[Joe 6-pack]

If the airman, holding a pistol at this side, answered the odor for a UPS delivery man, and the UPS delivery man shot him, "in fear for his life," the delivery man would already be behind bars.

It's perfectly legal to answer your door with a firearm (provided one isn't brandishing it or pointing it without provocation). It's not unheard of for home invaders to announce themselves as law enforcement, delivery men, utility workers, etc.

This airman was shot for a perfectly legal act; however, the filthy cowardice of the deputy has now been matched by the equally filthy bottom feeding of Crump.

The family would have been far better advised to seek a reputable, lower profile attorney.

[PallMal]

I kinda vaguely remember a case in upstate NY around 15 or so years ago, where a black college student (maybe Ithaca or New Paltz) was killed by cops.

The family hired, as what you mentioned, a low-profile attorney, there was no racial component involved, no "no justice no peace" demonstrations, etc. I believe the family won the case.

[zeugma]

If the airman, holding a pistol at this side, answered the odor for a UPS delivery man, and the UPS delivery man shot him, "in fear for his life," the delivery man would already be behind bars.

Exactly! If I were on a jury, that is exactly how I would consider the case. Or "What would happen to me if I had shot the guy?".

Police should actually be held to a higher standard than a similarly situated UPS guy.