Norfolk’s Commonwealth’s Attorney Jack Doyle has completed his investigation into the death of police officer Seneca Darden, who was shot and killed by fellow officer Gordon Barry in May. There will be no criminal charges filed against Barry. Doyle released an 8-page summary of what happened, concluding:
There were many players, both citizens and police officers, in this chain of events that led to the death of this fine person and dedicated police officer. None intended or foresaw that such a tragedy could result. This chain of events included random fate and judgment calls that were based upon misperceptions. These need to be acknowledged and addressed in a positive way to prevent any reoccurrence of such a tragedy in the future, here in our City or elsewhere.
Dealing with the sudden loss of a loved one, especially at the hands of another, is about the hardest thing that you can ever do. My own brother was murdered April 15, 1995. I understand the frustration and the desire to see someone punished. In reading through the report, I can see how Doyle came to the conclusion that he did but that doesn’t make the loss any easier to deal with. Two families have been irreparably damaged by the events of May 21.
Procedures in the Norfolk Police Department will change as the result of this tragedy. And, no doubt, the city will be paying the family of Darden damages for its role in this. But no amount of money will make up for the loss of a this young husband and father. Darden, 25, is survived by his young daughter and his wife, who discovered she was pregnant a few weeks after the funeral.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 