Jury: Vest makers failed to warn slain OPD officer of problems
By: SCOTT MARSHALL - Staff Writer | ∞
Jamie Zeppetella, right, who is the wife of slain Oceanside police officer Tony Zeppetella, is hugged by Oceanside Police Department chaplain Marilyn Neubauer after Zeppetella was awarded a total of 3.6 million dollars from a jury's verdict on her lawsuit against the manufacturers of her husband's bullet resistant vest at the Vista Courthouse on Thursday. Neubauer said she knew Tony Zeppetella and is a close friend of the family.
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VISTA ---- A Superior Court jury awarded slain Oceanside police Officer Tony Zeppetella's widow $3.6 million in damages Thursday, finding that the companies involved with making Zeppetella's bullet-resistant vest failed to adequately warn him about its risks.
The jury found that the failure to warn was a "substantial factor" in the death of Zeppetella, who was killed in a 2003 gunbattle in the line of duty.
Jurors split 9-3 on most of the questions posed to them in the civil trial of the lawsuit Zeppetella's widow, Jamie Zeppetella, filed against the companies. Nine out of 12 jurors have to agree to reach a verdict in a civil case.
The jury, which deliberated about a week, was unable to reach a verdict, however, on whether the bullet-resistant vest Zeppetella wore had a design defect that contributed to his death.
Jurors awarded Jamie Zeppetella and her son, Jakob, $2.1 million in economic damages for the income Tony Zeppetella, 27, would have earned to provide for his family, gifts he would have given them, and the value of other support he would have provided to his family over the course of his life. The jury also awarded $1.5 million for the loss of his love and companionship due to his death.
The Zeppetella family stands to receive only about $2.5 million of the $3.6 million in total damages the jury awarded. The jury decided that the man on death row for shooting Zeppetella, Adrian George Camacho, was responsible for 70 percent of the $1.5 million damage award, or $1,050,000. But the Zeppetellas previously dropped Camacho from the lawsuit because the criminal justice system held him accountable, Emerson said.
Second Chance Body Armor, which made Tony Zeppetella's vest, and Toyobo Co. Ltd., which produced the Zylon fiber used to make ballistic panels in the vest, are both responsible for the full $2.1 million in economic damages. Attorneys in the case had agreed to that amount if the jury found the companies liable.
The jury decided Second Chance was responsible for only 20 percent of the $1.5 million damage award, or $300,000, and that Toyobo was responsible for 10 percent, or $150,000.
Outside the courtroom, Jamie Zeppetella said she was "really glad" the jury found both companies partially liable.
"That's what I was fighting for ---- for everyone who was responsible to be held accountable," Jamie Zeppetella said. "I think this does that."
Jamie Zeppetella's attorney, Greg Emerson, said the verdict brought "peace of mind" to the Zeppetella family and was a "gratifying moment."
Toyobo's lead attorney, Michael Lyle, said he will file a motion asking Judge Michael Anello to set aside the verdict. James Huston, another attorney for Toyobo, explained that in such a motion, the judge is asked to review the case and make sure that everything the jury decided is supported by the evidence.
"We don't believe the evidence supports a verdict against Toyobo," Huston said.
Robert Green, Second Chance's attorney, said he anticipates filing a similar motion.
"I'm disappointed with the result because I believe no matter what vest Officer Zeppetella was wearing, he would have died," Green said.
Tony Zeppetella was shot to death June 13, 2003, during a traffic stop in the parking lot of the Navy Federal Credit Union on Avenida de la Plata in Oceanside. Adrian Camacho was convicted in November 2005 of first-degree murder for the crime and was sentenced in February to death.
In November 2003, Jamie Zeppetella filed a lawsuit against Second Chance and Toyobo.
During the trial, Emerson argued that the shooting left a hole in Zeppetella's vest that shouldn't be there. Officials at Second Chance Body Armor and Toyobo knew of problems with Zylon degrading and losing strength when exposed to heat, light and humidity, but continued to use it in the vests, Emerson argued.
Attorneys for Toyobo and Second Chance argued that no vest made of any ballistic material could have stopped the gunshot in question because of the type of bullet involved, the angle at which it struck the vest, and the direction in which the bullet was traveling. Lyle also argued that a different gunshot, which did not strike the vest, would have killed Zeppetella even if the vest had stopped the first bullet.
The jury foreman, Keith, a 30-year-old accountant from Carlsbad who declined to give his last name, said the jury could not reach a verdict on whether or not the vest failed. Jurors were split fairly evenly about whether the vest had a defect because of the angle and location of the shot and whether another shot could have been fatal, Keith said.
"The evidence was weak on both sides," he said. "There was no smoking gun. There was no obvious evidence."
Juror Denice James, 51, of Oceanside, who works for the state Department of Corrections, said jurors reached a decision early on about the companies' failure to warn Zeppetella, but were split down the middle on the whether the vest had a design defect.
