Not punishment enough

The sentencing of Brent Christensen leaves a lot to be desired in my eyes, considering his own admission of guilt, as well as the heinousness of the crime, not to mention the very distinct possibility there may have been other victims, as Mr. Christensen seems to have alluded to during the interrogations.

As a result of this verdict, we taxpayers must foot the bill for this despicable human for the rest of his life.

While I understand Mr. Zlotow's argument against the death penalty, in this instance, I just don't buy it. He should put himself in the shoes of that victim's family, and then ask himself how he would view a just punishment for taking the life of one of his children. There are times, I feel, that the death penalty is just, and should be decided on by the one person overseeing the trial, in this case the judge.

That should be one of his or her responsibilities, to exact a just punishment that matches the crime. I just don't buy into the opinion that this type of penalty does not reduce crime. This penalty may just make potential murderers think twice before committing the crime, and it may save the taxpayers some money and bring some real justice and salvation to the victim's family, much the same as putting down an animal after victimizing an innocent child.

Charles Kliche

Lombard