Police Kill Iraq Vet In Jersey During Alleged Stabbing (his stepfather)

[sabra]

Source: NBC10

BRIDGETON, N.J. -- Police shot and killed an Iraq war veteran who was allegedly stabbing his stepfather.

Cumberland County Prosecutor Ron Casella said German Sanabria, 26, pushed police aside early Wednesday morning when they tried to pull him away from his stepfather.

A neighbor called police after hearing screams coming from the family's home in Bridgeton, N.J., Casella said. When officers arrived, they saw Sanabria stabbing 79-year-old Frank Garcia with a steak knife, investigators said.

When confronted, police said Sanabria refused to drop the weapon.

Patrolman Anthony Keller shot Sanabria once in the head.

Read more: http://www.nbc10.com/news/15299590/detail.html

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http://www.nj.com/southjersey/index.ssf/2008/02/iraq_veteran_killed_by_police.html

UPDATE: Family says Iraq vet who stabbed stepfather suffered from post-traumatic stress

BRIDGETON, N.J. -- An Iraq war veteran believed by family members to have been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder was shot to death by police after repeatedly stabbing his stepfather Wednesday morning, according to authorities.

City police responded to a report of a fight at 365 Atlantic St. at 6:45 a.m. involving U.S. Army veteran German Sanabria, according to Cumberland County Prosecutor Ron Casella. Officers heard screaming inside the home and forced their way inside.

Upon entering the home, police observed Sanabria's mother, Eva Garcia, 53, running down the steps, covered in blood. After making their way to a back bedroom of the home, police found Sanabria, 26, stabbing his 79-year-old stepfather, Frank Garcia, with what appeared to be a steak knife, Casella said.

Police repeatedly attempted to stop the assault against Frank Garcia without using deadly force, according to Casella. "(Police Officer) Elizabeth Rodriguez attempted to pull Sanabria off of the victim but was pushed away. (Officer) Anthony Keller yelled for Sanabria to put down his weapon but Sanabria continued stabbing his stepfather," he said.

...

Sanabria was observed at the crisis unit at South Jersey Healthcare-Bridgeton Health Center last Friday afternoon after his family, concerned by his recent behavior, sought help from police.

"Even Friday, when we took him there, even though he kept telling them that he was OK, they should have kept him there," Ray said.


German Sanabria in a 2003 file photo.

[zanne]

1. That's just so freakin' sad...

We'll be hearing about things like this for many more years to come. Thanks, Junior.

[sabra]

2. I feel that in past year at least I have noticed more reports of these kinds of incidents :-(

[noamnety]

3. April 23, 2003

Hometown Heros

"The Bridgeton Journal's Tribute to Troops continues with a message from home for German Sanabria Neira serving with the U.S. Army in Kuwait. He is the son of Victor Hugo Sanabria and Eva Neira of Bridgeton. He has an older borther, Victor. German arrived in the United States as a legal permanent resident at the age of 7. He attended Bridgeton Middle and High schools. After graduation, he attended Cumberland County College for one year. Then he joined the Army. German is a friendly, kind, caring and sincere guy. His hobbies include basketball, soccer, video games and going to the beach. His mailing address is: German Sanabria, 1 BCT, 1-41 BN, HHB Co., 2 Plt., Camp Pennsylvania, APO, AE, 09303. His mother sends this message: "My dear son, I miss you so much and I hope to hug you soon. We have been praying for you. I am sure God hears my prayers and you will come home safe. I love you, hijito mio."

http://cgi.thedailyjournal.com/cgi-bin/display_permanent_photo.pl?view=large&disp_filename=yes&gallery=hometown_heros&photo_num=5