Color of Justice

My news feed, social networks and blog rolls are full of snarky remarks about Justin Beiber's mug shot.  I laugh at the comparison to Miley Cyrus, and wonder if the justice system would actually prosecute him for his crimes or even deport his candy ass back to Canada.   Then I see this headline: Kerchner pleads guilty in Brevard deputy shooting case.

I watched the news clip on this and scoffed at the plea deal they gave her.  She won't serve 12 years.  Political BS will end up releasing her early to community control because of over-crowding in the prisons or good behavior.  I doubt she'll make six months of being released from prison before she violates her probation for drugs or something stupid she can't seem to get away from.  It will happen.  The same people are arrested for committing the same crimes over and over because they are creatures of habit.  Even with support bad habits are hard to break. 

My sympathy goes out to Andrea Kerchner's father.  Don't roll your eyes.  The man is still her father regardless of her actions, and his statements were made through feelings of hurt, anger, confusion, and guilt.  The article mentioned a son who was murdered, another son who is law enforcement, and Andrea who rebelled and left home at a young age where she ended up heavy into drugs. 

His view on his daughter's involvement: "The fact remains that she wouldn't have done it and didn't have any part in it, but she will have to pay for being in the wrong place at the wrong time."

No, Mr. Kerchner, the fact remains she did have a part in it.  She chose to be there and that didn't change until the split second between her handing Bradley the gun and him pulling the trigger, to her yelling for him to hurry up and go.  

Kerchner wasn't allowed to face Pill's family as she apologized in court.  "I'm very sorry for the family's loss," she said. "I was on a lot of drugs. I don't have any excuse for my actions." 

Her apology is hard to hear over the court's decision barring law enforcement from wearing uniforms or other insignia during Bradley's trial.  One of his attorney's believes a "sea of blue and green" would influence the jury and diminish Bradley's right to a fair trial.  I believe the attorney is ignorant.  Limiting the audience to plain clothes will not prevent law enforcement presence.  

Deputy Pill's family is not confined to her widower and sons.  The attorneys forget that It extends well beyond the courtroom walls and bleeds into the entire community of Brevard County.  When Bradley stands trial there will be a strong law enforcement family presence.  

I call upon my brothers and sisters in the public safety sector (police/fire/etc.) to show your support and wear blue and green shirts to the trial.  A "sea of blue and green" can be the color of justice for #644.