Release demands investigation

Cedar Rapids residents deserve more than 'refused ... to explain.”

That's how The Gazette's Lee Hermiston described responses from Linn County Attorney Jerry Vander Sanden and Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman after the tragic disclosure that a man arrested for murder earlier this month was released from jail and, according to authorities, killed again.

Travis Standlee was arrested Sept. 9 in connection with the death of Raymond Ursino, who was homeless. On Sept. 10, Vander Sanden, citing concerns about insufficient evidence, declined to file charges. Standlee was released after 14 hours in custody.

On Tuesday, Standlee was arrested again at a Des Moines homeless shelter, this time for Ursino's death and the murder of Sharon Mead, another homeless person whose body was found Sept. 11.

An independent investigation into Standlee's release must begin immediately.

How much and what type of communication took place between the county attorney and police as fateful decisions on Standlee's charges and release were made? Were there efforts to keep Standlee in custody longer and find sufficient evidence? Are there current procedures that, in light of this tragedy, need to be re-evaluated and revamped?

Some of those answers may have direct relevance to the ongoing criminal investigation against Standlee. Many won't. Officials should waste no time in sharing everything they can with the public now, and commit to providing a full explanation - including a plan to remedy any shortcomings revealed in the investigation - once the criminal case is closed.

The Standlee case has shaken the community and damaged the fundamental trust we put in our law enforcement institutions to protect us. Those agencies must work together to restore that trust, instead of declining comment or worrying about who might take blame. Cedar Rapids residents deserve a swift fix and a full explanation, even if some details can't be made public as the criminal case proceeds.

Our objective is not to blame local officials. The responsibility for these murders is with their perpetrator. But our county attorney and police are responsible for the work they do, and must be accountable to the people they serve.

A timely, thorough and independent review and transparency with the public are essential to maintaining the public's trust.

' Comments: (319) 398-8469; editorial@thegazette.com