Dear Source:
I am appalled and disgusted with the state of the Judicial system in the Virgin Islands. How in the world can this repeat offender not be charged with murder? There could be no mitigating circumstance, no appeal or acquiesce by which this murderer could state the victim attacked him. What I really don't understand is the actions taken by Justice Hollar, a seasoned and well respected member of the judiciary. The fact that this man will have the opportunity to be free once again after a few years is galling! Who is standing up for the victims? The child, 12 years old?
This case, along with the rising murder rate has made me question what the police department and others in the community are doing to stem this tide of bloodshed. It is time for the Virgin Islands to implement the death penalty for especially heinous crimes such as Castillo's. Additionally, what is happening with the Cockayne murder in St. John? How can we want the recognition as an independent governing territory when we have gangs of murderers on the loose. The "Godfather" style murder of a man in the hospital in St. Croix? Come on V.I., we need to do better than this.
Anthony Fontaine
Walnut Hill, Va.
Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.