Long before the Rodney King beating brought the L.A.P.D.'s penchant for brutality to the forefront, victims such as Ruben Salazar paid a heavier price.

At the time of his death, the Los Angeles District Attorney's office did not even consider opening an investigation into the shooting. Since no formal investigation was conducted, no charges were brought against the policeman who shot Salazar with a tear gas projectile as he sat in a bar.

This left many with the impression that Latinos, no matter how prestigious they are, do not warrant an investigation into their deaths at the hands of police officers.
by Robert Munoz