it was someone that was a criminal he still shound not have shot.. "

1105 wrote on Jun 29, 2007 5:00 AM:

" Do you not realize the video tape is edited and you only see Trooper Norman's tape, you are not seeing the other officers and what they are/have been doing. You are seeing what the media wants you to see, just like all the articles, they "report" only the peices that make the article "juicy" not the complete story. You still do not have all the facts. This should have never gone to trial and 90 days is LONGER than deserved, Yes this was a tragedy, but Trooper Norman didn't commit a crime, the ASP has hung him out to dry, as they have done to other officers in the past, and as a previous poster stated I will not be supporting the ASP in donations, but for different reasons. The family is satisfied with the rulling, Unfortunate Trooper Norman has lost his career and his life, he is existing at best, and yet that is not enough for many of you. At least realize you are only getting part of the information and parts of the video from that day, "

hogfanintx wrote on Jun 29, 2007 7:59 AM:

" "1105" You could not be more wrong if your hiney was sitting on your shoulders. the media can leave out anything it wants. I Just watched the video with my own eyes. Blatant disregard for procedure. If you are going into a potentiall dangerous situation why are you blaring the radio with non police information. I think he got caught up in the moment and just maybe wanted to be a hero. Unfortunately any one of us makes that same mistake and we never see the light of day again. "

Bama Hog wrote on Jun 29, 2007 8:09 AM:

" 1105, What are you talking about? I watched the video and the fact that this guy shot this poor kid and is only serving 90 days is a joke. Trigger happy, rogue cop is what it looked like to me. I am in shock. There is no way in he77 he was justified in pulling that trigger. "

BCR wrote on Jun 29, 2007 8:23 AM:

" I can't believe this. I just watched the video as well, it shows the incident from two cars. WHY WAS THIS VIDEO NOT RELEASED EARLIER? Why only AFTER the sentence was handed down? My impression from earlier stories was that they were within a few feet of him, and he was almost shot point-blank... On a very overcast day, from about 50 or 60 feet away, you're telling me that ANYTING Hamley was doing with his hands is visible? Clear case... GUILTY, give him life. "

BCR wrote on Jun 29, 2007 8:29 AM:

" Additionally, in earlier posts, I have defended this action. I am part of a "cop" family. My brother and one of my sons serve in the force, and I know what it takes to "put on the badge". After watching this, my thinking has changed. If Norman felt he or his fellow officers were in danger, he should have had a vest on. Firing a shotgun from that distance is not the smart thing to do. Extensive punishment will not bring the boy back, but it may make the police think twice before whipping out the big-guns and blazing away from 50 feet! "

justalocal wrote on Jun 29, 2007 8:30 AM:

" Wow... you guys are really good at judging when you weren't there to see or hear all the facts. I am glad you weren't on the jury... seems you have him guilty without any hard evidence. Police have a very difficult job with all the crime in the world today. Norman will live with this for the rest of his life... The family of the victim says the sentence is fair.. if they think it is with their loss... who are you (who have not lost a son) to say otherwise??????????????? Give it up!!! "

cybertech wrote on Jun 29, 2007 8:43 AM:

" I watched the video that was posted on this website and I will tell you that this is not all of the video captured and not the same exact video that the jury saw. The quality of the video posted here is very bad and its hard to make out all of what was going on. I turned my sound up full volume and still could not hear everything said clearly enough. This is only a portion. Thing is that only the video from two cruisers was used here and there were many more on the scene. So again not all the facts. Also again Norman was NOT a "Rogue" cop as some suggest, his past performance record is proof of that. There were mistakes made yes, but given the circumstances and the information they had at the time its not surprising that the incident went down the way it did. It could have been any one of the troopers that pulled the trigger. Thing is that the Hamley's are fine with the admission of guilt and the sentence. It is done. A tragedy occurred and nothing now can change that. Was it fair? Maybe , maybe not but its over and lessons were learned from the tragedy, so maybe some good is coming and will come from it. "

cybertech wrote on Jun 29, 2007 8:45 AM:

" Oh and one last thing. The sentence that Norman has to live with for the rest of his life, that he took a mans life justified or no, is a sentence that is worse than any judge or jury could ever impose. I have to agree with justalocal on this one. "

BCR wrote on Jun 29, 2007 8:50 AM:

" A cool million makes a lot of things just fine... Again, watch the video. How far away was Norman when he fired? 50, 60 feet? Way too far to see what this kid was doing. Nothing will bring the boy back. That's not the issue. What I'm saying is this serves as a notice to the other troopers. Go ahead, draw fast, shoot quick, the worst you'll get is 90 days. Bad-Cop. "

Bama Hog wrote on Jun 29, 2007 9:05 AM:

" justalocal, WOW! What on God's green Earth are you talking about. No hard evidence. Watch the friggin video. I am sure Norman is glad I was not on the jury either. "

Bama Hog wrote on Jun 29, 2007 9:09 AM:

" above should read: "series of stupid decisions" "

hogfanintx wrote on Jun 29, 2007 9:20 AM:

" "justalocal" absurd and rediculous. firing a weapon is suppose to be the last option. When an officer thinks his life, the life of another officer, or innocent bystander is in danger. Going by what I SEE I sure as heck hope I never get pulled over by these non-rogue cops as you call them. same to you "cybertech" Maybe the two of you will encounter some of these non-rogue cops. Wonder how you or your family will feel then. AND WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE TO SAY WE AS POSTERS DON'T KNOW ABOUT LOSING A SON. JUST EXPLAIN TO ME HOW YOU KNOW OUR PERSONAL LIVES. If the antsy barney fife that shot this kid is your buddy or relative then I understand your bias towards him. Otherwise you are simply not very intelligent. "

Maljoir wrote on Jun 29, 2007 9:31 AM:

" My prayers to the grieving family and to former Trooper Norman and his family. My prayer's to those choose to carry hate in thier hearts, instead of forgivness and understanding. "

BCR wrote on Jun 29, 2007 9:31 AM:

" Comments like what's done is done, he'll have to live with this for the rest of his life, are really stupid. How many death row inmates are waiting for the last walk that "regret" what they did, or are "waking up early every morning" thinking about what they did? Murder is murder, weather you wear a badge or not. Even a person convicted of manslaughter is given more than 90 days! AND THEY'RE NOT PAID $16 PER DAY FOR DOING IT!!!! "

Hello wrote on Jun 29, 2007 9:43 AM:

" its just a sad sad situation, and nothing anyone can say will make it better at this point. i just thank god everyday we still have our son. ninety days in jail for killing someone dosen't seem right. when we have people sleeping on the floors in the jails that have committed much less crimes, somethings wrong here. "

harleydriver wrote on Jun 29, 2007 9:46 AM:

" I'll keep and open mind here before I pass judgment on "1105" and "cybertech". What is it that the video isn't showing us? I'll listen.To me the "smoking gun" here is all the other cops in the background NOT shooting. You say Norman assessed the situation correctly in the short amount of time he was on scene? So 5 other officers were wrong then, right? 1105 you act like you know whats going on to a certain extent. Will Norman still have the right to carry a concealed weapon? "

someone wrote on Jun 29, 2007 10:31 AM:

" You all sound like a bunch of uneducated, hard hearted people. While I feel horrible for Erin Hamley's family, Larry Norman made a mistake. Who out there is perfect? No one. Until you walk a day in the shoes of a Law Enforcement Officer, no one has the right to judge Larry Norman or his actions. Yes, he made a horrible mistake-one that he will live with the rest of his life. Yes, he should have done things differnt. Yes, he shot an innocent person. Where was Hamley's family? Why had he been out walking miles from home by himself if he was so disabled? Why did it take so long for his family to report him missing? His family made mistakes as well. Mistakes I'm sure they wish they could go back and change, just like Larry Norman wishes he could change his mistake. The whole situation stinks. Lots of people's lives changed on that day. Quit bashing Trooper Norman. Put on a vest and a gun and go out there and do the job of Law Enforcement officers. Leave your house and family every morning not knowing if you'll come back that night or not. When you do that, then you can judge Trooper Norman. "

