After 11 years, 4 months, 29 days, a two day jury trial and 20 minutes of deliberation there is finally justice for her.
Justice for two now almost grown children who spent those years without their mother.
Justice for the husband who lived under the microscope of suspicion.
Justice for the parents who lost their only daughter.
Justice for the friends who can no longer laugh with her.
Only 17 when he committed the crime, he will not face the death penalty. Life imprisonment with possible parole in 20 years (universe forbid)
And, yet he is also implicated in the disappearance of his former fiancé 4 years ago. She looks remarkably like my friend.
Should the investigation proceed to a point where he is put on trial and found guilty the penalty could change.
What is the value of his also losing his life?
It will not bring either Dana or Heather back.
It will not change the years each family has mourned the loss of their loved one.
A life for a life?
Is it justice?
Is it too easy a sentence?
Living the remainder of his years locked away from the world…his life…his own children…would that not be a more hellish punishment? Equal to that of those who have suffered for Dana’s death.
He’s lived with his actions as a free man for over 11 years; making a life for himself; starting a family. Will it make a difference behind bars?
What is the greater justice…for Dana…her children…her husband…her family…her friends?
I don't know.
What ever the justice truly is - may she finally rest in peace.
((Sad story))
ReplyDeleteIt had to hurt to read this, I know it hit close to home for you.
ReplyDeleteSo much pain for all of us.
((((((hugs))))), April