Louisiana Man, 21, Pleads Guilty in Slaying of His Sister Teacher, 25

Alexandria, LA, Daily Town Talk ^ | 08-15-03

[Theodore R.]

Robert Smith pleaded guilty Thursday to manslaughter and aggravated robbery in the slaying of his sister, Tioga Elementary School teacher Christy Smith.

He pleaded guilty in return for an agreement with the Rapides Parish District Attorney's Office that limits his total prison sentence to 60 years.

[Theodore R.]

Charles and Diane Smith said they could not emotionally stand a trial, Shannon said.

What is it about parents who "cannot stand" a trial when their adult child commits a murder -- and of his sister at that?

[SouthernFreebird]

You really don't understand...? jeez

[Theodore R.]

Well, the desire to not have a trial often works to the advantage of the accused. I would imagine how distraught the parents are, but is it justice to avoid a trial in such situations?

[SouthernFreebird]

Plea bargains are made all the time.... I think in this case, avoiding causing the parents even more pain is worth not having a trial. He admitted his guilt and will be punished.

[Theodore R.]

What I meant was that the killer could, under LA law, have received the death penalty through a trial, instead of life imprisonment. Therefore, the fact that he killed a sister, rather than another woman, potentially saved him from the death penalty. Of course, in the legal system, killers often walk smilingly away from their crimes scott free.

[SouthernFreebird]

I think asking for the DP in this case would not have been justice for the parents.

Think about it, I'm off to work now.

[wita]

Your concept of justice, mercy and punishment is skewed IMHO. The parents lost two children no matter how you look at it. Justice has nothing to do with the parents and everything to do with the legal system. If by escaping the death penalty, or even life without possibility of parole, the perp is pleased with his plea bargain, has justice been done? The court and the lawyers, by considering the whimpering pleas of the parents, have IMHO thwarted the claims for justice, by the deceased, and delayed the real punishment which follows the demise of the perp.

[Tunehead54]

Would have been helpful if the reporter had at least mentioned WHY she was killed. Drug money for the GED brother?

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:-(