The jury believed that Second Chance and Toyobo knew enough information about potential problems with the vest before the shooting that should have been disclosed to consumers and would have provided Tony Zeppetella some alternatives regarding his vest, Keith said.
"It was all internal information, and we felt it didn't get to the end user in time, or to the end user at all," Keith said.
James also said the companies should have warned Zeppetella.
"If they had warned him, he would have had the opportunity to upgrade his vest," James said. "He would have had the opportunity to research for himself. He never got the opportunity to make a conscious decision. ... If he would have been warned, we wouldn't be here."
Emerson has said Zeppetella paid $313 of his own money to "upgrade" to the Zylon vest at issue in the lawsuit. He bought the vest through Professional Police Supply Inc., a retailer that agreed last year to pay $165,000 to Jamie and Jakob Zeppetella to settle its portion of the lawsuit without admitting any liability.
Second Chance Body Armor Inc. filed for bankruptcy in October 2004 in the wake of several lawsuits related to its vests. Armor Holdings Inc., a Florida-based company, bought Second Chance's assets ---- excluding any liability for legal claims related to Zylon vests ---- last year for $45 million. Armor Holdings then created a new company, Second Chance Armor Inc., which is in business today but is not involved with the Zeppetella lawsuit, a spokesman for the company said in an e-mail.
Green said insurance for the former Second Chance Body Armor company would cover the amounts the jury ordered the company to pay the Zeppetella family if the verdict stands.
As they have on many points throughout the trial, Emerson and Green disagreed Thursday on what the jury said with its verdict.
"This jury found that there was no defect in this vest and that Adrian Camacho was 70 percent responsible for this shooting," Green said. "I think that's an important statement."
Emerson said, however, that the jury said through its verdict that Tony Zeppetella's vest failed him and that is why he is dead.
"The vest failed to stop the bullet and the jury found that's what killed Tony," Emerson said.
Jamie Zeppetella said she does not know what she'll do next now that the criminal and civil trials related to her husband's death are over, but that she does have some ideas about reaching out to the community, getting involved in charities and "giving back to the community that's given so much to us."
Staff writer Teri Figueroa contributed to this report. Contact staff writer Scott Marshall at (760) 631-6623 or smarshall@nctimes.com.
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David wrote on Sep 7, 2006 1:11 PM:Jamie Zeppetella- We, the residents of Oceanside, are happy that you will be able to raise your son without any financial concerns!
Poetic Justice wrote on Sep 7, 2006 2:36 PM:I hope Mrs. Zeppetella can begin to find some peace and satisfaction with this judgement. However, the final act of judgement rests with carrying on with the execution of the dirtbag cop-killer Adrian Camacho. Camacho should be forced to wear a Second Chance Body Armor vest as he faces a firing squad on his execution day. That would be poetic justice indeed.
Seems to me: wrote on Sep 7, 2006 2:37 PM:To be a good judgement. Users should know and be told of the effects of age on this equipment. Nothing is certain but if the vests need to be replaced ever year then DO IT. If I wore one I'd replace it at my own expense.
Grateful for His Service wrote on Sep 7, 2006 2:44 PM:I'm really happy for you. While nothing can replace your husband, at least you won't suffer financially from your loss. Also, it will put these companies on notice to provide officers and others with important information. My brother was a police officer killed in the line of duty also. We understand the tremendous sadness. God be with you and your son always.
Hope the vest manufacturer appeals the decision wrote on Sep 7, 2006 3:24 PM:That's sick! 3.6 million? You got to be kidding! He would have only earned a small fraction of that if he had lived. These judgements are nothing short of criminal.
Reply to Seems to me wrote on Sep 7, 2006 3:36 PM:Officer Zeppetella's vest was only 8 months NEW, it was not an old vest. I believe he had good judgment.
Kay wrote on Sep 7, 2006 3:48 PM:Justice was served today. Jamie's courage has given the City comfort. She has conducted herself with great dignity. For a young woman, she has lived through so much. I hope that she can collect on this judgment, every dollar. She and Jakob must embrace life and move on.
Police Volunteer wrote on Sep 7, 2006 4:03 PM:jamie, Glad you got the verdict in your corner. i really hope that things work out for you. From what everyone tells me Tony was a great guy. It is very sad that this happened to your husband. I volunteer for Escondido police and hope to be employed with them one day.
To Poetic Justice wrote on Sep 7, 2006 4:07 PM:That is cruel and unusual punishment. What would be poetic justice is if the officers who shoot and kill people would receive their due punishment. I am glad Jamie will be able to go on with life. I hope this ends her need to sue everyone. It would be nice if her attorney would try her case for free, lets not forgot that 30% of this settlement goes to the money hungry sharks that took this case to trial.
Peace wrote on Sep 7, 2006 4:24 PM:While I am happy that Ms. Z. was granted an award, $3.6 is an awful lot of money. Yes, the attorneys will get their share, what a shame. And I must say that putting Camacho in front of a firing squad is way too good for him. He is a hero in prison for killing a cop. Peace to all.
