Readers React: A show trial for James Holmes

To the editor: A disturbed man commits a mass shooting, a tragedy that should be the occasion for society to try to understand why some externalize their own suffering by destroying the lives of others. (“Jury selection to begin in trial of James Holmes in Colorado theater massacre,” Jan. 19)

In spite of starting with 7,000 juror summonses, there will never be a unanimous decision of twelve jurors to acquit him, nor will any good come of executing this man. He should and probably will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Spending an inordinate amount of money on this expanded trial has nothing to do with “justice,” but is a show trial to illustrate the American dedication to due process. Meanwhile, for lack of these funds too many indigent people will be convinced by their overworked public defenders to plead guilty because they don’t have the resources to demonstrate their innocence.

Al Rodbell, Encinitas

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