Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Seattle, WA: Ken Schram: Judge's compassion totally misplaced

SEATTLE -- Misplaced compassion.

That's the kindest thing I can say about a Yakima County Superior Court Judge's decision to allow an accused killer out of jail.

Richard Roberson is charged with 2nd degree murder in the beating and strangulation death of his girlfriend.

He's being held on $1 million bail while awaiting trial. But not for much longer.

Last week, doctors told judge David Elofson that Roberson has only months to live, having been diagnosed with a failing liver.

Doctors say Roberson would be much better off out of jail where he'd be more comfortable and have more resources available to him.

The judge bought into this dribble and said that since Roberson does not pose a threat to the community, he'd soon be released to his sister's care.

The victim's family is outraged, and who can blame them.

Roberson reportedly beat the woman to a bloody pulp and then choked her to death.

Unless doctors have fresh batteries in their crystal ball, they can't accurately predict how long Roberson will live.

It could be 6 months. It could be 24.

He should remain in jail until his trial, or his death.

Whichever comes first.

The judge's compassion - entirely misplaced.

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