Sierra Wave Media has received several requests for information on the death of Kristina Bone after the officer-involved shooting involving Raymond Bencoma III.
Sierra Wave received permission from the Inyo Register and also then-editor Barbara Laughon to post this story.
Bencoma was sentenced to four years in prison and served two years, according Bone family members.
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This truly was a tragic accident. Blame is for children….to be an adult is to accept responsibility and know what you control and that is only yourself. It is not anyones place to judge. Your opinions do not change the past. All I hear is how this “innocent” girl is dead because of this. No! This is not one person fault. There are so many thing that could have prevented this. It is NOT fair to place all of the blame on one young man. Perhaps if this never happened his life could have went down a different path also. This article has me asking how did this 13 yr old get in this situation? What was she doing with older people? What was her part in this? I’m sure it was her choices that put her there! So forgiveness is for your self not anyone else. I don’t agree with people’s choices but it is wrong to want to try and use this case to try and get more punishment for another just because some people don’t feel justified. Those are the real animals seeking out opportunity for vengeance. As for karma you don’t know the feeling he carries about what happened. So shame on you!
The notion that anyone would imply that a 13 year old girl is anything but innocent is appalling! You claim that no one should pass judgement. However, you proceed to place blame on a child. Hypocritical and disgusting.
I’m so sick of people trying to act like this has anything to do with him being native or that he is picked on because he’s native I have many friends and family that are native and I can tell you right now if he were white he would have been locked up for a just amount of time he got off and gets off cuz he is native so quit your twisting of facts and accept the fact that this man is a menace to society and quit enabling him to behave the way he does and maybe he would realize he isn’t living his life right
To all that think they know what happen well guess what you don’t! Who are you to judge anyone…. People make mistakes! This happened years ago! Yes it is sad that a young girl lost her life…. But why was she out in the first place! Where were parents her family that so loving cared about her! People are so quick to criticize as if they have been so perfect! Were you there did you see what happen did you come and help rescue those that needed help? I’m sure you didn’t! Until you know the truth keep your mouth shut! Every single person involved suffered so stop with all comments. It happened! You have no idea!!!! Think about how you would feel if this had happened to you! Put your self in there shoes! I’m not here to judge or put anyone down. It’s over she’s gone to a better place. Move on from this!
Aquamarine I sure wish it was your sister and not mine …..where you there probaly not if you were you wouldn’t be so stupid and if your brave enough to leave comments as ridiculous as that be brave enough to use your real name chicken
What a horrible tragedy, or both sides. Indeed. But before you are so quick to judge, one might consider a bit of history. How have our Native Americans prospered in our white society over the last 200 years? take a look down the road they’ve traveled. Our Native Americans have been suppressed and continue to be. Their culture taken, ridiculed for their way of life, forced to live in a white mans world without means. If you knew anything about their culture you would know, it is the fathers, uncles, brothers that teach the boys and young men how to be good men. However, their way of life has been decimated for 200 years. If they were let to live their lives in harmony, we might not be talking about this. And the next time you may have a feeling of judgement against our Native Americans, take a look in the mirror, and ask yourself, how did this come to be. And before you get on your high horse, I’m not defending this man for his actions, murder is wrong and justice should be given. I just think some folks don’t understand the deeper problem, or can’t get over themselves.
I just finished reading another article on this shooting and I am disappointed with the facts of the sheriff departments first press release. Many of the statements made in the first release by the sheriff dept seem to be either incorrect or misleading at best.
They say seven shots were fired
All body cameras were turned off for sheriffs protection
The girl did not flag down police
The sheriff was not on normal patrol
Suspect was shoot at least twice
I do hope that our local press reports on this matter more.
Trouble,
It is unclear which facts of the ICSO press release you are referring to. To my knowledge, and based on information on the ICSO website, the ICSO has only released one press release regarding the shooting. This press release doesn’t mention the number of shots fired, body cameras, or how many times the suspect was shot.
I would be interested in reading the article you’re referring to. Also, it’s important to separate fact from hearsay.
Obviously low inyo, you would be bias, and unable to follow even the simplest juror instructions. The very first which is you cannot presume the defendant is guilty because he has been charged. Are you seriously saying that you would also consider previous charges that he was found not guilty? And people do not see that this man is discriminated against? I understand that Kristinas family holds Bencoma responsible for her death, i get that. SMH
Well,stoopid,if I’m called for jury duty on this case,I promise I’ll find a reason to get dismissed….because I admit,in this case I would be bias…..not because he’s Native American….not because I “discriminate” against him in any way….it’s because of his past history,and like I said before,knowing ,if found not guilty,this type of reckless behavior would continue on…in his prior domestic abuse cases,I’d bet ,IF he was found not guilty,as you say,it was only because the abuse victim chose not to testify against him….typical behavior of an abuse victim against their abuser,in many cases…prior history would be a factor for me….and can be brought up in a trial in some cases,especially if the defendant chooses to testify…one slip of the tongue and it’s open-season on his past for all on the jury to hear about…..besides,if he will be facing a third strike here,it’s obvious he wasn’t found not guilty on all of the many cases and charges that have been brought against him in his life of crime anyway..
…prior history has a LOT to do with it….it would me if I were sitting on the jury…if ,for nothing more than to protect my fellow Inyo County citizens from maybe becoming more victims of this guy…
Has anyone considered WHY two juries let him walk? Obviously there was not enough evidence. If you support lawenforcement you should also support the judicial system. The accident has nothing to do with this shooting therefor it needs to be left out it.
