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04/18/00
Chronology
Jan. 28
Patrolmen Carlos A. Saraiva and Michael Solitro III shoot Patrolman Cornel Young Jr. outside Fidas Restaurant, 270 Valley St., Providence. The police said Young, who was off duty, was shot while helping the patrolmen break up a disturbance, but the uniformed officers mistook him for a suspect.
Aldrin Diaz, 30, of 115 Colfax St., Providence, is arraigned on felony murder, assault and firearms charges in connection with Young's death and ordered held without bail. During the disturbance outside Fidas, the police said, Diaz waved a gun.
Jan. 31
Christa Calder, 27, of Gray, Maine, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and held on $10,000 cash bail. Calder is Diaz's girlfriend. The police said she owned the gun that Diaz waved.
Feb. 1
Hundreds of people pay their final respects at Young's wake at the Fourth Baptist Church, Hope Street, Providence.
Feb. 2
Thousands, including hundreds of police from throughout the country, watch Young's funeral at the Fourth Baptist Church.
Feb. 3
A delegate from the National Black Police Association, Christopher Cooper, says the on-duty officers shot at Young because he was black. Cooper says he based his conclusion on his experience as a police officer, his knowledge of police procedures and common sense.
About 300 protesters demonstrate at Providence City Hall demanding that Saraiva and Solitro be fired and charged with murder. They also demand that prosecutors drop the charges against Diaz.
Feb. 4
Maj. Cornel Young Sr. appeals for calm while the investigation into his son's death is pending.
Feb. 7
Atty. Gen. Sheldon Whitehouse appoints a nine-member team to investigate the Young shooting. The racially mixed team includes several Providence police, angering many in the community.
Feb. 12
After the police comment to the media about his son's shooting, Maj. Cornel Young Sr. calls for an outside probe. Subsequently, a dozen state lawmakers, the Providence City Council, the police union and other groups call for an outside probe. An alliance of ministers and some community groups had earlier demanded one.
March 2
Diaz is sentenced to serve 12 years in prison as a probation violator.
March 6
The Providence County Grand Jury that would investigate the Young shooting is sworn in.
March 23
Governor Almond, Whitehouse and minority leaders announce the creation of a statewide commission to investigate issues of police conduct and race.
March. 27
U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy issues an emotional plea for healing and positive change.
April 18
The grand jury declines to indict Saraiva and Solitro. Prosecutors drop the felony murder charge against Diaz, but charge him with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a pistol without a license.
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