CHESAPEAKE
Ryan Frederick said Thursday he’s not the “drug lord” some people might make him out to be, but a scared, 100-pound man who thought someone was breaking into his home.
The 28-year-old spoke from the city jail, where he is being held without bail on charges of first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the shooting of Chesapeake Detective Jarrod Shivers. The officer was shot around 8:40 p.m. Jan. 17 while executing a drug search warrant at Frederick’s home at 932 Redstart Ave. in the Portlock section.
During a jailhouse interview, Frederick said he was sleeping in a back bedroom because his job as a soft drink merchandiser required him to get up early. His dogs, Dora and Bud, were in the house. He woke up because his dogs “were barking like crazy. They’re going like really crazy, so I grab my gun. As I’m walking through the hall, someone comes busting through my door.”
He said intruders were pushing through the bottom panels of the four-panel door, he said. The lighting in the house was dim. Frederick said he didn’t hear anyone say “police” or see identification.
“I was like, 'Oh, God, if I don’t shoot, then he’s going to kill me’ … I think I shot twice. I can’t remember. It happened so fast. All I know is the gun jammed.”
Frederick said he then went back to the bedroom to get a telephone. When he realized police were outside, he walked out of the house and surrendered.
In tears at times, Frederick said he doesn’t grow or sell marijuana. He had a smoking bong and a small bag of marijuana, he said.
Police spokeswoman Christina Golden has said police were wearing badges and helmets marked with the word “POLICE,” and they announced their presence at the door. An unspecified amount of marijuana was found at the house. Frederick has not been charged with any drug offenses.
A confidential informant told police that Frederick was growing marijuana in a garage behind the home, according to a search warrant. Police seized marijuana, lights, five tub containers, a smoking device, a fan, books and magazines and a pay stub during the search.
Frederick said if police found drugs, it was a small amount of marijuana he had for personal use.
“They made a mistake,’’ he said. “It’s a damn shame, too, because someone had to lose their life over it and I’m in jail about to lose my life over it.”
On Jan. 14, three days before the police shooting, Frederick said, someone kicked in a rear portion of the fence around his home and broke into his garage.
“They ransacked my place like they were looking for something. But they didn’t take anything,” he said.
His fear grew, he said, as he thought about a recent, nearby crime – Ny-Asia Tillmon, 1, who was shot and killed in November in South Norfolk.
Hours before the encounter with police, Frederick said he purchased three dead-bolt locks for his garage and home. He said he was worried he would be victimized again.
Now, he’s afraid. His mother died several years ago, and he has only an aunt and uncle in the area.
“I pray every day,” he said. “That’s all I got right now. I keep thinking that my mom’s looking down at me. I hope she knows I’m not the murderer they make me out to be.”
His aunt, Sheryl Morales of South Norfolk, said her family is doing all they can to support Frederick, while keeping the officer’s wife and family in their prayers.
“I’m just so sorry for her loss and her kids’ loss,” Morales said. “We all offer our condolences. We’ve all prayed for them.”
Shivers was an eight-year police veteran with a wife and three children. The 34-year-old served in the Navy before joining the Police Department.
“There’s nothing but sorrow I feel for that family,” Frederick said. “There are no words that I could say that will take back that night.”
Frederick retained James Broccoletti as his attorney on Thursday and will be arraigned Wednesday .
As for the lights the police found, Frederick said he was growing a banana tree as a hobby and was learning how to grow Japanese maple trees. He said he designed his backyard’s landscape and grew other plants.
Frederick said he has worked since he was 12, starting as a paperboy. As a merchandiser for a soda company, he must wake up at 4 a.m. to be at stores by 5.
“He’s not a killer,” said Frederick’s aunt, Sheryl Morales. “He knew someone was in his house and he shot.”
John Hopkins, (757) 222-5221, john.hopkins@pilotonline.com
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Just my Opinion
"It could have been something else besides drugs." But it wasn't.
It certainly was not an amount that warranted the search warrant that was obtained. This was intended as an example to show it could happen to anyone. WMD's anyone?
