No death penalty costs in other ways

No death penalty costs in other ways

Once again the lack of capital punishment has cost the state of Illinois and local taxpayers millions of dollars in trial expenses and fees. Recently two Aurora men were found guilty of murder in two separate cold cases, with overwhelming evidence against them.

What were their choices before trial by pleading innocent? Freedom or life in prison. Who wouldn’t plead innocent? With capital punishment as an option, their choices now are freedom, life in prison, or death.

Now do they plead innocent and risk death or plea bargain for life in prison? In light of the evidence, I would surmise to say they would bargain. These long lengthy costly trials occur regularly and cost the state a small fortune. So if one is against the death penalty, the arguments against it should not be based on its expense. It is clearly much more expensive not to use capital punishment as an option. But, of course Illinois has a ton of money to throw away.

Scott Martens

Elburn