It was as confusing as it was shocking. How could Christopher Dorner, a former cop and naval officer, turn into a cold blooded killer?
We've been working on that question for weeks, and today, there is some insight perhaps from those who knew him best.
Jason Valadeo flew in from Wisconsin for a memorial service for Dorner, his friend. That's right, there was a memorial service, though it was low key private and not publicized.
However, due to her diligence and sincerity, FOX 11 Legal Analyst Robin Sax was invited by Dorner's mother to attend. Afterwards, she did speak on camera at length to Valadeo, as did another person who knew Dorner well -- former girlfriend Jodi Stark.
We have no interest, of course, in glorifying Dorner. We've said over and over again that what he did was horrifying and no one is sad, quite frankly, that he's dead. However, what we're trying to do is answer the question "why?"
What Valadeo and Stark do is paint a picture of a smart young man who "tried to do the right thing" at all times; how he was essentially shamed and defeated by the LAPD, who he insists fired him unfairly.
Unfortunately, he was either unwilling or unable to get the professional help he needed to deal with his problems, so he spiraled into depression and isolated himself from family and friends, experts say.
Ultimately, he finally snapped feeling that his name had been so tarnished there was no coming back from it. We all know that's not true -- he apparently didn't see it. Combine that with his military and police background and knowledge of weapons and a twisted sense of vengeance, and we know what happened.
The idea is to understand that so as to prevent the ‘'next'' Dorner from emerging from a toxic brew of emotions/anger/hatred/impulse.
Seeking to toughen the allowable alcohol limit for drivers, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is calling on states to lower the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) to 0.05 or lower from the current 0.08.
Seeking to toughen the allowable alcohol limit for drivers, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is calling on states to lower the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) to 0.05 or lower from the current 0.08.
Certain projects, such as adding a well thought-out family room can be a wise investment, as they do add to the value of the home. Other projects, however, allow little opportunity to recover the costs when it's time to sell.
Certain projects, such as adding a well thought-out family room can be a wise investment, as they do add to the value of the home. Other projects, however, allow little opportunity to recover the costs when it's time to sell.
People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension.
People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension.
Tuesday, May 7 2013 9:52 PM EDT2013-05-08 01:52:05 GMT
Three parties will split a $1 million reward that was offeredduring the hunt for ex-LAPD Officer Christopher Dorner, the Los Angeles Police Department has announced.
Three parties will split a $1 million reward that was offered during the hunt for ex-LAPD Officer Christopher Dorner, with the bulk of the money going to a couple who were tied up in their Big Bear cabin by the fugitive.
Tuesday, April 23 2013 7:23 PM EDT2013-04-23 23:23:25 GMT
Two women who were injured when LAPD officers opened fire on their pickup truck during the Christopher Dorner manhunt have reached a $4.2 million settlement with the city, officials said.
Two women who were injured when LAPD officers opened fire on their pickup truck during the Christopher Dorner manhunt have reached a $4.2 million settlement with the city, officials said.
They promised us April, but it may be May. That's the word on the status of the re-examination of the Christoper Dorner firing. FOX 11 talked to an ex-LAPD officer who's paying close attention to the case.
They promised us April, but it may be May. That's the word on the status of the re-examination of the Christoper Dorner firing. FOX 11 talked to a former LAPD officer who's paying close attention to the case.
Friday, April 19 2013 6:43 PM EDT2013-04-19 22:43:44 GMT
Sheriff's transcripts show that during the final two hours of the manhunt for ex-cop Christopher Dorner deputies didn't fire a shot while he was inside
Sheriff's transcripts show that during the final two hours of the manhunt for ex-cop Christopher Dorner deputies didn't fire a shot while he was inside
Wednesday, April 10 2013 2:18 PM EDT2013-04-10 18:18:16 GMT
LISTEN HERE: San Bernardino County authorities released recordings of the 911 call that led to the fiery end to the manhunt for murder suspect Christopher Dorner in February.
LISTEN HERE: San Bernardino County authorities released recordings of the 911 call that led to the fiery end to the manhunt for murder suspect Christopher Dorner in February.
Wednesday, March 27 2013 3:15 PM EDT2013-03-27 19:15:00 GMT
The Los Angeles Police Protective League is waiting for more information before deciding whether to pay its pledge toward the $1 million-plus reward offered for information leading to the arrest of Dorner.
The Los Angeles Police Protective League is waiting for more information before deciding whether to pay its pledge toward the $1 million-plus reward offered for information leading to the arrest of Dorner.
Wednesday, February 27 2013 5:52 PM EST2013-02-27 22:52:11 GMT
Deputy Police Chief Mark Perez explains the LAPD's Board of Rights hearing process and disciplinary procedures for officers, in response to questions raised in the aftermath of the manhunt for Christopher Dorner.
Deputy Police Chief Mark Perez explains the LAPD's Board of Rights hearing process and disciplinary procedures for officers, in response to questions raised in the aftermath of the manhunt for fired Officer Christopher Dorner.
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Thursday, May 23 2013 10:30 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:30:08 GMT
Police and sheriff's detectives are searching at a home in a Los Angeles suburb in the case of a woman who disappeared in 1978. A Los Angeles County sheriff's statement says its homicide detectives are
Police and sheriff's detectives are searching at a home in a Los Angeles suburb in the case of a woman who disappeared in 1978. A Los Angeles County sheriff's statement says its homicide detectives are
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:23 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:23:56 GMT
Officials say a woman in a Los Angeles suburb found a bear cub sitting on her kitchen counter. A Los Angeles county sheriff's statement says the department received a 911 call Wednesday from the woman.
Officials say a woman in a Los Angeles suburb found a bear cub sitting on her kitchen counter. A Los Angeles county sheriff's statement says the department received a 911 call Wednesday from the woman.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:34 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:34:01 GMT
A bear with a tag on its right ear wandered around in a neighborhood in Sun Valley for more than an hour today before being tranquilized by fish and game personnel.
A bear with a tag on its right ear wandered around in a neighborhood in Sun Valley for more than an hour today before being tranquilized by fish and game personnel.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:52 PM EDT2013-05-22 18:52:33 GMT
Wendy Greuel had a light moment with the media as well as serious and sometimes emotional ones as she officially conceded the Mayor's race to Eric Garcetti.
Wendy Greuel had a light moment with the media as well as serious and sometimes emotional ones as she officially conceded the Mayor's race to Eric Garcetti.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:42 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:42:08 GMT
When tragedy strikes - like the tornado in Oklahoma, USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) Teams are called to help from all over the country. In fact, the USAR Team from LA City Fire is ready to go on 2 hours notice.
When tragedy strikes - like the tornado in Oklahoma - USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) Teams are called to help from all over the country. In fact, the USAR Team from LA City Fire is ready to go on 2 hours notice. They have thirteen K9s trained to sniff out victims under rubble. Seven are ready to travel on a moment's notice.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:25 PM EDT2013-05-22 00:25:19 GMT
Far-reaching legislation to grant a chance at citizenship to millions of immigrants living illegally in the United States cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on a solid bipartisan vote.
Far-reaching legislation to grant a chance at citizenship to millions of immigrants living illegally in the United States cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on a solid bipartisan vote Tuesday night.
Jason Valadeo
Jodi Stark
