Posted on 07/20/2002 7:58:03 AM PDT by sarcasm
A Bronx man who gunned down a career criminal breaking into his car was sentenced to at least three years in prison yesterday after begging a judge for mercy.
"I am terribly sorry," Victor Vicenty said, choking up. "If I could bring this man back, I would. I am a 55-year-old veteran, and I've never been arrested.
"I am a father and a grandfather," he continued. "I know what I have done is wrong, and I apologize. I am asking for mercy."
Bronx Supreme Court Justice Martin Marcus sentenced Vicenty to three to nine years behind bars. On July 1, Vicenty was found guilty of second-degree manslaughter in the death of 41-year-old Kevin Bethea.
"I cannot send out the message to the community that this is acceptable behavior," said Marcus, who received letters and a petition with 100 signatures from neighbors on Vicenty's behalf.
He fatally shot Bethea, who had been arrested more than 50 times since 1976, in May 2001 after he caught Bethea breaking into his white 1998 Toyota Corolla.
Vicenty told a grand jury that his car had been vandalized several times while parked near his Soundview apartment building. He said that on May 7, 2001, he heard the alarm sound and went downstairs about 2 a.m.
Self-defense claim
Vicenty, a school bus driver, said Bethea threatened him and was coming at him when he opened fire, emptying a .22-caliber rifle.
Bronx Assistant District Attorney Barbara Chavez asked for a five- to 15-year sentence.
"We must remain a civilized society," Chavez said. "Citizens cannot decide who, without due process, can live or die."
Vicenty's lawyer, Murray Richman, said his client will appeal.
"I am deeply saddened that a person who is in every way a good citizen must be judged like a criminal and sentenced to time in jail," Richman said.
Hmm ...
This judge seems to have no problem sending out the message that stealing others property is a safe occupation, and that recidivist criminals like this "victim" don't belong in jail until they are too old and feeble to pose a threat.
Does anyone know the address of this judge? If he thinks that defending your property is not acceptable behavior, perhaps he would change his mind if a bunch of these 50+ arrests types showed up on his property. OTOH, I'm sure he could get the police to guard his property, unlike the average citizen.
Do not forget NY's senior senator, Chuckie "the Cereal Killer" Schummer, aka "Lizard Face".
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