"No weed was being grown here." So he says. And weed was found there.
Actually, the evidence from 2 searches says none was being grown there. I don't care he had a dime bag.
"Your comments as usual are overly simplistic." Seems simple to me - no drugs, no drug raid.
Wouldn't it be truer if you said that if there had been accurate information there would have been no raid?
"Does it bother some of you that part of the population ais capable of thinking for themselves?" It seems to bother you that I am thinking for myself.
Your not thinking, your following others.
"Some of you may want to remember that it is self centered to sit here after the fact talking about what the kid should have done." Or, like you, sitting around talking about what CPD should have done.
This is what CPD does as a profession. I would be nice to know they think about possible outcomes before using the force of an armed team to kick in somebodies door. A
Wrong Philip
If you shoot a burglar they had better be armed in the state of VA. You will be charged if you cannot show that this person was able and armed to do damage to you, and within your home. In VA, a burglar can sue you for damages if they become injured in your home or business. A burglary does not constitute a need for self defense. I feel this is an idiotic law it does not make it any less of the law. The kid will most likely be convicted of manslaughter at the very least.
Trial by a jury of ones peers...
1. In this country, juries are composed of American Citizens, who are not, in most cases, legal scholars. Whatever the wording of, "The Law" most, if not all, American citizens would agree that all of us have the right to defend our persons and property. I doubt that any jury would find Mr. Frederick guilty of murder, especially since,
2. False statements made to the police by a, "CI" would not satisfy the legal requirements of, "Probable Cause for Search." This means that the judge who signed the search warrant, did so illegally. The actions of the police in, "executing" the search warrant, are therefore illegal. In fact, it's doubtful that they can even charge Mr. Frederick with misdemeanor possession, since the reefer was found after they illegally kicked his door in...
Quote Surfvb, "You people
Quote Surfvb, "You people who are just assuming you can do this, don't be surprised when you get charged with 2nd Degree murder for doing what this kid did [only with a real burglar being involved]."
Actually if someone is breaking in your house you have every right to defend your property in whatever means nessesary. You wont get charged with anyting because it was self defence. Now if you shoot him/her and then walk up to them and shoot them again you can be charged.
If it were anyone other than a police officer
If it were an intruder coming in this man home the headlines would be "Intruder shot entering home" no big news, no big deal. The problem is that it was the police. As far as I am concerned this is a problem! If someone is coming in my door uninvited I do not want to wait to see if it is someone who is a threat or the police, lets face it once they are in my door I am in danger!
I am very sad for Officer Shrivers family and think it is terrible that his childern are now fatherless, just try to put your self in Fredericks shoes; pot or not pot if someone is coming in your home are you going to wait to see who it is before you react and take a chance that maybe your child could be less on parent. Lets face it when we are in fear for our lives we react! I agree with a previous poster that the police were doing as they have trained to do, and probably did no wrong. The wrong is how this was handled to begin with. They should have made sure Mr. Frederick knew who was coming in his house, had Frederick known it was the police I feel assured he would not have shot!
I will contribute to the officiers memorial fund but if given the chance I would contribute to a legal fund for Freder
where do you start
Lets say we have 100,000 homes in Chesapeake. Lets be VERY CONSERVATIVE and say there is marijuana in one out of every 1000 homes. That gives us 1000 warrants to obtain and 1000 doors to break down tonight. Need to hire more cops...A LOT MORE! When the police have time to break down the doors of marijuana users we already have too many cops or poor leadership telling them how to spend their time. I know it's a cliche but don't we have some real criminals to deal with? If the Chesapeake PD is looking for work I know of an 1 unsolved murder in Norfolk and one in Portsmouth. Offer them your help.
