Billy Rey Caviness

How they died

Deadly force

Kenneth Sager complained that Caviness shot at him. Deputy Gerald W. Johnson obtained a "no knock" warrant for the pistol he used because he judged Caviness was dangerous. Deputy Johnson said that he beat down Caviness's door with a battering ram and announced himself. Caviness shot him in the chest. Thinking that Caviness would shoot Deputy Jose "Joe" Hernandez, Deputy Johnson shot at Caviness until he fell. Caviness's wife, Pamela, said that Sager was the aggressor during the first confrontation, and that Sager promised retaliation. She said that Caviness began shooting as soon as the door was beaten down.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Billy Rey Caviness, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources