The Death Penalty--Rational Thinking In Indiana, Are You Listening Texas?

Jon Murray at the Indianapolis Star is reporting on the decision of the Marion County Prosecutor to drop the death penalty in a plea deal with Kenneth Lee Allen, 34, an Indiana man who had murdered and dismembered his mother and grandparents in a bid to steal some $200,000. in savings following his release from a prison term for counterfeiting.  Allen's 18 year old sister Kari has admitted to her role as lookout while the crimes were being committed!

While the underlying crime story is particulalry heinous, the remarkable thing about it is the rational thinking and political courage of the prosecutor in dropping the death penalty bid.  According to Murray:

"Friday's decision came after recent depositions of defense psychiatrists and psychologists, said David Wyser, Prosecutor Carl Brizzi's chief trial deputy. 'Looking at the evidence the way it would be at the trial, this was the best result,' said Wyser, who is also a candidate for Hamilton County prosecutor in November. 'Based on what we know, there's a strong possibility that at least one juror will believe he doesn't deserve death.'

Allen will be sentenced Feb. 5.  There are few surviving relatives of the victims -- Sharon Allen, 53, Leander Bradley, 91, and his wife, Betty Bradley, 75. The couple's son, Ronald Bradley, 60, said he understood the prosecutors' decision.  'Justice was served today,  [Mr. Bradley] said, 'but it wasn't the outcome I was hoping for.'

A legal expert who favors the death penalty said the prosecutors' decision undermines capital punishment.

'Not to seek the death penalty in these cases makes it much less likely that the death penalty is going to be sought in future cases where there is just as much evil,' said Henry Karlson, professor emeritus at the Indiana University School of Law."
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Yeah, well Professor Karlson, grow up.  The defense for Mr. Murray, an indigent, had already cost the Indiana taxpayers, $813,579 through early December, and the case hadn't been tried!  Now, let's think about what the legal costs associated with trial, appellate process, re-trial if any, appellate process, federal appellate process, how much all this will cost the taxpayers of Indiana--to put to death some evil piece of shit, maybe?!   The death penalty is morally wrong and fiscally irresponsible.