THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, July 8, 1996 TAG: 9607060013
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 32 lines
More than a year has passed since I was attacked in the Food Lion parking lot on Townpoint Road by a man with an ax.
Our justice system did not work for me as it should. Michael Coker was charged and found guilty of this crime. The jury had the option of sentencing him to between 20 years and life. Then gave him the minimum sentence of 20 years.
The defendant testified that he hit me in the head with the ax five times. His reason? He wanted to go back to prison where he felt more comfortable. It is my opinion that when he is released, he will do the same thing or worse to someone else. The justice system had the opportunity to get this man off the streets permanently; it failed.
This crime has changed my life dramatically. I had life-saving surgery the day of the attack. I have since had additional surgery. I am on medication and under constant care of doctors. I have to struggle daily to remember what I have to do today. I can't remember where ordinary things in my home are located. I have problems remembering times, places, dates and appointments. My close friends tell about things we did in the past and I have no memory of them.
I am grateful to many people for their prayers, and I am indebted to Kecia Brothers, assistant director for crime victims. Her support and compassion made my ordeal more bearable.
TAMMIE WAINWRIGHT
Chesapeake, June 21, 1996 by CNB