Wednesday, June 13, 2012
I'd love to be on that jury!
Readers are doubtless familiar with the news of a father in Shiner, Texas who caught a man in the act of molesting his four-year-old daughter. He struck him so hard (and possibly so often) that the man died at the scene. His daughter was treated in hospital, and will reportedly be OK. The local District Attorney has now announced he'll refer the case to a Grand Jury, which will determine whether or not the father will face charges.
All I can say is, I'd love to be on that jury! Texas law appears to offer an affirmative defense for the father [cf. Texas Penal Code, Ann. § 9.32(a)(2)(B)]; but even if it didn't, given that the deceased was caught in the act of child abuse, I have no problem at all understanding and condoning the father's hot-blooded reaction. I'd have done precisely the same (except that I might not have stopped hitting him yet!). If I were on that jury, that father would be getting congratulated rather than charged with anything!
There's only one real, effective, permanent cure for child abusers. The attacker in this case has been well and truly cured. Well done, that dad!
Peter
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11 comments:
The phrase that comes to mind here is "He needed a killin'." I'm told it's a Texas phrase anyways. I agree with you, it looks like a righteous and legal act. Hopefully the grand jury sees that as well and refuses to indict.
Heat of the moment. No premeditation! Go for it, Dad! What a lucky little girl.
Even if he's indicted, which I doubt, there's no way he'll get convicted. Like Lokidude said, that man needed killing.
BTW, they also make a pretty good beer in Shiner.
Unless there is more to the story than has been released so far, it was a righteous killing and the jury should find it so quite easily. BUT ... the death does need to be properly investigated - things are not always as they seem.
If the facts as presented are indeed the truth, I join you in applauding and congratulating that father for his actions. I know for a fact I would do the same in a similar situation.
You said, If I were on that jury, that father would be getting congratulated rather than charged with anything!
Agreed, except in my world, the guy not only doesn't get charged with anything, the state gives him a check for about half of what a trial and a year of imprisonment would cost, as thanks for saving the rest of the money for the state.
Assuming a proper investigation, of course.
SiGraybeard@work
Heh. When I read this one, my first thought was "man, that's gonna be hard to top for her first date."
You imagine that scene?
"Well, Billy, here's a newspaper clipping of that time where I *beat a man to death* for touching my daughter. What time did you say you'd have her home by?"
It is my understanding that by sending a case like this to a Texas Grand Jury without charges will protect the victim from civil liability from the criminal.
It is a good thing.
Perhaps someone more familiar with Texas law could weigh in?
Jesse in South Texas.
Jay, that was my first thought as well.
I would have held him after kicking his ass...so my wife could have the enjoyment of using a dull spoon on the bastard.
In Texas, I believe all homicides are referred to a grand jury regardless of the circumstances.
The question is how fast the grand jury will no bill the guy.
MechAg94
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