PAT wrote on Sep 7, 2006 4:26 PM:To Poetic Justice; YES.., It would be nice if her attorney would try her case for free,but he's out to make big bucks too, like all the others attorneys that's why he took this case $$$$$$$$$
Sam wrote on Sep 7, 2006 4:40 PM:Good for her.
Jack's View wrote on Sep 7, 2006 5:19 PM:The real sad note about this is it didn't have to happen. Camacho is an illegal alien and should not have been here in the first place. My heart goes out to Mrs. Z and her son, having to raise him without a dad is tough! The Country of Mexico shouuld help out in this award, for not helping us maintain our border.
Jake wrote on Sep 7, 2006 6:07 PM:Yes, I too am glad the vest manufacturer was held liable and must pay - at the very least, this will secure her and her child's future, even without her husband. But where does everyone get off saying the attorney's fee is outrageous or that he should do it for free? Do all you work for free? I don't, I work to get paid. Since she got a nice judgement, seems the attorney earned his money. Don't hate the player, hate the game. Y'all hate attorney's till ya need one, and no, I'm not an attorney, but I respect what role they play. I'm sure Jaime is pretty pleased with what HER legal council did for her.
Incredible! wrote on Sep 7, 2006 7:03 PM:Well, it was all about the money all along so maybe this can go away now. The appeal will greatly reduce the award as it should be - since it will be based on logic rather than emotion. This man would have made far less than 1/3 the award in his lifetime so the damages need to match the reality.
To Incredible! wrote on Sep 7, 2006 7:30 PM:What's your life worth?
Dan wrote on Sep 7, 2006 7:33 PM:Incredible, you don't know what you are talking about and have no idea what it's like to raise the boy without his dad and mostly, to loose your loved one. No money in the world can replace that big loss!
worried about my childrens future wrote on Sep 7, 2006 8:05 PM:to those of you who seem to think that 3.6 million dollars is to much..you should think about this. When my husband (who is a police officer) tucks in my children in at night and kisses them that is worth no amount of money. When he sings to my 4 year old when he is sick that is worth no amount of money. So to say that 3.6 is to much money for tonys life I am sure to his son it is worth much more. Oh and lets talk about how much the company paid for their lawyers to cover up there wrong doing...At least Jamies lawer was fighting for justice and not a companys greed..Lets hope those of you in the future need not a police officer to protect you or a lawyer to protect justice.
All About Money wrote on Sep 7, 2006 8:16 PM:Every lawsuit is about money ... period. Principle doesn't exist when someone has bills to pay. Be it the attorney or the suddenly & unexpected single mother. Any manufacturer should be held accountable when they KNOWINGLY produce & market a faulty product, but the amount awarded needs to be held in accordance with the actual financial loss. Unfortunately, you cannot put a price on life ... you can only put a price on earning potential and it's also unfortunate to say that a police officer will not, under normal circumstances, earn 3.6 million dollars during a typical full term career. They probably should ... but they don't. His death is absolutely tragic & uncalled for given the circumstance of the perp and will negatively affect his family & friends for the rest of their lives. That said, no one should be able to PROFIT from anyone's death in the way this verdict will allow. The judgement was 100% correct, but the award could use some work.
SIS In FLA wrote on Sep 7, 2006 8:37 PM:If the concern was so much about money, there would have been an amount sued for when the suit began. There was not. She is my sister. I know for a fact it was for JUSTICE and based on PRINCIPLE. The lifetime earnings for Tony was calculated at 2.1 million. Nobody knows the full earning capacity for anyone. Who is to say that Tony would not have become a multi-million dollar entreprenuer at some time in his life? How can any one of us predict what the earnings of a lifetime will be?
gimmeabreak wrote on Sep 7, 2006 8:40 PM:To those on this threat who hope for an appeal, or rail against "Sharks who took the case," consider that the evidence was that the defendants knew they had a problem with the durability of the vest fabric, but failed to warn customers or recall it anyway. The lawyer cannot make the argument, but would you trade your spouse/the other parent of your children for any price? How do you value the absence of a parent? The playground trips that never happen? The vacations that aren't taken? The first ballgame that will never occur? Whats that worth? The parties to the suit stipulated that had Officer Zeppetella lived and worked his full career he would have earned 2.1 million in salary. Clearly the lion's share of the verdict was to replace that lost income stream. As for the "Sharks" comment, most regular people like Mrs. Zeppetella cannot afford an attorney to take a case like this to trial - at $200 to $300 an hour most people couldn't. Then you add expert witnesses and trying a case like this can run well into six figures. Defense attorneys get paid win lose or draw, the plaintiff side only gets paid if it wins or the defense settles. Wanna be mad at somebody? Be mad at the manufacturers for gambling and tying up a courtroom for 2 weeks, instead of paying a worthwhile amount to settle a righteous case.
