The Fayetteville Observer Forum: Readers react to prosecutor’s decision in Jason Walker shooting
Earlier this month, we asked readers what they thought of the special prosecutor’s decision in the case of Jason Walker, who was shot to death by Jeffrey Hash, an off-duty lieutenant with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s office.
Kimberley Spahos, director of the N.C. Conference of District Attorneys, found that Hash’s shooting was justified on grounds of self-defense. On Jan. 8, Walker jumped on the vehicle driven by Hash, whose wife was in the passenger’s seat, and struck the windshield with enough force to break it, according to an investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation. Hash, after exiting the vehicle, shot Walker four times.
Below is a sampling of responses. We appreciate everyone who weighed in. If you would still like to respond, write to: eletters@fayobserver.com.
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Yes, I believe Hash had the right to protect himself and his family, but I do think his reaction was excessive with shots to the head/chest. He is a trained officer, however no one knows exactly how they would react in such a frightening situation.
Susan Dunn, Fayetteville
More:The Fayetteville Observer Forum: Was the prosecutor’s decision fair in the Jason Walker shooting?
I believe Hash was justified in protecting himself and family. By being a trained law enforcement officer, he should have tried to de-escalate this incident before deadly force was used. I also believe that Hash used excessive force by shooting him four times. One shot would have disabled him if he felt his life was in danger.
Jimmy Buxton, Fayetteville
We want justice to be blind. If we do not like the laws that prosecutors utilize to determine if a citizen should be charged with a crime, we need to change the laws. Fair has nothing to do with the investigation; fair comes into play when certain folks are treated unfairly by criminal justice system.
Ronnie Shell
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I understand the tendency to rush to judgment when an off-duty cop shoots a Black man. In this instance there’s more questions needing to be answered. At the end of the day, the cop’s decision to use deadly force seems like an overreaction to me. On the other hand, one never knows how one would respond in a similar situation. Unfortunately, he deserves the benefit of the doubt.
Mark David Powell
I find it hard to believe that Kimberley Spahos found that Lt. Jeffrey Hash acted in self-defense while shooting an unarmed individual. Lt. Hash could have simply stepped on the gas pedal and driven away. There was no need for him to exit the vehicle and face Jason Walker. If he was not armed, I’m sure that’s what he would have done. If it were you or I, we would be arrested for murder. Ms. Spahos should have, at a minimum, convened a grand jury. Something is definitely wrong.
Harry Byard, Fayetteville
Regarding the prosecutor’s decision not to prosecute in the Jason Walker case: Was it fair? Only if you are white. If it was the other way around, would an African American be charged?
Was it excessive force? Why is it shoot to kill?? How many examples of Black people being shot to death do there have to be?
Jason Walker should not have had to die because law enforcement has a knee-jerk reaction of shoot-to-kill. The off-duty policeman’s life was not in danger! A recent article about the State Bureau of Investigation reported that “ all information on events where officers kill or badly injure people will be stored in a confidential database.” Systemic racism continues!
Anne Smiley, Fayetteville