Chapter 13 - The First Boy
Evan Hale was twenty seven when federal agents found him in Colorado.
Eight years earlier he was nineteen.
Delivery driver.
Pulled over by Deputy Barnes for expired registration.
Barnes said Evan became combative and reached beneath seat.
Two shots.
One struck shoulder.
One side.
Evan survived.
Knife found beneath passenger seat.
Rowe corroborated.
No body camera due early system “malfunction.”
Civil suit dismissed at summary judgment partly because physical evidence and qualified immunity standards.
Evan moved.
He stopped trusting police.
He also stopped driving through Livingston County.
When agents told him about Tyler, he agreed to return.
Not for revenge.
He said:
“I knew it would happen again.”
Donnelly had treated him.
His notes:
Entry wound and trajectory suggested body turned away at second shot.
Could be consistent with reaching.
Could also be retreating.
He had documented no injury on hands consistent with weapon grip? Not decisive.
The old Bell tow records showed Evan’s vehicle was removed fourteen minutes before state investigator arrived, contrary to policy after officer involved shooting.
Bell admitted Barnes personally ordered immediate tow.
At Bell yard, car was accessed before state inspection.
No log.
Knife could have been planted.
Cannot prove eight years later.
Rowe admitted falsifying parts of statement but denied planting that knife.
Barnes denied.
No new criminal charge on shooting due evidence/time issues maybe limitations (federal civil rights can be five years unless death? too late). But obstruction perhaps limitations expired. Still pattern may be limited at Tyler trial due rules.
Evan testified at sentencing later maybe pattern if relevant.
The unexpected piece came from his mother.
She had kept voicemail Barnes left after shooting.
“Your boy is alive. Best thing you can do is teach him not to challenge deputies.”
Same language.
Lesson.
Teach.
Control.
May you like
Again not enough alone.
But a pattern of mindset.
