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The investigation has finally yielded a result that brings a measure of accountability to this case. I am deeply appreciative of the persistence shown by those who stayed committed to finding the truth. We will remain observant to ensure that the necessary changes in policy are fully implemented.

March 4, 2013

Justice For Angella

Justice For Angella

🏆 Won — 154 supporters Verified

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Started by Anonymous 13 years, 6 months ago

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputies Ryan Reza and Deputy Joshua Eley fatally shot Angella "Gorda" Falconi (24) on Jan. 8, 2013 in Lake Worth after a 911 call fromher husband Josef Orta (23).

According to police reports, Josef told the 911 operater that Angella had a knife and was threatening both himself and the couples 3 year old son. According to Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, when Deputies Renza and Eley arrived at the home, they stated that as Angella and Josef exited the home together,Angella had Josef by the shirt with one hand and a knife in the other. He continued to say that, according to deputies, Angella ignored their orders to drop the knifeand instead turned to her husband in an "apparent attempt" to stab him. That’s when the two deputies fired.

What they fail to tell you is that approximately 13 shots in allwere fired at Angella with 6 shots striking heraccording to Angella's Mother. Yet,oddly enough,not one shot hit Josef that she "had by the shirt". Records obtained by The Post show that Reza, who joined the Sheriff’s office in 2008, also fatally shot 23-year-old Jesus Barreto in Lake Worth in 2011. That case, similar to Angella's, started as a domestic disturbance. In both cases, the suspects fatally shot were wielding knives. According to Deputies, Barreto came out of an apartment armed with a knife and refused Deputies ordersto drop it, promptingone officerto fire his stun gun and Reza to fire his service revolver, according to the report.

Why is it that one Deputy saw fit to use his tazer and the other, his gun on someone with a knife? Police officers are trained to use equal force or enough to diffuse the situation. He had good enough aim to shoot her 6 times without hitting her husband. If he felt his gun was necessary, then why not shootto disarm,such as inthe leg, hand or shoulder? Why shoot to kill? It was unnecessary and unexcusable to use such force. Sheriff Rick Bradshaw had Angella convictedin the media before the Internal Affairs Department or the State Attorneys offices even had the opportunity to do a full investigation soley based on the word of the Deputies that shot her?

Anyone and everyone who knew and loved Angella would like a FULL investigation of the events and the officers involved. If not for Angella, for her 3 year old son who is now without a mother. Angella leaves behind many that loved and cared for her and are suffering deeply. All we ask for is the whole truth.

Please sign the petition to show your supportof a full investigation into thisunfortunate situation.

Updates

February 13, 2013

The momentum surrounding this petition confirms that the public demands a thorough review of these events. This growing attention ensures that the circumstances of Angella's death remain a central part of the community dialogue.

Reached 100 supporters

February 13, 2013

8 Comments

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Audrey Paisley
11 years ago Featured

Angella's death is another tragic example of police brutality, just one of the scores of people that are murdered by the police on a regular basis. She was a mother and in an abusive relationship. She didn't deserve to die, especially at the hands of the very people that were supposed to protect her.

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Audrey Paisley
11 years ago Featured

Angella's death is another tragic example of police brutality, just one of the scores of people that are murdered by the police on a regular basis. She was a mother and in an abusive relationship. She didn't deserve to die, especially at the hands of the very people that were supposed to protect her.

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Panagioti Tsolkas
11 years ago Featured

This looks like a terrible injustice which never should have happened. I used to be part of the Lake Worth Community Relations Board which was started to address community conflicts like this. As soon as we approached PBSO with inquiries regarding police abuse in 2011, they pressured the city to disband the board. I would like to see an effort to resume the work of that board, and Angella Falconi's case a clear example of why (Sadly, it is one among many.)

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Cara Jennings
11 years ago Featured

I remember when this happened and feel horrible for Angella and her family. There is an effort right now to have the Department of Justice investigate the Sheriff's office, if anyone involved in Angella's case wants to get involved please be in touch. We are having an event tomorrow - https://www.facebook.com/events/588620241265893

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Daniel Ghiotti
12 years ago Featured

I 100% agree with the fact that if the sheriff thought she could hurt her husband (which she did not do from the time he called 911 till then) he could have shot her in the leg or even shot into the air to dissuade her. What he did shows he is not qualified to be a cop and that he deserves to be put into jail because of this killing,

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Mike Hunt
13 years ago Featured

How does nobody get hit when 13 bullets are flying around like that. Something is real wrong here and those cops need to face real consequences for what they did to that poor girl.

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Jessi Colwell
5 years ago

She was a part of our family. We all miss her dearly. Not a day goes by.

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Judith Castro
11 years ago

Please investigate this tragic incidence.

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