Justice System Affords Few Rights to Victims, Families

The action, or more correctly the inaction, of attorney Louis “Chuck” Samonsky in withholding knowledge his client had of the location of Kali Manley’s body is just the beginning of an unwanted and undeserved education in the legal system that the Manley family will receive.

The entire family, their friends and loved ones have experienced the worst kind of loss imaginable. Kali and all who knew her and loved her are victims. They unfortunately have been victimized by a justice system that shows little respect for victims’ rights.

They will soon learn that they have no rights whatsoever in any plea bargaining done on behalf of the person charged with the murder of their beloved Kali. They may be consulted but the decision is not theirs.

If they are able to attend the trial, they will be counseled not to show any emotions in the courtroom so that the jury will not be swayed and the defendant will receive a fair and impartial trial. How much consideration was given to Kali?

Should there be a confession or enough evidence presented to lead to a conviction, the Manleys should prepare themselves for appeals. They should brace themselves for efforts by organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union to overturn the conviction or see that the punishment handed down by the court is never administered. Kali’s convicted murderer will be portrayed as the victim because the life he or she may have lived is perceived to have been the fault of society.

There will be outcries that any sentence given by the court is cruel and unusual punishment prohibited by the Constitution. What about Kali, her family and friends? I can think of no crueler punishment than what has befallen them. Is it not equally cruel and unusual punishment that knowledge of Kali’s whereabouts was withheld from law enforcement officials by an attorney--an officer of the court?

Why do I sound so critical? Maybe it’s because my family and I have gone through the system that now confronts the Manley family. Maybe it’s because on Dec. 29, 1998, my murdered son would have celebrated his 31st birthday. Instead of a party and celebration of life, we visited him at his grave site.

It is with great sorrow and regret that I say this is the sentence the Manley family has been given.