consequences
Ryan has admitted to using pot. Until the trial we probably won't know how much was taken from his house. Unfortunately, when we choose to break the law (smoking pot is breaking the law) we take the risk of getting caught and suffering the consequences. I don't believe Ryan knew it was a police officer breaking down his door but I also believe that Officer Shivers was a wonderful husband and father, terrific friend, and a dedicated law enforcement officer doing his job to protect law-abiding citizens. The problem is with the informant and the procedure the Chesapeak police in general use when serving warrants. No amount of pot is worth anyone's life. Who is this informant? Another drug user who cut a deal to escape punishment? There is too much information yet unknown. I hope Chesapeake and other cities will re-examine the way they serve search warrants. Yes, Ryan was breaking the law by using pot and he should pay for that. But now it's the word of the officers who have just lost a beloved friend against Ryan's and while most officers are probably honest and will do the right thing, I personally know a few who aren't and have heard them lie and have seen how they twist informatio
free ryan
free this kid...
Jersey
Godspeed to you and your fellow officers. I believe Det Shivers and the rest of the team did what they were trained to do the way it was supposed to be done. I've done the ride along previously. You have a tough job. That said, why won't the police describe how much marijuana/seeds/plants were seized in the raid (if even in vague terms)? Why haven't drug charges been filed against Mr Frederick? I don't want to see any officers killed and I grieve for the Shivers family. I know Ryan, though. I don't think the police have to have made mistakes for Ryan to be found innocent.
Some People
You know, some people are unbelievable! The Chesapeake Police went to 932 Redstart because they OBVIOUSLY had ALL the proof they needed that there were drugs and weapons there. And what happened??...they found drugs and weapons! I live on the street where Officer Shivers was murdered. I know that a man just doing his job lost his life because one person CHOSE to grab a gun and start shooting. I know that my neighborhood is grateful for Officer Shivers' bravery and dedication to keeping our streets safe. The Chesapeake Police were doing their job. I know what I saw that night and I know how horrible it was and how scared I was for myself, my family, and my neighbors. God bless those who sacrifce their lives for the well-being of others!
Dear cjgrad
Please pull your head from your backside and pay attention. First off, I'd be willing to bet I know more about gun laws than you could ever dream of. Second, The laws state VERY CLEARLY that these are abolished when it is towards a person in ANY legal capacity. Third, I never claimed to know a thing about this case nor any other in the post. The post was a reference for the OTHER fool who asked "Where EXACTLY does it say you can shoot someone entering your home, in ANY state? Because it is an URBAN MYTH." I was in NO WAY condoning what this loser did, nor was it in any way inferred by my post, it was informational only. So please get off your high horse and zip it. And for your information, Virginia is also now considering a version of the "Castle" laws. And DNA takes 6-12 months to come back by the way. Mostly due to backlog. Maybe you need to "Step away from tv..."
Drug War Carnage
What can I write that hasn't already been written? Maybe send Ryan a letter of support and money order so he can purchase commissary goods while he awaits what, hopefully, won't be a kangaroo court trial. A legal defense fund campaign isn't a bad idea either. Count me in.
Gestapo Tactics
Kicking in doors in the middle of the night and dragging people off to jail is a purposeful methodology used by out of control police to intimidate and demoralize. this time with tragic consequences for everyone involved. Marijuana growing and distribution? Why does that require a midnight raid? The people that made the decision to serve a routine warrant in the middle of the night hold some responsibility to Det Shivers family too.
For Rob Maz
Ok mr I think I know the law because I saw it in wikipideia Uhm did you happen to read THE REAL LAW. You know the one that gives rights to officers if the home is considered a nusience to the neighborhood weither its apparent from the outside or there is strong evidence on the inside. You dont know everything about this case and you are a VERY sad individual if you belive this guy a drug addict no less is right in what he did. Step away from tv I bet you think DNA comes back in 30 min dont you?
Jarrod was a close friend of
Jarrod was a close friend of mine... as you will find the police didn't do anything wrong, wait and see at court. The only thing that went wrong was Ryan shot thru a door and killed someone...
