Ex-Schoolmate Held in Va. Slayings

The Washington Post ^ | 12/23/2008 | Jonathan Mummolo and Josh White

[ReagansRaiders]

A teenage neighborhood burglar broke into a Dale City home last week, shot and killed a former schoolmate he unexpectedly found asleep on the couch and then killed the teen resident's mother when she got home and tried to call police, Prince William County authorities said yesterday.

In the end, police officials said, the 17-year-old left the house with personal items worth less than $1,000.

[ReagansRaiders]

History of burglaries? Several criminal convictions? There is just one question that NEEDS to be asked and answered here — why was Xavier Pinckney free to murder Jean and Jim Smith?

It sounds as if the police were doing their job with regard to this suspect, having arrested him on multiple occasions. That leaves just a few possibilities:

1. The Commonwealth of Virginia’s juvenile justice system is woefully inadequate and doesn’t provide for tougher sentencing for repeat offenders like Pinckney.

2. The judges in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (or General District Court if his cases were handed up to them) were too lenient with Pinckney when they sentenced him for his prior convictions.

3. The Commonwealth’s Attorney office, despite winning convictions of Pinckney, didn’t push for tougher sentencing despite his continuing crime spree.

4. A combination of these factors.

For whatever reason or reasons, Pinckney was not in a juvenile detention facility where it sounds as if he should have belonged. Had he been locked up in a juvenile detention facility rather than free and going to Hylton High School, he would not have had the opportunity to murder Jean and Jim Smith.

Prince William County residents DESERVE ANSWERS! Why was Xavier Pinckney free to murder Jean and Jim Smith?

[WayneS]

There is just one question that NEEDS to be asked and answered here...

Yeah. And it's: When's the execution?

"Required Dislaimer: Assuming the accuseed actually committed the crime and is legally convicted in a court of law, etc. etc.

[G.Mason]

Because he is part of the future of the United States in training.

[Chinstrap61a]

I don't believe for a second that anyone in a position of authority in Prince William County (or for that matter anywhere else in our nation) will acknowledge their responsibility in this affair.

We have lost our capacity to accept responsibility for anything - the first step down the path to the failure of a society.

Is it coincidental that there haven't been any photos published of the suspect?

[ReagansRaiders]

Unfortunately, the S. Ct. took the death penalty off the table for scum under the age of 18 back in 2004.

[kabar]

I recall when the local TV news reported the story initially, they mentioned that the family had a "diverse" set of friends. Is the suspect African-American? Could that explain some of the lenient treatment by the law enforcement authorities?

The WP story does not mention a name. Do you have personal knowledge of those involved?

[Guenevere]

bttt to honor a family that tried to make a difference

May God have mercy on our nation.

[IrishPennant]

Pinkney and his G'friend - she was later arrested for obstruction after lying to police:

[oh8eleven]

Photo and more details.

[WayneS]

So, how exactly would the Supreme Court go about ENFORCING that ruling, anyway?

[rjsimmon]

Yeah. And it's: When's the execution?

No execution. Perp is 17 and the SCOTUS says no can whack yoof's.

[WayneS]

Please see post #10, above. Can you answer my question?

;^)

[ReagansRaiders]

Actually, the News & Messenger has been running photos of the suspect.

Accused murderer Xavier Pinckney and his girlfriend Jacqueline Munoz

[ReagansRaiders]

S. Ct. ruling states that it is unconstitutional for a state to execute someone for a crime they committed prior to turning 18.

[Chinstrap61a]

Thank you - Sadly, I'm not surprised. That part of Prince William is known as Dale Sh*tty for a reason.

Needless to say, the photo wasn't in the Post

[WayneS]

Yes. I understand that. You have now said it twice.

Thank you.

[Guenevere]

Doesn’t this qualify as a ‘hate crime’...

[ReagansRaiders]

Photo wasn’t in the Post because they haven’t named him yet because he’s a juvenile.

[RedMonqey]

We will see the days again when we used to hang thieves like this.For the good of the society

And these days are coming FAST!!!!!

So BE PREPARED !!!!!

[RedMonqey]

“...the S. Ct. took the death penalty off the table for scum under the age of 18 back in 2004” I'm not of the “overthrown the government type but it is cases like this that challenges my views.

When government not only doesn't help but prevents solving the problems, It's time for REVOLUTION !!!!