Police kill newlywed in mistaken identity tragedy

A newly-married man was killed by police in a case of mistaken identity after he stepped outside his home to confront suspected burglars.

Julian Alexander died after being shot twice in the chest by a policeman who was chasing four burglary suspects in Anaheim, California, early yesterday.

Police Chief John Welter said the officer ran into Mr Alexander, mistook him for one of the four juvenile suspects and shot him.

“The last thing we ever want to do, No 1, (is) take somebody’s life,” he said. “And we certainly don’t want to take the life of someone who is mistakenly believed to be involved in some criminal activity.”

Mr Alexander’s mother-in-law, Michelle Mooney, said: “He was a good kid, trying to protect his house. And the police, instead of asking questions, they just shot first. Somebody has to be held responsible for this.”

Mr Welter would not release the officer’s name, but said he was a 10-year veteran of the department. The officer was placed on paid leave pending an investigation.

“It’s mistaken identity, but that doesn’t bring my son back,” said Mr Alexander’s father, Jerry.

He said his son had only got married last weekend and his 19-year-old wife was expecting a baby in December.

The victim’s wife and mother said they heard the gunshots and tried to go into the front garden, but the officer told them to stay inside. They saw Mr Alexander handcuffed and bleeding, they said.

Paramedics treated him at the scene and took him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The four burglary suspects were detained and interviewed, but no arrests were made.

Mr Welter said investigators would interview the officer to determine what commands he gave to Mr Alexander before he fired.

Investigations will be conducted by the FBI, the Orange County Office of Independent Review and the district attorney’s office.