To The Cortez family, the Officers of the Phoenix Police Department, and the Citizens of Phoenix:

We the Rose family would like to express our deepest condolences for the actions of Edward, known to his family as Eddie, late last Friday evening.

We found out about the tragic events while enjoying the company of family on a vacation and were appalled to discover the death of another person is being attributed to a member of our family.

We cannot do any service to what occurred and as much as we would like to turn back the hands of time and bring Officer Cortez back we cannot. We can only offer these token words and hope you will accept our sincere and heart felt regret.

We are making this statement not because we are attempting to make excuses for Edward's actions but rather we are making this statement because we as a family ourselves have family and very close friends who are members of Arizona's law enforcement community. We understand the sacrifices these men and women make to ensure we live in a safe community.

To the Cortez family, especially Koltan and Gunner, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for Officer Cortez and his un-selfish servitude to the citizens of the City of Phoenix. If it were not for the heroic actions of the men and women who fill the ranks of the city's police force we would not have the great society we have today.

The loss of any family member is always hard but when the family member's life is taken early and tragically the loss is even harder to bear. No words can lift the pain you are feeling but we our prayers are with you at this time.

There is no excuse for Edward's actions and we would like to assure the community, Officer Cortez's family, as well as the Officers of the Phoenix Police Department we will work with the proper authorities to ensure justice is served.

Thank you and God Bless,
The Rose family