Domestic Violence Is Deadly Serious
“Troubled Life Led to Tragedy,” Jan. 20: The case of Joshua Vick reveals a double standard that still exists in our judicial system. If he had threatened and assaulted one or more strangers, he would have been prosecuted and sentenced accordingly. But Vick threatened and beat up his brother and his girlfriend; he also threatened his mother and other family members.
Despite multiple occurrences, charges were dropped, plea bargains were made and anger management classes were skipped.
Ultimately, the only thing standing in the way of Vick making good on his threats was a piece of paper (the restraining order). Now three people are dead.
It’s time for prosecutors and judges to crush that special pair of glasses through which they view domestic violence and see it for the deadly serious matter it is.
Kelly L.C. Russell
Pasadena
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