RIP Tony wrote on Sep 7, 2006 8:53 PM:This was NEVER about money...It is a bitter sweet victory in a battle where no one wins. Thank you Jamie for your strength and RIP Tony.
SIS in FLA wrote on Sep 7, 2006 9:11 PM:Gimmeabreak hit the nail on the head!I can say, and believe me, I am speaking for Jamie's entire family, we would have gladly paid any amount to her attorney for the justice that has been won, not only for Tony, but for every person, officer, soldier, and president, (our own Presidents wore these things!)who own the vests, and the ones who would have owned the vests,GLOBALLY.What a tragedy it would have been had the lie continued. Her attorney was representing the safety of the entire global comunity of these fine folks! ANY price would have been a fair price! How can we place a price on the courage and fortitude it takes to fight this sort of thing and win for essentially everyone's sake?
oh, I'm sorry I don't remember seeing you there... wrote on Sep 7, 2006 9:28 PM:To any of you out there who wrote any above comments about the priciple and or money regarding this case....must not have actually attended this trial for the past 4 1/2 weeks each day and/ or been involved with this genuinely kind spirited young women and her beautiful child for last 3 or more years!! Didn't your mother ever teach you..."If you don't have something nice to say, then don't say anything at all?" Keep your retalitory and/or mean comments to yourself!! Again, I'm sorry I don't think I saw you there??? Congratulations Jaime!! Much love to You and Jakob Forever....May the Lord continue to guide you and keep you both...Amen!
moneydoesn'tmatter wrote on Sep 7, 2006 11:02 PM:I am currently in college majoring in criminal justice. If I were killed in the line of duty I would want my family taken care of too. Although the money will not bring him back, atleast his family will not have to suffer anymore than what they have. I just hope that the companies will get thier stuff straight so this doesn't happen to someone else because of their lack of integrity.
WAY TO GO JAMIE wrote on Sep 7, 2006 11:11 PM:On behalf of all of us wives and husbands who every day live with the fear of your reality, THANK YOU!!! It is because of you a lot of departments had to re-issue the vest provided by thier departments. As a wife of a police officer, I have had to live through your tragidy loosing a family memember in the LOD. I appriciate your successful efforts in what you have stood for and accomplished though what has had to be the toughest time of your life. You are a woman who need to be commended for all that you have had to suffer. You have had to deal with the loss of a husband, your young childs father, the legal trial that brought justice to your husband's KILLER and for the justice and protection all other police officers. This lawsuit is not just about money, it is about the many 1000's of officer who (by the taxpayers) are given faulty vest. I salute you for a job well done. You are amazing. You are every wives hero
Jamie wrote on Sep 7, 2006 11:15 PM:Jamie, Please do not listen to the stupid, uneducated comments from the people posting here. Your work for the protection of our vest is to be commended. For those people who feel the need to say the settlement is unfair? Well, they have no idea of what they are talking about. Let them get a job as a cop, and see how long they would last....THANK JAMIE
One for the cops wrote on Sep 7, 2006 11:23 PM:all about money, go and join the acadamy,put on a defauly bullet proof vest. Go out and deal with gang bangers the those that represent the worst of society. See what your family goes through, see what most of most go through when there is A LINE OF DUTY DEATH. Think of what it will be like knoing you will not be coming home tonite because something went terribly wrong today. It will be then and ONLY then that you have a right to talk. Your attitude will change on this matter.
O'SIDER wrote on Sep 8, 2006 12:56 AM:lets face it, if it had been any of you in her shoes, you would have done the same! I know i would have. kudos to you Jamie for having the strength and courage to fight after all you've been through. i'm glad you won and i'm sure Tonys looking down,smiling and saying,THATS MY GIRL!
CA Expatriat wrote on Sep 8, 2006 3:52 AM:Since the killer was an illegal alien, why wasn't the Mexican gov't and Vincente Fox named in the suit? After all, it is that country's policies and practices which ultimately led to this tragedy. Have we mentioned the Bush administration yet? It is their failure to protect our nation's borders which also contributed mightily to this situation. RIP Officer Z.