Castle Doctrine
A Castle Doctrine (also known as a Castle Law or a Defense of Habitation Law) designates one's place of residence (or, in some states, any place legally occupied, such as one's car or place of work) as a place in which one enjoys protection from illegal trespassing and violent attack. It then goes on to give a person the legal right to use deadly force to defend that place (his/her "castle"), and/or any other innocent persons legally inside it, from violent attack or an intrusion which may lead to violent attack. Within the legal paradigm, therefore, it functions as a type of justifiable homicide. Castle Doctrines are legislated by state, and not all states in the US have a Castle Doctrine. All the current states AND the references are listed, look it up: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Doctrine
To Heredotus (sp)
Kicking doors in, after dark, is a methodology perfected by the Nazis in the 1930's. Millions of people died, putting those monsters out of business. I guess those of us who are lacking in intelligence and character, don't want the world to go thru that again. I imagine that The Pilot provides us lowlifes with this public forum, because they consider freedom of the press, and freedom of speech, to be pretty good things. I hope this is helpful to you, Heredotus(sp), in your confused state...
Attorney
Where in the world is this guy's attorney and why is he allowing/condoning his client to continue to speak to the Pilot? This case should not be tried in the media.
What I find amazing ...
Is the number of posters to this board who are willing to second-guess the police and accept the word of a drug user. I think such postings simply reflect the posters' lack of intelligence and character. They certainly add nothing worthwhile to any discussion of this tragic event.
As a few have already stated, most people in our community are offering condolences to the Shivers Family and are withholding any other judgments until the facts become clear. Only the basest members of our community are doing otherwise, and it pains me that the Pilot is providing these lowlifes a public forum.
GROW UP!
THIS is what happens when hot-headed cops who decide to act before THINKING! I'd like to know who 'tipped off police' and WHY the "POLICE" who is supposed to protect and defend-DIDN'T RESEARCH! That's crap to me. That's the Chesapeake Police at their best! Morons. Half of them shouldn't be 'defending' our streets in the first place. Sending their OWN PEOPLE to their death over the SUSPICION of pot? Screw that. They had no right to go into that house. Period. I'm sorry but...a 'simple tip' is NOT enough evidence for all that drama. I hope Ryan gets off. I really do. I truly believe he's innocent and was doing NOTHING wrong by defending his home IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT! I'd take a dime-bag charge over murder ANY DAY. C'mon people GROW UP and THINK ABOUT IT! They won't specify the AMOUNT of pot they found because it WASN'T ENOUGH to do that in the first place!! They're SCARED TO because if they did, their REPUTATION would be completely shot because they know they're IDIOTS and sent that officer in to die for NOTHING! So an officer was shot-yes, it's sad. Did you ever stop to think that not ALL members of the police department are RIGHT for doing what they do? LO
Arraignment???
This man has been in custody for 9 days? yet I haven't seen any news of his arraignment. I thought araignment or release was required after 48 hours. What evidence was produced compelling the judge to withold bail?? Can someone help me with this??
Move to Chesapeake - no way!
Makes me glad I don't live in Chesapeake. I feel for the wife and children of the fallen officer and keep them in my prayers but it was a senseless shooting that didn't have to happen. Mr. Frederick was only protecting himself from what he thought was an intuder. He is also in my prayers as well as his dogs. I hope his aunt or someone is taking good care of them. They are probably wondering what happened to their friend.
What would you do if..You
What would you do if..You were sleeping & all of the sudden your dogs wake you barking in terrible fear alarming you of danger..You hear somebody crashing objects through the door..your phone is not at your hands reach..you grab a weapon..knowing your garage was broken into days prior..it's dark outside, dimly lit inside..you then see an intruder in black crawling thru the base of door..everything is happening so fast..trying to protect your life, your home, your family? I would rather shoot an intruder than be carried by 6! Ryan had NO idea it was the CPD behaving this way. He's not a dealer or a grower. A neighbor that saw CPD bang thru the door never heard them say "Police". I respect the police but, I'm LIVID with the way they handled this. Ryan should be let free & the "informant" as well as the persons that set this want to be "drug bust" should take the fall for this.
Sad
The fact is that police did not find enough pot to amount to anything; if they had we would hear how much they found and the "street value".
