Penney says tribe needs reassurance

ISP cars at the scene of Monday's shooting on Cottonwood Ck. Road.

Tools

Story Published: May 20, 2009 at 10:08 PM PDT

Story Updated: May 20, 2009 at 10:08 PM PDT

By Matt Loveless

Watch the video

LAPWAI - The investigations into Monday's deadly shooting on Cottonwood Creek Road continue.

An ISP trooper, who is not being identified at this time, shot and killed 50-year-old Randall Vernon Ellenwood and injured 37-year-old Ricardo Daniel Rodriguez after a pursuit and confrontation.

The FBI is investigating the shooting and Idaho State Police is conducting an internal investigation to review the actions of the trooper.

Both Ellenwood and Rodriguez are enrolled Nez Perce Tribe members, and that prompted a response from Executive Committee Chairman Sam Penney.

Wednesday Penney sent a letter to the FBI. He said he wants tribal members to be able to have confidence in the investigation.

"I think some of the concerns from tribal membership would be the role of the FBI in these investigations, what type of communication they have with tribal membership, even to the extent of some counseling," said Penney, during an interview Wednesday.

It's the second time since the end of April the FBI has taken charge of a case that involved the shooting death of a tribal member. The other fatal shooting took place in Stites during an alleged break-in.

Penney said the recent events have affected him personally.

"All tribal members are important to the Nez Perce Tribe, and we want to make sure we address the concerns of the tribal members, and that we're responsive to the concerns," said Penney.

Penney said he spoke with Ellenwood's family Wednesday morning.

He said a company called Community Relations Service, based in Seattle, has been contacted by tribal officials. He says they may be able to provide counseling during this emotional and tense time.

"I would hope the Community Relations Service would serve the purpose in hearing what various people have to say about, not only this situation, but just general relations within the Nez Perce Reservation," said Penney.

There are reports circulating that the two men shot were unarmed when confronted by the trooper. FBI spokesperson Juan Beccera said Wednesday that there is no official information confirming that.

Rodriguez was upgraded to serious condition at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Wednesday.

Current Weather

Current Temp 40.0 °F

Fair

More Weather

Current Weather

More Weather

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.