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March 21, 2008: A grand jury on Thursday declined to indict Port of Corpus Christi police officer Eric A. Giannamore in connection with the Dec. 19 shooting death of fellow port officer James Saavedra, police said.
The Corpus Christi Police Department led an investigation to determine if any laws were broken in connection with the incident, and a grand jury no-billed, or declined to indict, Giannamore on a homicide charge, said Corpus Christi Police Cmdr. David Torres.
"This was expected," said Corpus Christi Police Chief Bryan Smith. "From an investigative standpoint, there was every indication that James Saavedra's death was a tragic accident."
Saavedra, 40, was shot in the stomach at 4:55 p.m. Dec. 19 while practicing at the port's firing range in the Rincon Industrial Park with 48-year-old Giannamore. Both men were within 2 feet of each other while sighting in Giannamore's personal hunting rifle -- a Christmas gift from his wife.
The two officers had been at the range long enough to fire a few rounds, investigators said in December. Police said at the time that Giannamore was holding the rifle when the round that hit Saavedra was fired.
Officials with the District Attorney's office could not be reached Thursday evening. Attempts to reach Giannamore's and Saavedra's families were unsuccessful.
Port of Corpus Christi Executive Director John LaRue said the grand jury's result was expected. Giannamore has been on paid administrative leave since the incident.
LaRue said a meeting will be scheduled between himself, the human resources department and the acting chief of port police to discuss Giannamore's status. Despite the criminal investigation's conclusion, a review by the department is possible to see if any of its procedures and policies were violated.
Contact David Kassabian at 886-3778 or email.