I feel very sorry for the fallen officiers family and will keep them in my prayers, just as I feel sorry for Ryan and pray him. I consider my self a fair person and I really have tried to see both sides of this. I am however having a hard time seeing how CPD had the right to bust in this mans house.
I am very concerned for this young man Ryan as I think he is going to get railroaded by CPD. I really do believe he thought his life was in danger.
We as citizens and tax payers need to take a stand and stop this from happening again and support Ryan. One day it just may be one of us in this situation. I know for sure that I have no idea what I would do if I was awakened by someone busting in my house and I hope I never have to find out.
I hope Ryan really does get a fair trail and that the truth comes out.
Both families are in my prayers!
Poor bchcat1124, a victim again.
Once again BCHCAT1124 had a similar thing happen to him by VBPD. Does anyone besides me see this pattern from this poster. They are either good story tellers or someone that looks to cause trouble for the police. Let me see if this comment I am writing gets removed like the last one.
Where you there?
After reading all these comments, I kept asking myself where you there?
The final answer is no. Most, if not all of you have based you opinions on reports from the media. It doesn't matter the channel, but drama sells (ask Britney Spears). Once again, where you there? Each of you seems to state I would have done this or that or whatever? The fact of the matter 99.9% of you have never been in the situation faced by Det. Shivers or Mr. Fredrick. I have read misquotes on the gun laws, Federal laws and police procedures. Once again, where you there? For all you people who want to legalize pot, go ahead, there still will be an underground for it. Look at all those fake watches and purses you can buy in NY. God Bless Detective Jarrod Shivers for his hard work as a father and husband. In addition, I know he was a fine police officer too.
Mr. Fredrick, stop giving those jail house interviews,James Broccoletti should have told you that. I read that you practice at the range with your pistol. I guess you missed the part where you should know your target and don't just fire at will. Once you pull the trigger and you can't bring the bullet back.
The people have spoken
(re-posted to correct typo)
What happened to this being a country for the people by the people? This man killed an intruder who for all he knew could have been planning to kill him. The police department made a huge mistake here and it cost an officer his life and made a killer of an innocent victim. If no one's life is at risk, these bust the door down warrants should NEVER be allowed. If it was suspected that this man was growing/dealing drugs, he should have been approached during the day, peacefully, questioned, and then a warrant could be served if needed. Had I awoken to someone breaking down my front door, I would have shot them too. As an American citizen, we are supposed to have a right to protect ourselves.
bersa .380
Some have said that he shot "through" the door not knowing his target. This leads one to believe that he just shot wildly and irrationally. Well, a .380 in a Bersa Thunder or Lightning is not that powerful of a round. It is the same diameter with less velocity of a typical 9mm. It is not known for being a cop killer or used to protect your product or crop. It is used for close self defense. It's good for putting holes in paper targets and that’s about it. I can not see that particular round penetrating an intact door then killing this officer in the way that it did. One shot went through the shoulder and arm? If there was a solid door between this poor officer and the shooter, that would be quite the magic bullet. Unless, of course, he was pushing his way through the bottom of the door after bashing it in with a ram and pry bar. We shall see. I think I need a video surveillance to just cover my behind if this were to ever happen to me.
Chesapeake is at Fault and Should Compensate This Guy.
This is a tragedy that could have been avoided. There is no justification for this kind of behavior based on the evidence or even on the suspected crime. Sounds to me like the City of Chesapeake owes this poor guy a lot more than an apology.
The people have spoken
What happened to this being a country for the people by the people? This man killed an intruder who for all he knew could have been planning to kill him. The police department made a huge mistake here and it cost an officer his life and made a killer of an innocent victim. If no one's life is at risk, these bust the door down warrants should NEVER be allowed. If it was suspected that this man was growing/dealing drugs, he should have been approved during the day, peacefully, questioned, and then a warrant could be served if needed. Had I awoken to someone breaking down my front door, I would have shot them too. As an American citizen, we are supposed to have a right to protect ourselves.