As the one who always tries to see things from both sides I must say this. IF my brother were convicted of murder it would be very hard for me NOT to beg for his life. Yes, it would be difficult, to say the least, as a pro death penalty person to know that my own brother was sentenced to death. My mother would, more than likely, go to an early grave over something like that. Now, I would NOT lie for him, make excuses for his actions or anything like that. If, in fact, he was guilty of something as heinous as murder, I would be the first one to say that he needed to be punished. I believe in accepting responsibility for what you do. But, as a big sister who grew up protecting him, I would be almost emotionally obligated to ask for mercy upon his life. It would be a very difficult situation and I can sympathize with family members who sometimes are secondary victims of the murderers. Does that make sense? Or does it make me sub human?
If my parents were suffering, again the blame goes squarely on the murderer and I would do all I could to comfort and love my innocent parents, but I would NOT get on the stand and cry for the murderer, sorry, does that make me sub-human?
The problem is they AREN'T begging for his life. What they are trying to do is "humanize" him, which is a big mistake.
A LOT of people were deeply offended by the WWSD (What Would Scott Do?) reference, similar to WWJD. This jury will more than likely take note and ALSO be offended.
What Garagos SHOULD be doing is having the family go up there and directly ask the jury, "Please don't kill our brother/cousin/son." They haven't done this.
Lacy's mom's testimony hangs over the courtroom still. Clearly, Garagos chose another losing strategy -- to try to get enough witnesses to put a lot of time between Sharon Laroach and when the deliberations start.
It makes sense and we each have to do what is in our hearts.
I love my children. I love my family members. It would sadden me greatly if any of them faced what Scott does, but Scott placed himself in this situation. His act of ignoring Lacy's pleas would leave me incapable of pleading for him.
I raised my children to have good values. When they became adults, they took over the responsibility for their own actions. They will rise or fall on their own merits.
I simply could not defend them in this situation. I would continue to love them. I would try to support them by keeping in contact, but I would not plead for their lives if convicted of this type of crime.
Now, if I thought there were any chance that they were not guilty, of course I'd do my best to see them defended and cleared.
Is there a doubt in anyone's mind about Scott with regard to Lacy? Sadly, no there isn't. This young man that had so much going for him, killed it all himself. His crime had many repercussions. His death will be the last. When he is gone, the issue will be laid to rest. Him living after what he has done, is a miscarriage of justice IMO.
If he were a son of mine, I would feel the same way. It would cause me a lot of grief, but I would feel the same way.