ANNE wrote on Sep 8, 2006 4:00 AM:FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT THINK THE ATTORNEY IS "OUT FOR THE BIG BUCKS" DO THE MATH....OUT OF THE 3.6 MILLION 1.5 OF THAT IS DUE FROM CAMACHO, THEY WILL NEVER SEE THAT. THE REMAINING AMOUNT IS 2.1 OUT OF THAT ALL COURT COSTS WILL BE PAID, THEN 1/3 OF WHAT IS LEFT THE ATTORNEY WILL GET AND HE WILL HAVE TO PAY 50% IN TAXES ON THAT. AFTER ALL IS SAID AND DONE HE WILL HAVE TO SPLIT WHAT IS LEFT WITH ANY FIRMS INVOLVED AND WILL BE LEFT WITH MAYBE 300,000.00 FOR OVER THREE YEARS WORTH OF WORK. THE AVERAGE ATTORNEY PUTS IN OVER 80 HOURS A WEEK, THAT WOULD BE OVER 12,480 HOURS ....OH YES AND WITH THAT MONEY HE STILL HAS TO PAY THE PEOPLE THAT WORKED FOR HIM.....YES OH YES HE MADE THE "BIG BUCKS" ALRIGHT AFTER ALL IS SAID AND DONE HE MIGHT HAVE MADE ENOUGH TO TAKE A WEEKS VACATION TO DISNEYWORLD. AS FOR JAIME, SHE WILL ONLY SEE ABOUT 1.5 MILLION OF THAT 3.6 AND WITH THAT WILL HAVE TO CARE FOR HER SON AND HERSELF. THE AVERAGE CHILD COSTS ABOUT 1.2 MILLION TO RAISE UP TO THE AGE OF 18. YES PEOPLE I CAN SEE WHERE THIS WAS GREED!! SHE WILL BE LIVING THE HIGH LIFE NOW! GET OVER IT ALL PLEASE! I AM IN THE FIELD OF LAW, IT IS NOT ALL A BIG BUCKS GAME, WHAT YOU SEE IS THE 3.6 MILLION HEADLINE WHAT YOU DO NOT SEE IS WHAT IT TAKES TO GET TO THAT POINT. THE COST TO GO TO COURT, THE TAXES AND FEES DUE. COULD IT BE THAT MS. ZEPPETELLA AND HER ATTORNEY ACTUALLY WANTED TO STOP OTHERS IN THE FIELD OF PROTECTING YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES BE HARMED FROM A COMPANY THAT COULD CARE LESS ABOUT ANYTHING THAN THIER POCKET BOOK? I COMMEND JAMIE ZEPPETELLA FOR HAVING THE GUTS TO TAKE ON THE CORPORATE CRIMINALS AND AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED THE JURY SHOULD HAVE GIVEN HER 10 MILLION!
Wrong guy pays wrote on Sep 8, 2006 6:59 AM:Who cares about the amount of the settlement. What is interesting is the company making the vest is paying. The officer's death was not the fault of the vest manufacturer, it was the fault of the killer. By holding the company responsible, the murderer gets a free pass.
best wishes from Chowda wrote on Sep 8, 2006 7:11 AM:This is the day that The Lord has made Let us rejoice And be glad in it. Best to you and your family Jamie. Sincerely, Chowda!
SAD wrote on Sep 8, 2006 7:29 AM:I swear, not only do I think that this newspaper sucks but I think the readers are starting to get dummer. This is a woman who lost her husband who was protecting our rights as a police officer. He was shot by some thug illegal and all you guys can say is that the 3.6 million dollar settelment is outrageous and that this officer would have never made that much money. ARE YOU SERIOUS??? While all of you are sitting here reading you lame NCT paper this woman is still trying to explain to her son why daddy isnt around, and all you can talk about is the money. Do you really think she did this JUST for the money. Grant it she does deserve some financial assistance, and if this manufacturer was producing a faulty product then she definitly deserves compensation from them. I just cant believe some of the stuff I read in these blogs.
Don't judge her, you don't even know her... wrote on Sep 8, 2006 8:17 AM:Jamie, I hope you ignore all the immature comments. If any of them even knew they would know that this was not about money. Shame on people like that who would say something so cruel. You lost the man you loved, the father of Jakob. Jamie, you are a strong and beautiful woman. Justice has now been served! Amen! You have stayed strong and true, to Tony, for the past 3 years and are truly someone I admire. I know he is in heaven looking on you very proudly, as we all are! Stay strong, the battles are now over, they have been found liable, you can now have some peace. I love you Jamie. Love, Julie:)
Jon B. wrote on Sep 8, 2006 8:37 AM:I am so sick of cops and the apologists for cops whining about the job. If you dont like the job quit, its a free country. Nobody forced you to be a cop. Cops represent a lot of what is wrong with this country.
Chump Change wrote on Sep 8, 2006 8:49 AM:An obvious "compromise" verdict where, because the jury couldn't agree on liability, they came out with a relatively low-ball damages award. How could the jury rationally conclude that, but for the failure to warn, Zepetella would not have died? On the other hand, it could have been much, much worse for the defendants, so it all suggests that the jury was simply looking for a way to give the widow and child a little bit of money. Rough justice, to be sure, but it's a result that probably everyone can live with.
California Family wrote on Sep 8, 2006 8:50 AM:As family of Jamie Zeppetella, I am very happy to see that the vest companies have been exposed. Hopefully now the Government will continue to investigate these companies and will prosecute those who were aware of the degrading vest material. You should thank Jamie for sticking up for what is right. The monatary reward was not the goal nor was it necessary, but it will help Jamie and Jakob to be financially stable so that they can move forward with their lives. And they can now give back to the community that helped them so much when Tony was taken from them!
