Makeover advised (prior to lawsuit) for gang member kicked by El Monte officer

[Liberal_in_LA]

At the end of a chase, the cop caught up with this young man and kicked him the head hard, after the guy had clearly given up and was lying on the ground. Lots of people commented on the the victim's appearance. Now that he's filing the lawsuit we knew was coming, his lawyer is going to fix his appearance. Video of 'the kick' is here: http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_12764751




The attorney of Richard Rodriguez, who has filed a $5-million legal claim against the city, wants his client to grow hair and wear a suit to cover his tattoos at trial.

By Hector Becerra
July 24, 2009

The attorney for a gang member kicked in the head by an El Monte police officer at the end of a televised car chase thinks his client has a great case. On Thursday, Nick Pacheco filed a $5-million legal claim against the city on behalf of the 23-year-old.

But just in case, the attorney said his heavily tattooed client will be getting an extreme makeover in time for a trial, complete with a thick Tom Selleck mustache -- think "Magnum P.I." -- to cover the name of his street gang, which is inked on his upper lip. Richard Rodriguez will also grow hair to cover the tattoos on his shaved head. And he'll wear a nice, conservative suit.

To make his point, Pacheco used Photoshop to show the difference.

In the booking photo, Rodriguez's head is shaved, and the name of his gang hangs over his lip. Tattoos climb his neck. In the "after" rendition, he's wearing a black suit with a metallic gray tie, neatly combed hair and a lush mustache.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-elmonte24-2009jul24,0,431133.story

[JonLP24]

1. I just want to say I hope he wins

I posted the video in LBN the day it happened and it was completely uncalled for but not surprising given the Rampart CRASH scandal which was beatings, planting of evidence, framing of suspects, etc. I'm not making that up it is well documented and didn't happen to long ago.

However this will be my only post and :kick: and will hide this thread because I don't want to get into another flame war of this issue again.

[Jeep789]

2. Why is the attorney leaking his strategy to a newspaper? nt

[Liberal_in_LA]

3. good question. You can be sure the defense will who victim's pre makeover appearance to the jury

[cornermouse]

4. No one deserves to be kicked in the head.

No one.