Yosemite Slayings

Although I am not a member of the FBI or law enforcement, it seems to me the horrible murder of Joie Armstrong was avoidable (July 27-28). Has law enforcement turned its collective back on instincts, feelings about suspects, relying instead on forensic evidence such as fibers from blankets, etc.? Were these stanchions of law and order impressed with Cary Stayner’s good looks and well-built body, so they could not see beyond? After countless questionings, did no one see or feel anything amiss with him? Hard to believe.

Instead, a hapless bunch of losers with a suspect blanket have been on the hot seat. I thought the FBI had some brains. Now, after this, I am frightened for all us out here.

GLORIA STRASSNER

Palm Desert

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Re “Yosemite Suspect Admits Killings, Sources Indicate,” July 27:

I believe that all the law enforcement agencies involved in the Sund-Pelosso slayings were sincere in their efforts to bring justice in this case. But once again the FBI’s arrogance reigns. For agents to deliberately mislead the media and state that the people responsible for the Sund-Pelosso killings were in custody is outrageous. As a direct result of the FBI’s actions, a false sense of security developed for the Yosemite workers and visitors. Now one more person is dead. The FBI’s actions should be classified as criminal and the senior FBI agent leading this investigation should be terminated.

I feel for the people in custody who were getting the finger pointed at them. As a former law enforcement officer, I can tell you that in a criminal grand jury hearing the grand jury will indict a bologna sandwich if that’s what the district attorney wants.

LARRY MAZUR JR.

Santa Clara