With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
LAPD Chief Beck on early leak of Giants fan beating suspect's photo: 'The media's relentless in LA'
Police fliers have been circulating the city since the March 31 Dodger Stadium beating of Bryan Stow.
(
Molly Peterson/KPCC
)
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck spoke with KPCC's Patt Morrison about the suspect in the beating of Giants fan Bryan Stow at Dodger Stadium, as well as the continuing investigation.
Beck says that the police didn't want suspect Giovanni Ramirez's photo to be released before the police had a chance to do a lineup with the suspect, but KTLA published a photo of Ramirez before the lineup. The LAPD contacted KTLA and asked them to take it down, which they did.
Beck explained what happened. "The media's relentless in L.A. They were able to get a copy of a photo through a law enforcement source, not the Los Angeles Police Department, and put it online." Beck says that he thinks the media generally does a good job, though, and that it's a mutually beneficial relationship between the media and police.
Ramirez is also named in a crime that occurred in Nevada, but Beck says they're still working out whether Nevada wants Ramirez back to try him for that crime.
Sponsored message
Ramirez took two polygraph exams, one private and one through the police department. Those results won't be released, though, as they're inadmissible and would taint the jury pool in the case, according to Beck.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
