THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, September 20, 1994 TAG: 9409200007
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
After reading your report on Richmond Judge James R. Spencer (news, Sept. 9), I had to write. His overturning of the death sentences of three criminals when Virginia is going through its most violent period is detestable.
In my seven years in Virginia, I have seen two men who committed heinous crimes of dismembering women receive life in prison. One man who repeatedly stabbed, then set on fire his girlfriend also received life in prison. With the recent incident of a policeman being gunned down, the prospect is for more criminals to spend life in prison, thanks to judges like Spencer.
Gov. George Allen is trying to eliminate parole in prison. Overcrowding of prisons is imminent. What happened to the death penalty? I believe it is still in effect. Let's use it or fire the judges who will not.
PAMELA JURKOWSKI
Virginia Beach, Sept. 9, 1994
After reading your report on Richmond Judge James R. Spencer (news, Sept. 9), I had to write. His overturning of the death sentences of three criminals when Virginia is going through its most violent period is detestable.
In my seven years in Virginia, I have seen two men who committed heinous crimes of dismembering women receive life in prison. One man who repeatedly stabbed, then set on fire, his girlfriend also received life in prison. With the recent incident of a policeman being gunned down, the prospect is for more criminals to spend life in prison, thanks to judges like Spencer.
Gov. George Allen is trying to eliminate parole in prison. Overcrowding of prisons is imminent. What happened to the death penalty? I believe it is still in effect. Let's use it or fire the judges who will not.
PAMELA JURKOWSKI
Virginia Beach, Sept. 9, 1994 by CNB