Should the Killer of a Cute Little Girl Receive a Harsher Sentence Than a Murderer of a Homeless Man?
Mark Lunsford, the father of 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford, is about face her killer in court. One would have to predict a great deal of shouting and venom. Unfortunately, Lunsford will face John Couey during a pre-sentencing hearing that is designed to aid Judge Ric Howard in determining whether Couey will die for his crime. In a democracy, where all lives are of equal value, a murderer should sentenced without the bias created by the victim’s loved ones.
I agree Lunsford should have the opportunity to face Couey, and even the proverbial five minutes alone with the guy, but only after Couey is sentenced. Ok, I’d give Lunsford half-an-hour with Couey, and a get-out-of-jail-free card.
However, if someone were convicted of committing the same crime against a homeless man, no one would stand and shout him down at a sentencing hearing. Some, much smarter than I, have suggested every murderer should be sentenced based on the crime, not on the victim’s personal relationships.
By allowing pre-sentencing confrontations we are attempting to value a human life, something abhorrent in a democracy. While Couey probably should be executed, he should be executed for burying someone alive, not for committing the crime against a treasured youngster.
