Justice Served? Man Serving Life Sentence For Stealing TV

WRAL.com ^ | November 25, 2003 | Gerald Owens

[liberallarry]

One would think the trooper's report would be sufficient proof. Presumably, he appeared on the scene shortly after the crime was committed - either at the home or at a relative's home or at a hospital. Where's the problem?

[Sofa King]

"Several of her relatives contacted us about this story and said Allen has paid for his crime. They insist the reason he got such a harsh sentence was because he fought with the victim -- a crime for which Allen was never charged."

Well then he really isn't serving a life sentence for JUST taking a TV, now is he? Funny how they leave out that detail until the end.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

One would think the trooper's report would be sufficient proof.

It would be hearsay. The Deputy could testify that he was at the house. That Mrs. Johnson was there at the time he took her statement. That she was bruised. But unless he was in the house at the time of the burglary there is no way for him to testify that Mrs. Johnson and Allen were there together. He didn't see it. Therefore he doesn't, in a legal sense, know it.

[neutrino]

Perhaps if a certain individual had been kept in prison, Carlie Brucia would still be alive.

If we kept the petty criminals locked up, Carlie might well be alive today. I'll save my compassion for her.

[liberallarry]

Thank you for the clarification.