Redemption

  There has been an outgoing case involving a man that was convicted of first degree murder. He was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. He has maintained his innocence over the years. Then the states attorney in Baltimore claimed there was new evidence in the case, a hearing was held and he was released. The family whose child was murdered was never notified of this action. Their lawyer files a petition to the court, another hearing. A new states attorney takes office and reviews the case. Turns out their was never any "new" evidence at all. The current states attorney declaring that claim was misrepresented by the previous states attorney, Marilyn Mosby. She left office after being found guilty of perjury regarding her personal finances. 

 But Maryland has this law, for lack of a better term, that can release prisoners if they were convicted of that crime as a juvenile. This man was a juvenile when he murdered his then girlfriend. The law says he must have served at least twenty years to be eligible for that. That is what is on the news locally. There are witnesses saying what a fine upstanding man this guy has been while incarcerated. No problems in prison, a pillar of the community. Never has he shown a bit of remorse or regret for the murder of that girl. His supporters pointing to that as proof positive that he didn't do it. He has served his time and should be released as he is no danger to the community. He has been interviewed by a mental health professional that agrees with that. Hey, he only killed one person, when he was just a kid, he's a different person toady.

 Well, I see it differently. If he was willing to kill once, he would be willing to do it again. He has served twenty years in federal prison, that young lady has spent twenty years in the grave! She ain't getting out. He was given life and that is exactly what he should serve. It's great that he complies with the prison rules and regulations. It's great if he is genuinely trying to better himself, become a "different" man. None of that is going to bring that young lady back or do anything to ease the pain of her family for that loss. It isn't alright after twenty years. The evidence has been reviewed time and time again. He has had many days in court, lawyers defending him and entire groups offering their support for him. He still killed that girl, intentionally, deliberately and without remorse or regret. 

 Does redemption require a release from your sentence? No, it does not. He has shown himself to be a model prisoner. Apparently adjusting well to the confines of the prison and the daily routine. Redemption is between you and your God, not between you and the state. You can not redeem yourself from first degree murder in the eyes of the state. The sentence was handed down and must be executed. It's not like it was victimless crime! He has to pay for that with his life. In my view, mercifully enough, above ground. There is no adequate excuse for murdering another person; ever. Sometimes however, somebody needs killing. But that's a different topic for another day.