Where Did That Beer Bottle Come From? One Man's Opinion

By Ben Meisner

There is one piece of evidence that keeps rearing its ugly head at the inquest into the shooting death of Ian Bush here in Houston back in October 2005 , and that is just how did that long neck full bottle of beer with a single Ian Bush  finger print  on it get into the  interview room where  was shot?

Numerous persons have testified, including friends who were at the arena when Bush was arrested and police officers alike, that Bush received a thorough patting down before being hauled off to the police station in handcuffs.

The thumb print is that of  Bush, yet there has never been much made of the matter until yesterday when a jury member asked a witness if he had seen Bush being frisked. The reply once again was yes indeed he was thoroughly searched. One single beer bottle raises the whole issue of whether evidence was planted, by whom and why. That will not be learned at this inquest, the jury cannot delve into that area to find fault.

The media in the meantime have been raising the issue of whether a blood spatter expert could some how offer a much different version of what took place that fatal night in that police interview room.

The reality is however in a court of law, guilt comes beyond any reasonable doubt, and dead men cannot tell any tales.

Whether Constable Paul Koester was on the bottom during the fight or whether he was on top is no more than speculation. The only evidence that is available is that of the police officer.

So the jury suddenly becomes limited to make recommendations that ensure that a tape machine is on at all times, and that two police officers are in attendance when dealing with this type of arrest . 

The jury’s hands are tied to go very much further than that.

I’m Meisner and that’s one man’s opinion.

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