Bama Hog wrote on Jun 29, 2007 10:51 AM:

" To someone, I know this will get zapped, but I have to say this. Anyone that would blame Hamley's family for Norman's death is not in touch with reality. I don't need to be a cop to know he should do more than 90 days for is actions that took an innocent man's life. "

Moonglow wrote on Jun 29, 2007 10:57 AM:

" It's terrible that a human cannot leave their house without knowing if they will come home alive. Life is uncertain and life is short. But you don't need to make excuses for the trooper nor tell us an emancipated man has no right to walk along a highway. Some of us see through the vail of denial to see a system slanted and unfair. Therefore earning those in power less respect and the spirit of the law. We shall have lawlessness if this slight of law is not righted. "

Twinkie wrote on Jun 29, 2007 11:32 AM:

" 1.Thankyou Morning News et al. W/out coverage this could've all been swept under the rug. 2.For 'someone': Yes, the judge and jury have the right to judge Norman. And - having been in law enforcement with a badge and a gun - what I've wanted is the truth. Maybe a trial would've created more agreement about the punishment, but Judge Keith accepted a plea, and the sentence is not unreasonable. Larry Norman made a mistake, which he has acknowledged and accepted responsibility for. For that he deserves a great deal of admiration. He has mine. It's my hope that soon he will be able to have more of a normal life, holding his head high and knowing he's paid his debt to society. Maybe he can change law enforcement's perceptions about other really good people who make mistakes and have a criminal record. Now that would be a legacy he could be proud of. "

unbreakable wrote on Jun 29, 2007 11:38 AM:

" 1105; The video is not edited. What you see is the COMPLETE video from Normans car. The timer shows that the tape is not interupted (sp?) from the time it starts until Norman fires. Norman is there for less than a minute before he decides to use deadly force. You are deluded if you think this was just a simple "mistake". "

someone wrote on Jun 29, 2007 12:59 PM:

" To Twinkie-yes, you are correct, the judge and the jury have a right to judge Larry Norman. I didn't make that clear enough in my original post. Having been in Law Enforcement myself, I agree 100% with the rest of your message. I too admire Larry for admitting he was wrong and accepting the punishment that was handed down to him. I hope like you, that someday he will be able to walk with his head held high. "

goodneighbor wrote on Jun 29, 2007 1:14 PM:

" This was a terrible thing to happen. I thank NWAONLINE to allow people to voice their opinions here. I think it is best to forgive but not forget. I don't think Mr Norman was shooting to kill, it was said that the shell hit the ground first and bounced. Will the million dollars really help the family feel better? your thoughts? "

Razorback112370 wrote on Jun 29, 2007 1:18 PM:

" Someone remind me--what mental capabilities did the boy have? The reason I ask is this: Most parents don't allow their younger children just wander around by themselves. I have a 9 year old who is very large for his age, he's very smart, BUT--I don't even let him go 3 blocks to the local park by himself! And we live in an extremely nice and crime free area! The trooper is responsible for shooting Hamley. He admitted that. He made mistakes that day, but...I feel that part of the reason Hamely's family cried for justice so loudly was because they KNEW that part of the responsibility for their son's death was theirs! This trooper will never ever be the same, and it wouldn't surprise me if he either dies (from some health related crisis) or takes his life within the next 5 years "

Bama Hog wrote on Jun 29, 2007 1:23 PM:

" Razorback112370 - Are you out of your everloving mind. Only one person can be blamed for this, Norman. You statment may be the most ridiculous thing I have ever read in my entire life. "

goodneighbor wrote on Jun 29, 2007 1:24 PM:

" I think it is best to forgive but not forget. Thank you to NWAONLINE for allowing everyone to voice their opinion. I don't think Mr Norman was shooting to kill, it was noted in one of the stories that the shell hit the ground first and bounced. Will the million dollars really make the family feel better? Just my thoughts, I welcome yours. "

hogfanintx wrote on Jun 29, 2007 3:01 PM:

" "someone" You certainly didn't need to point out to us that you were in law enforcement. Even usen un edumacated folk got that from your first post. Were you drafted into LAW ENFORCEMENT? No you probably chose that line of work by choice just as trooper Norman. PEOPLE THAT DO CHOOSE THAT LINE OF WORK should hold themselves to a higher standard than tha average Joe. I believe protect and serve is the motto. Not shoot first and ask questions later. If you don't want to take risks don't go into that line of work. If you choose to do so. You better make sure you know what you are doing before you pull the trigger with a gun aimed at someone. Also to whomever said he wasn't shooting to kill? You have no sense. they are trained to only shoot to kill. "razorback112370" You also have got to be kidding me. blaming the parents for an officer pulling a trigger. there are so many freaking things I would like to say, but I would be zapped right off here. "

Hello wrote on Jun 29, 2007 3:02 PM:

" who in the world says that because you are handicapped that you cant live a normal life? why in the world would people say that its the family's fault that erin was out there on that highway walking? did that family even have a car? some people wouldn't know how it feels to have to walk everywhere they NEED and WANT to go, please people stop the bashing of erin's family for this terrible tragedy. leta say that it was adam ledford out there on that highway,would he had deserved to die as well? i think not. "

someone wrote on Jun 29, 2007 3:20 PM:

" Hogfanintx: Wow, your really educated yourself, huh? Yes, I chose Law Enforcment and yes, I hold myself and others in Law Enforcement to a higher standard. At the same time, we are human and mistakes-big or little-happen. That doesn't make all of us bad and that doesn't mean we are trained to "shoot to kill." I like you could say a whole lot more but don't want to get zapped off of here. I trust that somewhere down the road good will come out of this tragedy. "

hogfanintx wrote on Jun 29, 2007 3:46 PM:

" "someone" Actually I do had a tad tiny little bit of education. Most of that earlier is what we call sarcasm. i understand the officer made a mistake. I just think it send an awful message to citizens everywhere to hear or read other law enforcement people defending this guy. He should pay the same penalty that anyone else would have to pay for making a mistake. I can agree that I hope something good will come of this. wasn't too long ago that the owner of Hermans steak house was gunned down on his front porch. different circumstances, but I don't think the public ever really got the entire story on that either. Just hope we aren't seeing a trend. "

hogfanintx wrote on Jun 29, 2007 3:51 PM:

" "someone" don't take all this as a personal insult to yourself.. You were more than likely a fine officer. That doesn't mean some don't make terrible errors. Some people just shouldn't be officers. I mean if he was faced with this 14 yrs ago he may have made the smae mistake. Could be just his first time dealing with what he felt was a crisis situation. maybe he should have been cleaning chicken houses all along. I dunno. what makes a seemingly good officer make such poor judgement calls "

Bama Hog wrote on Jun 29, 2007 3:58 PM:

" hogfanintx, the owner of Hermans steak house was gunned down on his front porch? when did this happen? was it by the cops? Do you know where I can read about this? "

Ozarkguy62 wrote on Jun 29, 2007 5:21 PM:

" As I have previously posted this is due to a lack of standards for hiring, lack of training, lack of pay and lack of citizen overite, period. It is well past time that we take charge of these paramilitary departments and reinstitute "to protect and to serve". "

hogfanintx wrote on Jun 29, 2007 5:48 PM:

" Yes it was a couple years ago. Was the police. was a big to do. he was one of the most charitable and kindhearted people that community has ever known...I dunno where to tell you to find it "bama hog" Was in all the papers almost daily after it happened. "

1105 wrote on Jun 29, 2007 6:00 PM:

" To Bama Hog: lets get the facts straight on that incident: the Police were responding to a burglary alarm at a residence. When they arrived there was shouting from within the home, the police tried to call the residence no one answered. They knew there was someone inside with a gun, the weapon had been pointed at them numerous times. This was on Juneway Terrace in Fayetteville. The man, opened the door and raised a loaded gun as to shoot, and the officers shot. Yes this was one of the owners of Hermans Steak House, but his family obviously didn't feel there had been wrong doing by the local police, they did not ask for any further investigation they were satisfied with all the reports and the documentation that were given to them. So he was NOT Gun down as others would have you to believe, he never shut the alarm off, he did not respond to officers and he pointed a loaded gun. He had been out with his wife earlier and she went to her home and he went to Juneway Terrace address. "