Onetyme wrote on Sep 8, 2006 8:51 AM:I am glad Jamie received that money. As far as the rest of you saying that it is way too much....did you ever take math in school? Consider an officer's annualy salary, plus the overtime an officer works. Multiply that by at least 20 years. There is a lot of overtime available. Court appearances, special engagements, etc. Don't forget potential promotions. Oh, and don't forget the pay increases that an officer would receive in that 20 years. I'd say that kind of money is about right. It was never about the money. Tony would still be here earning a living for him and his beautiful family if it wasn't for that stupid idiot Camacho. True, no amount of money will bring Tony back, but I'm glad for Jamie. God Bless you Jamie and your family. RIP Tony. You are not forgotten. And to you "hope the vest maufacturer appeals", how about a little compassion?! You have no idea what Tony would have earned. A "small fraction?" You're kidding right? Tell you what..go put on a Second Chance vest and go straight to some place "HOT."
Pete Nice wrote on Sep 8, 2006 9:39 AM:I hope this helps Jamie & I hope she doesn't go the "wrong route" with the money. Use it wisely, raise your son & move on with your life. Be strong.
It's hard to judge: wrote on Sep 8, 2006 9:40 AM:The verdict in these cases unless a person was in court every day. One has to trust the jury and the legal system. It ain't perfect but it's all we got.
To Jamie wrote on Sep 8, 2006 9:58 AM:I agree with Incredible maybe this case will go away now, unless Jamie Z. thinks of someone else she can sue. The settlement is definately more that Tony would of earned in a lifetime. I am sure that by this time next year Jamie will be happily married (hopefully not to a cop). To Jamie we do not chose dangerous jobs as our occupations, law enforcement officers do. Your comment is ridiculous what makes you the expert on how stupid or uneducated we are? All I can say if you play with fire you just might get burned. Police officers take these dangerous jobs by choice, their spouses know the dangers and they choose to marry them. I don't think we are the stupid ones.
Dan wrote on Sep 8, 2006 10:34 AM:To JOHN B. I bet when you're in trouble, you be the first one to call a Cop to help you Nobody else is there to protect you,only the brave COPS out there will. Shame on you!!!They risk their lives every day for people like you.
Dan wrote on Sep 8, 2006 10:43 AM:I am sure knowing Tony, he would of earned a lot more money the way he worked hard to get places; he wouldn't of been a street cop for long, but moved up. That's how Tony was,to get ahead. Who knows how much more money he would of made. He was smart and a very hard worker.
Robert wrote on Sep 8, 2006 11:10 AM:None of this would have been necessary if our borders were secure. Camacho was in this country illegally. Remember that next time someone cries for open borders.
Vistares wrote on Sep 8, 2006 11:17 AM:I have to agree with Anne to a point, but there is one thing she is not quite accurate with. I'm sure many attorneys work an 80 hour week, and I'm sure the attorney in this case put in a lot of hours, but I'm also quite sure that the attorney did NOT work 12,480 hours on this case alone! If this attorney worked all those hours in 3 years and only came away with "enough for a trip to Disneyworld" he is in the wrong business. Attorneys routinely handle several cases at a time, and granted they don't win all the civil cases like this one. My point is in an effort to prove the point, Anne overstated the facts. If my math serves me, 80 hours a week times 52 weeks a year is 4160 hours a year, times 3 years equals the 12,480 hours. What ever happened to vacations? This attorney worked for 3 years with NO vacation? Not a single day off? Wow! Also Anne, since you are "in the field of law" turn off your cap lock. It is very annoying and hard to read, not to mention it considered the equivalent of shouting! Personally I have no problem with the verdict, but this is a case where no one wins.
Harry wrote on Sep 8, 2006 12:15 PM:The anti-lawyer rant has been fueled by the Bush administration and then blind envy has amplified it. For those who think it was about the money all the time--why don't you get yourself shot in a similar manner so your family can get theirs. Somehow you don't blink an eye when defense contractors and CEO's the likes of Delay and Frist and Hastert wax fat, but let some victim go to court and win a settlement your outraged!
THE ONE wrote on Sep 8, 2006 12:45 PM:BLAH.BLAH,BLAH... TONY ZEPETELLA IS STILL DEAD AND 2.5 MILLION WON'T BRING A FATHER TO YOUR CHILDREN. I HOPE YOUR HAPPY.MAYBE SHE SHOULD DISTRIBUTE SOME OF THAT MONEY AMONG THE O.P.D. TO UPGRADE THEIR VEST AND ENSURE THIS WONT' HAPPEN TO THEM.... I DOUBT IT.
To: To Jamie wrote on Sep 8, 2006 2:10 PM:You should be thankful for the police officers out there who are willing to take a dangerous job to protect YOUR A**!!!!! Also, $2.1m is about how much a police officer would make over the course of his career. And, who makes you the expert on how much a person would make over their lifetime? It is terrible for you people to come on here and bash a young widow for doing the right thing. Because of her efforts our cops aren't wearing this crappy vest and will be a little more protected the next time some criminal pulls a gun on them. We should be thanking Mrs. Z, not ridculing her.
