Prosecutors may seek death penalty in church abuse cases-Louisiana

[funkybutt]

http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/052905ccjrwwlhosannachurchtrials.2c2ebc8e3.html

By Than Truong / WWLTV

PONCHATOULA — Capital punishment is an option for the seven church members accused of sexually abusing children in Tangipohoa Parish, prosecutors said on Sunday.

Seven of the eight suspects arrested in an alleged child sex abuse ring face charges of aggravated rape of juveniles. In Louisiana, such crimes against children under the age of 13 carry a potential penalty of death.

"At this point, if the allegations continue to as they seem to be, it will be difficult not to seek the death penalty," said Tangipohoa District Attorney Scott Perrilloux. "But at this point, we want to leave that open since it is such a major decision."
...

"Across the country, only two to three states are like Louisiana in authorizing death for the rape of a child," Ciolino said.

[Richard D]

1. I'm totally anti-death penalty . . .

. . . but sexually abusing a child gets me really close to changing my mind.

[CTLawGuy]

2. it is REALLY rare for a death sentence involving a non-fatal crime

but Louisiana is a different animal.

[rodeodance]

3. this is over the top and hope people come to their senses--as

terrible as sex abuse cases are--this is outragious to be even thinking about it.

[undergroundpanther]

4. pedophiles can't be rehabbed

They get out they re offend.

If you cannot be sure to keep them away from kids forever...You don't have much other choice than to kill them.No kid should be raped.
To me a convicted pedophile has forever lost their rights to freedom and existence among people. I don't like the state killing people because I don't trust the state. But pedophiles are an exception with the evidence is clear,they need to be stopped or contained or whatever to stop them ASAP.They are sneaky and getting away with it is part of what they like about doing it. So I don't care what happens to them they are too dangerous and manipulative to be allowed to be free,ever.I don't give pity to pedophiles or sociopaths because they take people's pity and second chances and use it to hurt people more and get away with more harm. You cannot stop a person with no innate capacity for empathy with appeals to shame,remorse,think about who you hurt pleas, guilt or emotion.They don't care,and they will FAKE caring if it gets them out to re offend. With pedophiles the choices of what to do are narrow. Either kill them or lock them up ,throw away the key and isolate them from society forever.If we want a saner gentler wiser society that is respectful and less violent we NEED to end child abuse.And WE adults need to do it.

[frictionlessO]

6. How young are you willing to go for that?? 17 16 15 14 13 12????

Lets say a 15 year old has molested several much younger kids over the span of 3 or 4 years.
Death??
You say we can't rehab him... so kill him???

[undergroundpanther]

13. 18 when they are adults

When they become adults it's harder for them to change

[megatherium]

12. How about castration?

Does that prevent or at least reduce recidivism?

[nine30]

5. Lock them up for good

As dusgusting as their crime is, the death penalty for a non fatal crime is way way over the top. As the bar for the Death Penalty is lowered, what will it be for next ? Pilfering ?

Saw 'Mississippi' Burning yesterday. Remember these are savage laws of savage states we are talking about. There are good people who live there but they are still a long long way from modern civilization.

[funkybutt]

7. "savage states"

i live in Louisiana and I was quite surprised to see that child rape is a crime punishable by death in this state and one other. However, MOST states have silly, archaic and "savage" laws. I'd imagine your's does too.

I live in New Orleans and while at times it seems 3rd world it IS a modern civilization. Please don't put a whole state down based on one tiny piece of information.


on edit, here's a few examples:

Kirkland, Illinois, law forbids bees to fly over the village or through any of its streets.

n Oblong, Illinois, it's punishable by law to make love while hunting or fishing on your wedding day.

A state law in Illinois mandates that all bachelors should be called master, not mister, when addressed by their female counterparts.

[autorank]

8. I love Louisiana! CO has "death" for rape, e.g. the Koby trial

That's right, CO has that law. There are other states with crazy stuff and you're right about that.

I love New Orleans and Louisiana. After all, you folks elected Landrieu when the Republicans looked invincible. I remember seeing those protesters with sugar canes who followed her opponent. Too much!

Until I calmed down, I used to go to NO when ever I could just for the Hell of it. What a fine place filled with friendly, creative people. And I think Louisiana is the home of the famous SwampRat, our great DU based graphic artist.

We need a little NO spirit in VA, we're a little too buttoned down.

NEW LEADERS FOR A NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY!

Contact the DNC and Give 'em Hell About NOT Acting on Election Fraud

[nine30]

9. I love Louisiana too..

I lived in Ruston (30 mil from Monroe) at one time. I have travelled all over LA -- Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles..Its lush green and pretty as a picture! I only have issues with the people - most of them in the small towns and villages (again not all, I have met many fine people over there) that inhabit this state.

A note about why Landrieu won. Why do you think she REALLY won ?
And who was she running against ? Bobby who ? ("Whatever he says , he sure don't look like one of us..")

[megatherium]

11. That part of the country is really nice in the spring,

when everything is blooming. And who can argue with 60 or 70 degree weather in January? But come June or July, when it is really hot and humid enough to cut the air with a knife, it can be miserable.

[jus_the_facts]

14. West Monroe resident here.....

....I've got issues with people here too...and DINO Landrieu is one of 'em....she ran against Suzi Terrell though...she acts more like her every day....Bobby ran for Gov. and lost to our first woman Gov. Kathleen Blanco.

:hi: from FUNroe! :D :eyes:

[bornskeptic]

10. The Supreme Court, in Coker v Georgia(1977),

decided that the death penalty for rape is cruel and unusual punishment, and hence unconstitutional.

http://straylight.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0433_0584_ZS.html

Of course the current USSC is much different than it was in 1977, so that could be reversed. On the other hand, there's no guarantee it would be. I suspect this is mostly just arm-twisting to get a plea bargain.