Razorback112370 wrote on Jun 29, 2007 8:05 PM:

" No, bamahog--I'm not out of my everloving mind. If Erin Hamely had the mental capacity of a 7 y/o and his family let him wander all over hell and half of Georgia--then yes they should bear part of the responsibility. Ask any parent if they let their 7 y/o wander 15 miles from home and I can tell you the answer will be a resounding NO! If Erin Hamely had been of average intelligence, this incident would probably not have happened! I'm not saying that it's Erin's fault--what I'm saying is that a person w/ an IQ below average might not understand or comprehend what is going on. I think this was the case here. Erin didn't understand, was scared to death and didn't know what to do! Had he been being taken care of, watched out for and not allowed to roam around by his family then he would not have been in the situation of being scared and confused as to why everyone was yelling at him. "

1105 wrote on Jun 29, 2007 8:53 PM:

" Razorback112370, I agree with you totally. This young man was unable to communicate with others and his mental capacity was that of an 8yr. This was not the first time he had been away from home for hours, he has ended up in Rogers numerous times as well, No this wasn't Mr Hamley fault, his guardian left him unattended and therefore in harms way, had he been supervised, NOT locked up, supervised, this tragedy would never have happened. Mr Hamley would be here, and Trooper Norman would still have his career as an excellent officer, not to mention his would have his life to live as well. Yes there was fault, but it wasn't Trooper Norman, he is the one and the only one taking the blame, what a shame two lives lost, because someone didn't care enough to supervise/monitor the whereabouts of their child. This isn't about being able to walk the streets, this is about not being able to communicate with others and having the mental capacity of an 8yr old. Would you allow your 8yr old on Hwy 412? Doubt it.and certainly hope not. "

1105 wrote on Jun 29, 2007 10:40 PM:

" To Hello: This isn't about whether the family had a car or not. This is about a young man with the mental capacity of an 8yr old left alone to wonder the streets of Springdale and has been in Rogers on numerous occassions, without a guardian. Any parent would not allow their 8yr old on Hwy 412 any time day or night alone, So you don't want to have the guardian take responsibility for her son, but it is ok, that all of you bash Trooper Norman and his fellow officers, for doing their job. Because this family chose not to supervise this young man, two lives have been destroyed, at least Mr Hamley is at peace, while Trooper Norman has had his 15yr career as an outstanding officer ended, and his life will never be the same., and all of this could have been prevented. So yes the guardian/parents are responsible for their children. "

bobblehead wrote on Jun 29, 2007 10:59 PM:

" It is seriously a sad point when a Law Enforcement officer with a stellar career has to end it in jail for 90 days for a crime he didnt commit. When you watch the video, watch Trooper Short's video, but watch to the right and middle. The Washington County Deputies are approaching through the ditch and you can see the instant that Hamley made the move into his pocket. The Deputies (who were with cover from the high ditch) went backwards, as Norman, who was without cover, fired his weapon. At what point do you take someone into custody? Do you wait five or six hours after he has laid down on the ground before you move in or after he is complying. Now, imagine that the person is complying and you approach to take this person into custody and he reaches into his pocket, as the video shows but is hard to see here. In an instant a weapon can be produced and the officer is shot if he does not take action. Trooper Norman was behind cover and stayed there until Hamley complied. He then did what you have to do at that point, go in and take him into custody. He put himself in the line of danger, taking the brunt of the danger. THAT is a stellar officer, willing to take the point position, the most dangerous. "

1105 wrote on Jun 29, 2007 11:38 PM:

" THANK you bobblehead, this is the video I have been telling everyone, the news stations are only showing one part, when the shot was fired, not the part where other deputies retreated, I agree with you completely, Trooper Norman deserves so much more, he served 15yrs and to have it all gone because of the events on that day, There is so much more to the story. "

unbreakable wrote on Jun 30, 2007 10:49 AM:

" 1105 and the other staunch defenders of norman firing his weapon. You are all forgetting a couple of HUGE things that make Norman guilty of more than a "mistake". He (Norman ignored orders to stop east of the scene and direct traffic, if he had done this maybe Hamley would have not been shot. We will never know because Norman chose to march to the beat of his own drum instead of listening to officers who were already on the scene. "

Razorback112370 wrote on Jun 30, 2007 2:49 PM:

" I'm not now, nor have I ever said Trooper Norman was right to fire his gun. I wasn't there, so I can't make a judgement as to what exactly was going on (and the tape is way to grainy and out of focus to be a true tale of what was happening). What I have said and will continue to say is this: If Erin's family had been a bit more vigilant, more protective of this developmentally disabled young man, he probably would not have been in the situation of being spread eagle on the side of a highway. Erin left his house the night before, his mother did not report him missing until 24 hours later! Erin was disable (mentally and physically) and no one thinks to report him missing??? I don't buy the story of Erin's mother that she couldn't prevent him from going out if he wanted to. That is a bunch of cr**. She DIDN'T want to inhibit him or it took too much effort on her part! I'm sorry, but I lay just as much blame on Erin's family as I do on Trooper Norman. He may have pulled the trigger, but the family of Erin provided the ammunition! "

Deacon wrote on Jun 30, 2007 7:05 PM:

" Razorback112370.....You apparently have not lived in a situation such as Erin's mother had lived in. Anyone that has, knows exactly how difficult it is, so you haven't any idea what you're talking about. All that being aside, Erin was an adult, free to walk the streets as anyone else and not having a problem with doing so until the day he was shot and killed. Besides the police will not take a 'Missing Person' report on an adult until they are missing for 24 hours. IF Erin was a problem then why didn't the state of Arkansas step in and provide him with a caseworker? ? ? As to the 'What If's', What if Norman had not had his FM radio blaring so loud, ESPECIALLY after receiving his call to a life and death situation..... What if Norman had obeyed orders to block the west bound traffic..... What if Norman had taken cover behind his patrol unit and not put his fellow officers in jeopardy by walking toward 'the suspect'....... What if Norman had communicated with other officers that had been on the scene longer than the 1 minute he had..... You said that Erin's family provided the ammunition, BULL! With you stating that, what about a hearing impaired person that is aproached from the rear by an officer (that mistakes them for the 'perp') and doesn't 'Obey Commands' and is killed, is the family responsible? I Don't Think So...... "

bobblehead wrote on Jun 30, 2007 10:23 PM:

" Deacon, place a sensitive microphone directly over a speaker (as the microphones are in the back of police cars) and no matter the volume, that is all you are going to hear. Mistakes were made, everyone agrees with that. Larry Norman stood up and said, "I made a mistake, I am sorry." L.E. Officers have to make those approaches every day. They make them not because they want to, but because they have to. For the safety of themselves and the private citizens driving up and down the road. One more thing. LARRY NORMAN WAS THE SENIOR OFFICER ON SCENE. HE TOOK COMMAND OF THE SITUATION, AS THE COMMANDING OFFICER ON SCENE SHOULD. How can someone disobey an order from a JUNIOR officer? The Washington County Deputies were out of their jurisdiction and Trooper Short has just a couple years in. Norman did as the Senior Officer should have done. He took charge of the scene. He took the brunt of the danger. He is an awesome man and I equate him with the people defending your right to slander him who are fighting overseas today, yesterday and all the day's to come. By the way, since Hamley was a disabled person, a missing persons report would have been taken immediately, he would be classified Missing Endangered. The 24 hour rule is a myth. "

Twinkie wrote on Jul 1, 2007 12:44 AM:

" It's really pretty simple. Erin Hamley did not break any laws. Neither did Erin Hamley's family. Again: Erin Hamley did not break any laws. Neither did anyone in his family. "

Maljoir wrote on Jul 1, 2007 7:39 AM:

" The problem with the law is that everyone thinks they are an expert. I know that I consider bricklaying to be an easy job, I mean how hard is it to stack blocks together. Most people have been doing that since they were toddlers. The fact is that no one stood where larry norman stood, the camera does not lie but it does not tell the whole truth either. But this arguement about who did what, why they did what, and why they got what they got is mote. Be happy with your pound of flesh, because what you have is all your going to get. "

Razorback112370 wrote on Jul 1, 2007 11:42 AM:

" Deacon--the police will take a missing persons report at any time! That 24 hour waiting period is the stuff of movies and TV! A report can be taken and a person entered in NCIC (don't know that is? Look it up!) There are several different types of "missing" persons--children(Amber alerts), endangered (suspected kidnapping, persons with mental/physical disabilities, or medical conditions,etc), and just simply those that have "disappeared". Erin Hamely would have been classified as endangered. Don't believe? Contact the supervisor or coordinator for your local 911 center. I never have had a retarded child. But I do have a 7 y/o and a 9y/o--I wouldn't allow them to wander the streets--I know that they are not able to make "good" decisions simply because they are 7 and 9! Erin's family wanted someone to blame, and they got it in Trooper Norman and the State of Arkansas "

Bama Hog wrote on Jul 2, 2007 9:39 AM:

" This is un-stinking-believable. The COP shot an innocent man and several of you claim it is not a crime or is somehow someone elses fault. The guy had no guy and the COP blasted him with a friggin shotgun after ignoring all his training and police protocal. "

1105 wrote on Jul 2, 2007 10:19 AM:

" To Moonglow and Bama Hog: you are not looking at the facts: we are not talking innocent or guilty: Mr Hamley could NOT communicate with officers. He was alone on Hwy 412, did not obey commands, kept reaching inside his pockets, when officers tried approaching him, they retreated and Trooper Norman ( being the Ranking officer at the scene) stepped from behind his patrol car to cover the other officers, ( WHAT IS TRAINED TO DO!!!!) Mr Hamley again does not obey commands, reaches again shots are fired. When a weapon is pulled that officer is going to shoot the target, they have one shot Trooper Norman didn't ignore anything, Trooper Norman is a 15yr veteran officer who has protected our streets and hwys with outstanding performance. Mr Hamley had a mental capacity of an 8yr old, why on earth would anyone allow their "child" to roam the streets of Springdale let alone Hwy 412 without supervision.!!!, Why was he not reported missing. Unfortunate, tragic, but not a CRIME, officers are faced with decisions as officers, Trooper Norman made a decision in a split second, he has to live with for the rest of his life and has ended his career, how tragic, all because someone didn't supervise their child. "

Bama Hog wrote on Jul 2, 2007 11:06 AM:

" Actually, 1105, you are incorrect. They should have stayed behind their cars and the decision to leave cover was one of the worst mistakes. You are obviously either 1. a renegade cop, or 2. related to Norman. No one to blame her except Norman. And indeed it was a crime. Norman pleaded guilty. Now that is a fact. "

1105 wrote on Jul 2, 2007 12:25 PM:

" To Bama Hog: YOUR are wrong on all guesses. Not an officer, not related to Trooper Norman. NO THESE are facts. You are wrong, parents are responsible for their children, and no one has ever said raising "special needs children" was easy, raising children isn't easy.., but as parents you are responsible for them. PERIOD. You are not seeing the whole picture nor do you care to. This case is over, it is time to move on and leave Trooper Norman and the officers of this area to heal. The family has accepted the decisions and have moved on. It is time you stopped bashing Trooper Norman for doing his job. "

Bama Hog wrote on Jul 2, 2007 2:14 PM:

" Wow. That is amazing. "

Deacon wrote on Jul 2, 2007 4:04 PM:

" Well, it still doesn't change the FACTS. Norman pulled the trigger and killed an innocent unarmed person. Those in denial of that FACT need to get over it and move on. "

1105 wrote on Jul 2, 2007 4:58 PM:

" To Deacon: and those who are bashing and not looking at the entire facts: are, why they can not be satisfied with the fact the family is happy and move on??? I am not in denial, I know the facts and this was not justice - Trooper Norman did NOT deserve to go to Grand Jury, nor should this have gone to trail, let alone jail time, for doing his job. So what next you all go after teachers for discipline a "special needs" child? "

Deacon wrote on Jul 2, 2007 7:59 PM:

" To 1105.......I am not bashing anyone. I am merely stating my beliefs. It's really a shame for Norman that ALL of the facts that you are aware of were not presented to the Grand Jury (his peers). If you had presented all that you know for fact to them, then maybe he wouldn't be sitting in 'jail' at this moment. Maybe you should file a complaint with the Judge or Prosecutor and don't forget the Grand Jury (who found Norman's actions "troubling and disturbing") Maybe that's why Norman Pled GUILTY, so it wouldn't go to trial and ALL of the 'facts' come out. Only he knows for sure??? "

1105 wrote on Jul 2, 2007 8:52 PM:

" The Grand Jury was given only what Robin Green allowed them to have and only certain ones were allowed to testify or be questioned. So No the Grand Jury did NOT hear or see everything and since there was not a trail, then all the evidence was and never will be presented. And No not only He knows all the officers on the scene know what happened and why and the events that lead to the shooting. The difference is Trooper Norman is the one who has lost his career for doing his job. "

nwa wrote on Jul 3, 2007 1:24 AM:

" The Arkansas State Police, a grand jury and Larry Norman all say that he committed a crime. They all agree that HE is the one who committed the wrongful deed. Norman violated protocol and it lead to the homicide of an unarmed man. The Arkansas State Police won't even try to defend Norman's actions. It wasn't a mistake. They asked him if it was a mistake and he admitted that he meant to fire the shotgun into the unarmed man. He intentionally pulled the trigger and admits to as much. As to Hamley not responding to the police, listen to all of the tapes and you will note that that is completely false. He even told them his name. It's one thing to defend the police in the Herman's Steakhouse death, a loading gun was turned on them, but this episode is nothing like that. The fact that AFTER the tapes are released and people still have the gall to blame the victim is despicable. In addition, every time you defend the indefenseable, you smear the reputation of good law enforecement officers. "

maljoir wrote on Jul 3, 2007 2:18 AM:

" You know the funny thing about being right in a court of law, is that if you dont fight a judgement the the other person is automaticly right. Its like two teams going to a game, if one fails to show up or simply forfits the other is the winner. It does not mean that one team is better than the other, It just means there was no competion. I also like the phrase "Grand Jury." People often confuse grand jury with a jury used to passed judgement in a case in open court. The fact is that Procescutor could have saved the folks a bit of money by just issuing a warrant. Its not like she did not have enough "Probable Cause." But if she had done that local Law Enforcement would have screamed to high heaven. But this entire blog is like beating a dead horse ( no pun intended). "

Deacon wrote on Jul 3, 2007 4:17 AM:

" To: 1105....Sounds like you should take your complaint to the prosecutor, Robin Green. Norman lost his career for pulling the trigger on a weapon that killed an unarmed innocent man while he lay on the ground!!!! "

Annie wrote on Jul 3, 2007 9:05 AM:

" Obviously the shooting was a terrible mistake, however it did occur. I would have thought the punishment would be more for the loss of a human life, however the family accepts the sentence, so we should as well. It seems the justice system serves different people differently. Tom Coughlin didn't kill anyone and got 27 months of house arrest. Where is the justice in that? Based on the troopers sentence, Coughlin should be free by now. This is apparently a difference between the federal and state system, but you would think there wouldn't be such a huge difference. Something just isn't right. We all have opinions, and some are quick to judge, which is why the system exists, to make sure things are fair, but in the end, they aren't fair, or just. Maybe a large difference was that Wal-Mart wasn't lurking behind the scenes putting pressure on the prosecutor for this case, and the lack of behind the scenes muscling allowed the judge and prosecutor to do their job appropriately. "

Bama Hog wrote on Jul 3, 2007 10:25 AM:

" 1105, what is your connection to Norman? Come one, fess up. "


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