1452 wrote on Sep 8, 2006 2:14 PM:um, the OPD's vests have already been changed to ensure this won't happen to them. do you know why? because of jamie's lawsuit and bringing the defective zylon vests to light.
Common Sense wrote on Sep 8, 2006 2:54 PM:Hello "The One"... I am Common Sense. It is clear that we have not met. It would seem by your "logic" that we should not have convicted Camacho either because that did not bring Tony Zeppetella back? Furthermore,we should not hold unethical companies responsible when they willingly jeopardize the lives of those that rely upon them for safety? Oh,perhaps you also failed to realize that BECAUSE her husband is dead,Jamie and Jakob have no one to help support the family. Here is a dose of common sense... IF TONY CANNOT WORK,THOSE WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE SHOULD PROVIDE COMPENSATION. These officers readily accept the dangers associated with being a cop. However, they do so knowing, or at least believing, that they are well equiped and that with the proper training and equipment they will win the fight. Tony was killed because of Camacho,No Chance Body Armor and Toyobo. They are all responsible. Now... ... do something positive to make a difference in our society. Oh, I am sure that if you lost a loved one that you would simply walk away... RIGHT. Get a grip and don't hesitate to call on me, common sense, anytime you need me.
OPD Wife wrote on Sep 8, 2006 4:10 PM:In response to "To Jamie", posted at 9:58 am, as an OPD wife, apparently I am now stupid for marrying someone who would choose a noble profession, such as law enforcement, to protect and serve those of you who apparently can't even appreciate the potential (or actual) sacrifices that these officers and their families make. Unbelieveable. I guess I should tell my husband what a "stupid" decision he made to "play with fire" by choosing to serve and protect the citizens of Oceanside, many of whom would obviously prefer not to have law enforcement. (By the way, fire fighters run IN to burning buildings- are they stupid too?!?) Good to know his services and that of his fellow officers are appreciated; that'll help me sleep so much better at night. And to ALL of you who question how much money Jamie has been awarded, I ask- is it coming out of your pocket? If not, then don't worry about it.... this lawsuit has never been about the money for Jamie; it's about seeing justice being done to right a wrong when careless individuals chose not to place value on human life above their profit margins. If I know Jamie as well as I believe I do, the City of Oceanside will reap the benefit of this verdict as well; Jamie has a big heart and is grateful to those who have SUPPORTED her through what can only be described as the most borrible time in her life. Jamie Z.- you remain a pillar of strength to us all and we love you and Jakob very much. I know I have told you before, but I am so proud of you and hope that we will always remain friends.
To Robert wrote on Sep 8, 2006 4:45 PM:Shut up already with the xenophonia. This is not about illegal immigrants. Were the deputies who killed the 5 men in Vista illegal immigrants? No, so criminals come in all colors, huh?
To OPD wife wrote on Sep 8, 2006 4:50 PM:No wife of OPD Firefighters are brave, and unselfish. They do protect and serve their community. Police officers on the other hand do not really do the job for the love of the people...they do because behind their badge lies a free pass to kill someone you do not like or you decide does not deserve to live. so no Fireman are wonderful. The money Jamie is getting is not coming out of my pocket but the Workers Compensation pay you received from the City of Oceanside sure did!
Susie wrote on Sep 8, 2006 5:02 PM:To be honest, I don't believe this vest was in anyway related to the death of Officer Z. I don't believe anything could have protected him from this savage attack. That being said, the fact that Jamie stepped up and sued the vest company may have saved many other Officers from a similar fate, and that is to be admired, because of her our officers are wearing better vests, that's a blessing. She never should have lost her husband, she deserves more than the equivilent of his salary. If used wisely, she may be able to be a stay at home mom for her son, she deserves that right. This award will not destroy these companies, they deserve to pay, not because their product could have saved Tony, but because they were willing to risk so many. The fact that she sued may have saved many officers, you can ask the other officers wives, I bet they will tell you, it is ok with them if Jamie never has to lift another finger, because she might be the reason their husband opens the door tonight. Live well, and be happy Jamie, that is what Tony would have wanted for you and his son!~
To "to OPD Wife" wrote on Sep 8, 2006 5:10 PM:You have no idea what you are talkin about! Absolutly, firefighters are brave and unselfish, but so are Police Officers. Most Officers are there because they want to contribute to the safety of their community. Most Cops are stand up good men and women! Those that cross the line and have problems with a cops authority are the losers, they are always the guy doing the wrong thing....
Hey To Robert wrote on Sep 8, 2006 5:34 PM:Its not about RACE, free your mind. Its about breaking the law. The individuals shot by Deputies in Vista were all in the process of, or had just broken the law and were not following the directions of law enforcement officers. Camacho broke the law repeatedly, including when he illegally broke into this country. YOU are the one who brought race into this, not me.