Native strong,,, I wish you were a bit more attentive in school so that we, as functional members of society could understand your ramblings.
Was his big change to assault more women?
Or maybe it was to see how many visits to i.c.j. he could
Or to get in to visit his other family on the inside?
Was it that , maybe , he was just joking around with L.E.O. ,as he seems to know them quite well.
It’s amazing…how.. those fue..( that are of course, disliking comments) continue to VICTIM blame the innocent life lost. It’s quite, clear, that you are family and , well, what fue…friends he might have. (You) But do understand, that as the rest of us, (normal thought processes, and rationale understanding) read,this crapp you post,,, we ALL ARE LAUGHING AT YOU ! Nothing in this county goes unseen, or with out reaction. To those, business owners who read this, second guess who’s working for you, ? Are they the productive members of society, or do you have the KIND OF people that would defend such a cowardly monster! If so, I would QUICKLY address that, as I spend my hard earned RETIREMENT IN THIS COUNTY..but I’ll be dammed,,,, if I will support any company, or, business, that has any person directly in support of this monster.
It’s time to make a voice heard in this county..
Our courts are failing
Our d.a. needs to step up, or step out
We need MORE CONSTANT JUDGES
Our ENTIRE COURT SYSTEM IS
A JOKE. We need to replace those who DO NOT SERVE THE INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE
Well done ol yeller well done bravo you are awsome thank you for finding the words I can’t to answer these complete brain dead people with their cold hearts
Kara…What I’m having trouble understanding is why anyone would try to defend this guy…it can’t possibly be just because he’s Native American..I personally know many good,hard working Native Americans in my town…good parents and good citizens, that I’ve actually verbally defended if someone happens to group the good with the bad…as there is in all people,no matter the color of their skin…defending this guy is putting down and not doing any favors to those on the Bishop Tribe that work for a living,and stay out of trouble and live a good,happy healthy life and raise their kids right.Ray Bencoma is the exception….his past proves that….he’s not the norm….he’s the exception,and not one to defend and try to state he’s a “good guy getting picked on “…people that do that are probably a big reason he turned out the way he did….if what happened 20 + years ago with him opened his eyes and changed him and his behavior,maybe not all,but many people would’ve given him that second chance.But that’s NOT what happened or how HE CHOSE to live his life….he’s left a wake of victims since the accident that costed a young girl her life…it’s time to get him off the streets for a very long time.
Wait you need those who only serve white people! That’s what you mean isn’t it! Who the hell are you? A man who has never done wrong in his lifr! “Mr. Perfect!” Who never in my life have I ever met some one so sure about what Inyo county needs! What makes you so much better then anyone! I guess I better whlatch my p’s and q’s before I get judged for leaving this comment!!!!
First of all her death has nothing to do with him being shot, second HE has made many great changes third parole wants him n cali-whine to them lol-This man is Creators child as u pass judgement- U shall be judged as well.
Name one “great change”.
lol? Disgraceful.
Native, my sympathy lies with the Bone family If you have reasons to believe the officer didn’t have a right to defend himself then you should state it.
I care deeply for several of his family members and wish them no harm. But I find it almost impossible to defined his past actions in any way.
ICSO now has lapel cameras. Footage please!
The DA stated he would release more information on this matter. I sure hope this really happens.
I had hoped he would turn his life around but I guess not it a shame she had to die she had so much potential she was so kind and loving she was the best sister in the world I can not put into words how much she meant to me or express the pain I suffer from her loss RIP see you at the gate sis
I love you kara!
I love you to cuz
this still breaks my heart 19 years later rest in peace Christina I go see you almost everyday when I can and leave flowers on Your Grave my daughter is named after you my heart still breaks knowing that I could have kept you at my house that night and I didnt it I wish you would have stayed you be here with us today I love you
Nobody’s fault but the monster’s, I don’t even want to say his name.
Did up the rest! It should all be exposed!
*Dig.
Sad thruth is this worm is probably going to sue the county and win!
But he was trying to get his life together recently, riiigghhhttttt? Excuses don’t make you any better of a man. IF he had really been trying to get his life together, he would have been sound asleep, in bed, at 3:23 in the morning because he had to go to WORK in the morning. Not this guy. REAL men work, support families, pay bills, treat women with respect. I see nothing in his reported background that indicates he was trying to really turn his life around. In n out of ICJ, mostly for domestic violence. REAL men don’t do that. This guy? Not so much. Has he ever worked a day in his life? RIP Kristina Bone. You did not deserve to die at the hand’s of this monster.
If u don’t walk n his shoes u don’t know his path. Judge no1- And be careful what u say about others karma can hit ur family and ur son/cousin/uncle/brother will be ur personal monster
Did you mean, his jail house shower slippers?
Nope, never been in them.
Give me a break! This animal killed one of the kindest, loving people I’ve ever known! She was my close friend and she was just a child! I’m sorry for his family but I’m not sorry for justice finally being served. This karma is long overdue and I love every moment of it!
Damn good follow up report. Thanks for reminding people what kind of “man” he was (and still is). I just hope the jurors that let him get away with domestic violence in his last two trials think long and hard about their decisions.
TWO years for killing a teenager…it’s a damn shame that the deputies aim wasn’t a little better.