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Dear Editor:
“We’re going to lose a civilized society.”
This is the statement proclaimed by Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter while being interviewed by Fox 59’s Jenny Dreasler on Sept. 29.
When I heard those words, I paid close attention to the story and facts Carter was talking about.
A 19-year-old man named Luis Leyba-Gonzalez was involved in an automobile accident killing three people, two in his car and one innocent 21-year-old woman sitting in her car. Gonzales had been “joy riding” showing off with his cousin and brother. His reckless driving involved speeds up to 140 miles per hour. Police officers in Marion County stopped chasing him when he entered Hancock County. Gonzales returned to Marion County where the accident occurred.
What is most shocking, Judge Jennifer Harrison gave Gonzales a low bond and he was released.
Carter said, “The accident reports were ironclad, and they laid out how horrific the fatal accident was and says Judge Harrison’s decision to allow him out on bond doesn’t match the crime.”
This shows that the Marion County justice system has a revolving door on criminals being charged and released into the public to commit another crime. This has to stop, and Carter says the Marion County justice system needs to be reviewed and overhauled.
I support Superintendent Carter 100 percent. The prosecutor and court system are part of the judicial system and if that part of the system lets out criminals who have been charged with felonies such as one death too many, there needs to be a removal of these people who allow criminals out on the streets again. Gonzales’ high speed and reckless driving is premeditated murder, and he should not have been allowed a bonding out at all!
Marion County’s failure to handle criminals does and will affect the surrounding donut counties around Indianapolis. If this problem is not solved soon, Carter’s quote conveys the message: “We’re going to lose the safety and security of the way in which we live if this doesn’t change.”
Mari Briggs
Sheridan