THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, August 8, 1995 TAG: 9508080005
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 28 lines
I recently served on a Virginia Beach jury to hear the prosecution of two habitual trouble-makers on four particularly flagrant felony counts. We convicted each on three counts and sentenced them to a total of 65 and 46 years. We could have sentenced each to two life terms. After the sentencing, one of the jurors said, ``I hope this sends a message!''
If we sent a message, I have no idea how it's to be delivered - certainly not by our local newspaper. I have scanned your paper every day since the trial and haven't found a single reference to the trial or sentencing - not even a tabulation of recent criminal-court actions.
How will the punks of this world ever know we're cracking down on crime if nothing is reported in the media? Do you expect them to drive down to the courthouse every week to check on how their colleagues are doing?
C. C. DRENKARD
Virginia Beach, July 28, 1995 by CNB