Later on, during the closing arguments of the trial, the same Deputy D.A. Williams stated, "Bear is either guilty of first degree murder or he is not guilty at all." A jury of 12 men and women felt the same way and found that Mr. Eugene "Bear" Lincoln was innocent of all charges. Two jurors felt that he should answer for something, but not necessarily even manslaughter. Could he possibly be guilty for being an Indian?
Much to the surprise of many, including myself, on December 4, 1997, Mendocino County District Attorney Susan Massini, who didn't even so much as peek through the courtroom door during the trial, filed manslaughter charges against Bear. I don't go along with the refiling bit. Bear was never charged with manslaughter. Now the D.A. who filed the ridiculous murder charges in the first place says, "Oh, wait, I made a mistake. Bear should not have been charged with first degree murder. Aaron Williams was just joking when he stated "Eugene "Bear" Lincoln must be put to death." Hogwash is the only word that comes to mind. When Bear is found innocent of the manslaughter charge, Mendocino County and their America will come to know for themselves that gone are the days when you could be killed just because you are an Indian.
Many thanks go to the Mendocino Environmental Center. They have proven that they most certainly stand for the environment in its totality, including peace and justice. Sadness comes to my heart when I think of the Supervisor who did not want to honor the MEC's 10-year anniversary because folks asking for simple justice for Bear Lincoln were afforded the most kind hospitality.
The environment, to me, includes all living things, including Mr. Delbar. How I wish folks such as Mr. Delbar would have listened to my people a long time ago. We then would not have to breathe polluted air, drink contaminated water or have the welfare lines that first happened when the Indians shared their food with the immigrants from a foreign country.
Salutations to Betty and Gary, Lynda and Kirsten and to the Board of the Mendocino Environmental Center. May the Great Spirit always be with you. P.S., I know he will be.
The manslaughter trial for our very own Bear will get started on September 14, 1998. We urge all the Larry Arnolds to attend the trial, if you dare, to hear the truth.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 1998
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