The family of Ralph Santos, whose body was found nine days after
the 73-year-old Hollister resident was last seen alive, has called
for the resignation of interim Police Chief Larry Todd.
The family of Ralph Santos, whose body was found nine days after the 73-year-old Hollister resident was last seen alive, has called for the resignation of interim Police Chief Larry Todd.
While the entire incident, from the initial disappearance to the discovery of the body to the arrest of two suspects for the killing, is a sad and tragic event for everyone involved, the call for Todd to step down carries no merit.
Santos family members have said the reason behind the resignation call is because they were mistreated and disrespected by the chief during the disappearance and subsequent murder of Santos.
Speaking through their attorney at a press conference last week, the family said, “The department has attacked the victim and the victim’s family by calling him (Santos) names.”
Earlier, their attorney said the family was hurt when one member reportedly overheard Todd say that “the family was crazy.”
Todd has denied the allegations, and at this point no evidence of such statements has been produced.
From the start, it’s been a sad story with a worse ending. However, often times, in situations where people feel helpless and have no control, anger and frustration can be misdirected.
By all accounts, the law enforcement agencies involved, from the Hollister Police Department to the county Sheriff’s Department and others, acted professionally in regards to the tragic incident. Further, no evidence has been presented to show otherwise.
According to the family, Todd may not have shown the sensitivity the family wanted, but we believe police acted with the kind of professionalism required in such circumstances.
