What's a man's life worth?
2 measly years for a man’s life?
By Kelvin Wade
From page A11 | May 23, 2013 | 1 Comment
Four teens who pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter in the June 2011 death of 70-year-old Travis Dairy owner Ho J. Kim were back in court this week. According to the reported terms of their plea deal, with good behavior and time served, they should be released before the end of summer.
What the heck?
I understand there’s a fifth teen who is being prosecuted for murder in this case, but this is all the justice these young thugs receive?
I think back to my own father, who ran a liquor store in Vallejo during the mid-1980s. I worked for him and thought he was a tough boss, but to his customers he was cheerful, chatty and a fixture in the neighborhood (much like the way Ho J. Kim’s customers described him.)
We were always concerned about the possibility of robbery. It eventually happened. Our assistant manager, a slightly built woman, was slapped and punched and knocked out by a punk who stole a case of beer and a fistful of money.
When I think of 70-year-old Ho J. Kim running Travis Dairy, I can’t help but think of my father running his store. How would you feel if it were your father or husband who was beaten, pepper-sprayed and knocked to the floor and then died of a heart attack? What would you think would be an appropriate sentence for the perpetrators?
We should be concerned about the effect this deal has on young people. Everyone loves a good redemption story, but when you cross the line and become a menace to society, there are consequences. Or at least there should be severe consequences. It’s not only about punishing the guilty, but making a statement that certain behavior is unacceptable in our community.
That’s why it’s “the people” vs. these killers and not “the victim” vs. the killers.
I’m worried about the message other young thugs will take away from this case. This case provided a teachable moment for kids on the fence. Here was the chance to tell kids to get out of the car and opt out of going along with friends to do something like this.
If a person dies after you’ve assaulted them, you’re responsible. If you’re committing a crime alongside someone who is assaulting a victim, you’re responsible for that assault. We could’ve said to young punks that they may think they’re walking into a robbery, but they might walk out an accomplice to murder. Be aware of those with whom you hang out.
But what message do they receive now? Participate in ending the life of a man and two years later you’re back on the streets? Is that the going rate for a man’s life?
The thug who assaulted my dad’s assistant manager and stole cash and beer was never caught. But had he been, he would’ve faced more time than these kids are getting.
We understand that most cases are plea-bargained, that prosecutors have to make tough decisions involving evidence, resources and likely outcomes. Trying everyone would grind our slow, creaky justice system to a halt.
Still in such a high-profile case, just like when Nicole Stewart wasn’t charged in the Matt Garcia murder, it doesn’t feel like justice is served when the perpetrators who helped take a good man from his family and community will be walking the streets so soon. Peace.
___________________________________________
ADDITIONAL NOTES: This isn't what I'd planned to run this week. But when I saw the news item it just wouldn't leave me alone. I understand plea bargaining and prison overcrowding but.....damn. Our justice system should be both punitive and it should send a message. Yes, it should be corrective and rehabilitate. I believe in redemption and second chances for most but I don't know what these kids could glean from two years. No, they didn't intend to kill the man but that's the risk you take when you beat, rob and pepper spray an elderly man. The man dying from such an assault is foreseeable.
I want that next group of kids...the kids who are thinking about doing something stupid or crazy to be able to look at this group of kids and think twice. But I don't think this is remotely a deterrent. If you want redemption or a second chance, earn it. I don't know what the Kim family feels about this but I know how I'd feel if it were my dad. That man had a right to his life. He just wanted to go to work to make a living and provide a service to the community. That's all. And from what we've read, he was a good man who let customers run a tab. He was helpful. He didn't deserve to have his life cut short. And two years of county jail doesn't cut it.
Comments