Bles this Family! wrote on Sep 8, 2006 6:16 PM:Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
See you on the other side Tony! wrote on Sep 8, 2006 6:24 PM:Eternal rest, grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. Christ Jesus, I come to you with confidence and faith in the power of your cross and resurrection: You who are the Risen One, promise of eternal life: Lord, have mercy. You who are the image of what we shall one day be when the dead are raised again to life: Lord, have mercy. You who came to destroy sin and death forever: Lord, have mercy. You who are the Son of God, who delivered us from the fear of death: Lord, have mercy. You who on the cross cried out to your Father: Lord, have mercy. You who are the gentle Shepherd, give eternal peace to Tony and those who survive him: Lord, have mercy. Lest we forget!
Peace to you Jamie wrote on Sep 8, 2006 6:34 PM:God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen.
Thankful ... But Also Real wrote on Sep 8, 2006 7:41 PM:I am entirely grateful to those who have honorably chosen the field of law enforcement for their career. Both they and their families make a great contribution and sacrifice to the community in which they live and serve. Of course my gratefulness is removed from those who take the oath and then take advantage of it (and we all know they exist too ... just not in this specific situation) All that aside, it is still an individual choice to make. You know the risk when you sign on. If you can't handle the risk you don't take the job. If you can handle the risk then you take the job and deal with the consequences. I admire those who have what it takes to do it right, but also don't feel you deserve special consideration when the risks of your chosen profession wreak havoc in your life. It's important that a company with a defective product has been brought to light, but it also needs to be said that Officer Zepetella would have died regardless because of the angle of injury. This is a situation of needing someone to blame and a jury who felt bad enough to award anything. If they had felt the vest company was truly at fault the award would have been far higher. I wish her all the best and am truly sorry for her loss, but also ask that we keep everything in the appropriate perspective.
Kerry wrote on Sep 8, 2006 7:57 PM:The government of Mexico should pay the illegal-alien's share of the damage to the poor officer's wife and family, for pushing their criminals into our country, and should pay the state of California for having to incarcerate and provide a legal defense for him. How sickening!
To Greg wrote on Sep 8, 2006 10:37 PM:Hey Emerson, great job. You make us proud!
Just a thought wrote on Sep 8, 2006 10:42 PM:To all of those who believe Tony would have still died had his vest not failed, maybe think of it this way...had his vest stopped that bullet he would have had a much better chance of defending himself, since that was the first shot fired. Then, he wouldn't have been so taken advantage of. Tony would be here today and Camacho would not.
Lets not forget wrote on Sep 10, 2006 8:44 PM:First Zepetella was killed by an Illegal Alien and second by a failed vest. Glad the courts played in favor about the defective vest, but why no support for securing our borders so illegals that have a criminal record don't have the chance to offend in America. If I was his wife I would sue the federal goverment too, for failed borders that allowed this criminal to kill her husband.
There isn't enough money wrote on Sep 10, 2006 8:48 PM:No amount of money can replace a Fatherless child. So to the guy that thinks 3.6 million is too much, I say it will never be enough. That child was 4 months old when he lost his father. He never even got a chance to know his Daddy.
A juror wrote on Sep 10, 2006 10:08 PM:Just to set the record straight - Greg Emerson worked PRO BONO on this case (without pay) . $2.1 million was an amount agreed upon by defendants' and plaintiff's attorneys for what Tony would have earned over his lifetime. Do the math-it amounts to about what most middle class workers earn over 50 years or so of employment. The remaining $1.5 million was a hugh compromise for noneconomic damages. This case was about getting zylon vests off our officers. Do some homework - google "Zylon" "Toyobo" "Second Chance Body Armor" & you'll find many articles about how crooked these guys were...As consumers, we all benefit from efforts that people like Jamie Zeppetella make in bringing product liability cases to court.
To Peace to you wrote on Sep 11, 2006 9:41 AM:How many AA meetings have you been too? Nice prayer!
Dave wrote on Sep 12, 2006 12:49 PM:The number of violent illegal's in LA is staggering. In San Diego the numbers are probably the same. Check out the numbers quoted from LA times. "95% of warrants for murder in Los Angeles are for illegal aliens. 75% of people on the most wanted list in Los Angeles are illegal aliens." Tony would still be alive if our borders were secure.
To Dan wrote on Sep 12, 2006 2:14 PM:You are so right about the Illegals; this country woul;d be a better place without them.They are nothing but trouble and costly over here.It's sad,that we had to loose a nice guy like Tony, because of a scum bag like Camacho
Scott wrote on Feb 18, 2008 2:05 PM:I work for TLC (The Learning Channel) and we are trying to get in contact with Mrs. Zeppetella. We are looking to interview her and maybe do a story on her. Do you have any of her contact info?
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