Young victim's dad: Give suspect '17 years of pure hell'

CNN ^ | July 09, 2003 | Anderson Cooper

[Pern]

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- Police say they've solved the 1987 murder of a young girl who was raped and brutally killed in her own bedroom. Sources tell CNN longtime suspect Raymond Sheehan confessed in a statement to killing 10-year-old Heather Coffin.

[big gray tabby]

This fellow seems miffed, no?

[chiefqc]

Well, it looks like the honest tax payers will be supporting another POS for the rest of his life. Then again maybe the rest of his life will end up being a short one.

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[CFW]

This fellow seems miffed, no?

You got that impression too, huh?

[friendly]

Good cops. No, great cops to solve this mystery after so many years.

[EllaMinnow]

Ping.

[twigs]

I agree. This little girl was murdered in her bed one night with her two sisters asleep in the same room. No sign of forced entry into the house. Now they think that this neighbor had come back in and raped her and then killed her when she started to struggle. I can't say that I blame this father. He's been through hell. Because of the circumstances of the case, a lot of people apparently thought he was guilty.

[cyncooper]

I had not heard of this story before and thank goodness they have the confession.

I take it they didn't have trace evidence like the rapist/murderer's hair and DNA in the poor girl's bedroom?

Hmmmmmmmmm.

[EllaMinnow]

"And my children don't have to put up with people saying that I am the murderer anymore. It gives me a little bit of relief."

Poor guy. I hope this brings him some peace.

[EllaMinnow]

[cyncooper]

There was DNA found I just heard. I surfed around and the CBS morning show had this story, complete with the distraught sister, Danielle, in tears saying the murderer should receive the death penalty. They said DNA evidence was collected and recently subjected to new tests.

[EllaMinnow]

Here's a link to the Philly Inquirer story:

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/front/6260784.htm

[Focault's Pendulum]

And if I had, Ray, I don't think I'd be here standing. ... Because I would have killed you instantly, the way you did my daughter

He would have had help....me.

[PLMerite]

I wonder what the anti-death penalty folks will say to counter both DNA and a confession?

[twigs]

I would think that as-yet uncaught murderers would quake at this story. New methods of testing DNA will yield conclusions to more and more unsolved crimes. At least we hope.

[TNdandelion]

I'm not saying the dad's responsible...but there is something to be said about taking care who your friends are.

Most child abusers (molesters) have easy access to their victims because of their relationship to the parents.

[twigs]

Since they didn't know who committed this crime, the family couldn't be certain that it would not be tried again on the other two girls who were in the room at the time. I heard the mom interviewed on the radio yesterday. I just can't imagine suffering through this for so many years.

[Xenalyte]

Would you allow someone access to your children who'd already gotten violent with you?

Me neither.

[cyncooper]

Would you allow someone access to your children who'd already gotten violent with you?

I wouldn't call a situation where someone sneaks into your home in the dark of night as "allowing access".