The Alexander Family Murders

Regarding “The Alexander Family Murders” (by Paul Ciotti, Aug. 2): As a member of the jury who sentenced Darren Charles Williams to death, I found it very painful reading the story on the Alexander family murders. It was all so senseless.

After the four verdicts of death were read and we were excused, I’ll never forget standing in front of Joan Marie Alexander, who was still seated in the courtroom along with other family members and friends. They were all crying. I was on the verge of tears myself, as it had been a very emotional experience. I wanted so badly to say something to help take away some of the pain and grief they have gone through the past three years. All I could stand there and say was, “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” How inadequate the words were.

My heart also goes out to the family of Darren Charles Williams who tried to raise him to do right in this world. I’ll also never forget the look on his mother’s face as her only son was sentenced to death.

So many lives were changed forever in just a few minutes on that morning of Aug. 31, 1984. Why?

Karen Ragan

Downey