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 21 2013 9:51 PM EDT2013-05-22 01:51:10 GMT
Just a few days after Mark Carson, 32, was killed for being gay, and only a few hours after a massive rally in the west village calling for an end to the anti-gay violence, it happened again.
Just a few days after Mark Carson, 32, was killed for being gay, and only a few hours after a massive rally in the west village calling for an end to the anti-gay violence, it happened again.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:17 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:17:02 GMT
For the first time since the death under mysterious circumstances of hop music mogul Chris Lighty nine months ago, his grieving mother is breaking her silence.
For the first time since the death under mysterious circumstances of hop music mogul Chris Lighty nine months ago, his grieving mother is breaking her silence.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:33 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:33:52 GMT
For 35 years, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been bringing its brand of contemporary dance to audiences around the world. One of the company's frequent stops is the Joyce Theater in Chelsea where it
For 35 years, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been bringing its brand of contemporary dance to audiences around the world. One of the company's frequent stops is the Joyce Theater in Chelsea where it
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:25 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:25:20 GMT
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and St. Regis Mohawk tribal leaders have signed an agreement to ensure the Mohawks keep their exclusive casino territory in northern New York while paying the state $30 million in gambling
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and St. Regis Mohawk tribal leaders have signed an agreement to ensure the Mohawks keep their exclusive casino territory in northern New York while paying the state $30 million in gambling
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:21:42 GMT
Revel is bankrupt no more. The struggling Atlantic City casino formally emerged from bankruptcy court on Tuesday, just 13 months after it opened with sky-high hopes.
Revel is bankrupt no more. The struggling Atlantic City casino formally emerged from bankruptcy court on Tuesday, just 13 months after it opened with sky-high hopes.
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.
Los Angeles & SoCal NewsLos Angeles & SoCal NewsMore>>
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.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:23 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:23:54 GMT
A scant turnout is expected Tuesday when voters choose between two City Hall regulars who failed to bring much sparkle to the contest to succeed Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who exits office July 1.
A scant turnout is expected Tuesday when voters choose between two City Hall regulars who failed to bring much sparkle to the contest to succeed Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who exits office July 1 after two up-and-down terms.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:12:30 GMT
FBI officials say a joint task force has taken down at least a dozen senior members of the 18th Street gang in a series of early morning raids. The suspects have been arrested for numerous charges.
FBI officials say a joint task force has taken down at least a dozen senior members of the 18th Street gang in a series of early morning raids. The suspects have been arrested for numerous charges.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:42 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:42:51 GMT
AEG Live LLC did not conduct any background checks or supervise the doctor who was later convicted of killing Michael Jackson, a corporate attorney testified Tuesday.
AEG Live LLC did not conduct any background checks or supervise the doctor who was later convicted of killing Michael Jackson, a corporate attorney testified Tuesday in a lawsuit claiming the concert promoter was negligent in hiring the physician.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:23 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:23:51 GMT
We had plans to do a story at Ralph Waldo Emerson Middle School at 9:30am. A terrific story about how school choirs are working together to get the arts education that is sometimes lost to budget cuts.
We had plans to do a story at Ralph Waldo Emerson Middle School at 9:30am. A terrific story about how school choirs are working together to get the arts education that is sometimes lost to budget cuts.
The California Public Utilities Commission has reached a proposed $37 million settlement with Southern California Edison over the October 2007 Malibu Canyon Fire.
The California Public Utilities Commission has reached a proposed $37 million settlement with Southern California Edison over the October 2007 Malibu Canyon Fire.
Jason Valadeo
Jodi Stark
