THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 18, 1995 TAG: 9506160013
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
On May 18, there was a report of a drive-by killing in the 3200 block of Crocus Lane in Virginia Beach. I am a family member of the victim in this senseless killing. I am very much aware of the wanton and brutal crimes in society in general but in black communities in particular. Senseless killings are destroying families. We have lost all respect for life. We have allowed life to be cheapened for the sake of money, for the sake of drugs.
This justice system has allowed the lives of individuals to become meaningless. When it does not mete out punishment to fit the crime, and I am talking specifically about blacks killing blacks, then the general consensus is ``kill a black and get no time.''
As family members of this victim we cannot allow his life to be cheapened. The victim, Michael Neal Gipson, was a young man who had a job, was not involved in drugs, was not a member of any street gang and was loved by his family, his neighbors and coworkers.
In light of the editorial ``Thinking ahead'' (May 30) and Attorney General James S. Gilmore's recent proposal to the Governors Commission on the Juvenile Justice System, fundamental reforms to deal with ``a level of violent, brutal juvenile who is not a deliquent but a criminal'' are needed.
As family members of Michael Gipson, and for victims of other crimes perpetuated by these criminals, we want the punishment to fit the crime.
CHARLES E. GIPSON SR.
Norfolk, June 1, 1995 by CNB