Dear Editor,
For many years I have for the most part minded my own business, keeping my mouth shut, and watching life go on around me. But the murder of Cpl. James M. Dixon III, USMC, changed that. My tolerance level plummeted.
I have spoken with several people about the events surrounding James’ death, and I understand that he did not fire his gun at anyone, nor was he pointing it or preparing to fire when he was killed. It seems that in his mind, he was in Iraq, surrounded by the enemy. He was standing there holding his gun, in a state of confusion. If he had been pointing his gun or preparing to fire, his death would have been justified, if there were no way to subdue him.
Offers opinion on recent shooting
I have talked to several people, law officers, ex-military, and civilians, about non-lethal means of subduing a person, and it seems that something as simple as a 12 gauge non-lethal shotgun round would have incapacitated James, even with his wearing a vest, with no lasting harm. I am sure that between the Appling County Sheriff and the Georgia State Patrol, they have many non-lethal weapons systems. If they had them, then in failing to utilize them, in my opinion, they murdered James. Legal murder, but murder nonetheless.
Cpl. James M. Dixon III was a highly decorated Marine who served his nation faithfully and honorably. Then he came home to be murdered by an unconscionably over-zealous GSP SWAT team and Sheriff. Is this the way we treat those we send to fight and die for us? James’ wounds were greater than if he had lost a limb. He was trying to live in a world that he apparently sometimes did not recognize. James deserved better. He deserved our help and understanding. He deserved life. Instead, he found the death that he escaped in combat. Those who killed him or were complicit in his death are not fit to wipe the dust from his combat boots.
This letter is my opinion and I am responsible for the content.
Sincerely,
Larry C. Ellis, Sr.
Cpl. James M. Dixon III was a highly decorated Marine who served his nation faithfully and honorably. Then he came home to be murdered by an unconscionably over-zealous GSP SWAT team and Sheriff. Is this the way we treat those we send to fight and die for us? James’ wounds were greater than if he had lost a limb. He was trying to live in a world that he apparently sometimes did not recognize. James deserved better. He deserved our help and understanding. He deserved life. Instead, he found the death that he escaped in combat. Those who killed him or were complicit in his death are not fit to wipe the dust from his combat boots.
This letter is my opinion and I am responsible for the content.
Sincerely,
Larry C. Ellis, Sr.
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#1
Sherree Cordero
on
03/07/12 at 05:19 PM
[Reply]
I agree 100% with Mr. Ellis and the article Mrs. Ellis had published. They murdered this young man when things could have been dealt with differently!! It is time for election. Time for the people of Baxley to take a stand for what is right. This was 100% not right.
#2
Broken Hearted Cousin
on
03/07/12 at 09:54 PM
[Reply]
Thank you so very much for taking the time to stand up for what is right and wrong. It just amazes me how certain people can think that what happened to James was not murder. However, I think you expressed not only how you feel but also how the majority of our county feels. James never deserved to be treated this way and there needed to be little more investigation done on the supposive shot that was fired across the road into a building. I believe there may have been a lot more to it if our law officials would have taken a little more time. It wasn't to many years that the SWAT tean was called in because of a suspected meth lab. The SWAT team waited 18 hours before doing anything. Why wasn't James given more time. No. We had to make a statement in this situation. We will not stand for anyone disgracing his name. He was a very proud Marine and he served this county and country well. We love James Monroe "Rooster" Dixon III. I am so thankful that I knew from the very beginnning of your precious llittle life. You were more than a cousin. You were my hero, my best friend, and someone that I knew I could count on day or night. Your death is not going to be forgotten. People are going to be held accountable for their actions in your murder. I promise that we will never stop until justice is done for you. We need more couples like Mr. and Mrs. Ellis that don't mind speaking the truth. Thanks again for appreciating the sacrifice that James had already made in IRAQ.
#2.1
Ken & Nancy Thornton
on
03/09/12 at 05:52 AM
[Reply]
We totally agree with Mr Ellis and everyone who stood up against this senesless killing of this young man. They acted like they had RAMBO out there to contend with and James never threatened anyone or shot at anyone so WHY??? Why was the swat even called in he didn't have any hostage or threaten to shoot anyone,things could of and should of been a lot differently why didn't they call his kernel or let his best friend or sister talk to him, there has been to many mistakes made and we lost a fine young man. James deserves to have justice done as well as the family he left behind. James is with the Lord and at peace the family will never recover from this tragedy we all hope and pray Justice will be done and we'll not forget or let his memory fade.........
#2.1.1
Willie and Iris Thornton
on
03/10/12 at 12:58 AM
[Reply]
I think someone should have to pay for shooting down a War hero. This was a senseless act that ended a young mans life that had fought ... been wounded ...returned home and murdered by the people he had fought to defend. Just tell me where is the justice in this. James deserved the same right only more so than common crominals but he did not get it. He was murdered in his own front yard.Once a Marine always a Marine...as many times as they shot at James before they killed him ..if James wanted to hurt some one he would have shot back..HE WAS A MARINE ! That is first instinct.James I know rests in peace tonight . I hope the ones that caused this miscarrage of justice never sleeps well again. ooH RAH SIMPER FI James . Heaven is well protected tonight. We will never forget. jUSTICE WILL BE DEFENDED
#3
Saddened classmate and friend
on
03/08/12 at 03:28 PM
[Reply]
I TOtally agree! There was gunfire all around him that day before and he himself asked them to stop! And they continued out of spite or stupidity! God will have his Judgement of those who took his life or contributed to the sutuation, James never had a chance.... Its disgusting commin habitual criminals are given more courtesy than a War Hero?! Imagine that.. Makes me not so proud to be an American:( so i say this in Honor of my friend: God Bless America please for its in desperate need of Salvation!
#4
Colene Denton
on
03/09/12 at 10:47 AM
[Reply]
I think the family should file a wrongful death lawsuit against both Appling County and the State of Georgia.
#5
L. Beecher
on
06/17/12 at 05:32 AM
[Reply]
James was a very well spoken and kind person while we were in school! Would give you the shirt off his back, if he thought you needed! The events that lead to his death is tragic and should not have happened!