New Haven Independent

Posted by: charlie | February 29, 2008 1:11 PM

What a tragedy.

Anyone still opposed to 50 year minimum sentences, with no parole, for all violent gun offenders (regardless of age or crime committed)?

Yes, 1 out of every 100 Americans are in prison, but a lot of them wouldn't be there if there were stricter penalties on gun crime, because the crimes committed would not have been as severe.

Posted by: Edward_H | February 29, 2008 4:09 PM

CHARLIE

Anyone still opposed to 50 year minimum sentences, with no parole, for all violent gun offenders (regardless of age or crime committed)?

I am with you but honestly ,do you think anything like a 50 year minumum will pass if CT can't even pass a three strikes law for violent repeat offenders. As much as I would like to see longer sentences the costs of a 50 year minimum sentance would be astronomical. Too bad we can't outsource our prisoners to India. That itself would serve as a huge detterent.

Posted by: charlie | February 29, 2008 5:09 PM

"the costs of a 50 year minimum sentance would be astronomical"

The costs of gun violence are much, much, much higher.

Posted by: Heights Resident | February 29, 2008 6:49 PM

Charlie & Ed

I'm with both of you, graet idea, as far as I'm concerned these cowards should be sent as far away from civilizations as possible.

What a tragedy for that family.

Posted by: Henry Fernandez | March 1, 2008 9:39 AM

I am glad that the Independent gave voice and life to this young man who died both tragically and heroically. This is a story of someone who did just about everything imaginable to create a better life for those he loved.

Thanks for letting us know how we can be helpful.

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | March 1, 2008 12:53 PM

How about a 50 year minimum for all of the crooked cops and no pension?

Posted by: charlie | March 1, 2008 4:08 PM

Three Fifths, the sentence should fit the crime. If a kid robs someone with a gun, they should be locked up for 90 years with no parole. "Crooked cops" generally do not have the same impact on society, unless they actually went out and shot someone inappropriately.

Posted by: Heights Resident | March 2, 2008 1:52 PM

Threefiths

I know you have a soft spot to these criminals, but try to stick to the issue at hand, and that's repeat violent offenders.

These people use the revolving door of our " jails" and continue to pray on our socity with impunity. How about some sympathy for the victim, or is that to much to ask from a liberal like yourself.

Posted by: Edward_H | March 2, 2008 3:49 PM

Threefifths
How about a 50 year minimum for all of the crooked cops and no pension?

Kind of off topic but I agree with that, but somehow I don't think the police Union would.

Charlie

"Crooked cops" generally do not have the same impact on society, unless they actually went out and shot someone inappropriately.

What about those cops who either purposely frame innocent people or ignore evidence that would exonerate suspects? For every innocent person in jail a criminal is still free roaming the streets continuing to kill ,maim, rape and rob. Also, what happens at the end of 10-20 years when a crooked cop is exposed? Every criminal he ever touched is going to claim he was framed. I concede that the impact of gun violence vs. crooked cops is a highly debatable topic, but your seemingly flippant attitude towards crooked cops is one reason they will always plague us.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | March 2, 2008 4:51 PM

I to love ya fraction, but heights is right. Someone let this brave man down. Would you have fought that man for a friend? He is a hero and should be treated as such.
We all know how I feel about the system...my little fraction, we can only blame socity for criminal to a point. It has because the excuse from the criminal...and because of it crime is rising. 20 years ago the fear of prison was a deturent and stoped crime. Now it is a joke...and I watch PC people fighting for the criminal more than a man like this who was a man that any would be proud to have as a friend and community member!
say your sorry.

Posted by: justagirl | March 4, 2008 7:26 AM

PLEASE GET THIS INFORMATION TO SILVIA

The State of Connecticut, Office of Victim Services has a compensation program for victims of crime:

What is the Compensation Program?
The Office of Victim Services Compensation Program provides financial compensation to eligible crime victims and their relatives* by reimbursing them for expenses not covered by collateral sources (such as insurance). If you have questions regarding your private insurer, please contact the insurer directly.

(*Throughout this section, relative is defined by Connecticut General Statute 54-201 (4) as "the spouse, parent, grandparent, stepparent, child, including natural born, step and adopted, grandchild, brother, sister, half brother, half sister or spouse's parent.")

Compensation may be provided for:

Medical and dental costs related to the crime

Counseling for victims of personal injury, sexual assault, and child abuse

Counseling for relatives of victims of sexual assault and child abuse

Medical costs for injuries incurred during the commission of a crime to the guide or assistance dog of a blind or disabled crime victim.

Lost wage reimbursement to victims of personal injury crimes, including overtime and self-employment income, to cover the salary lost due to the crime related absence

Lost wage reimbursement to any person responsible for the maintenance of a victim who has suffered a personal injury

Funeral costs up to $5000

Counseling for relatives and designated decision maker of a homicide victim

Lost wage reimbursement to attend court proceedings for relatives and the designated decision maker of a homicide victim

Loss of support for dependents and the designated decision maker of a homicide victim

Compensation may not exceed:

$15,000 in reimbursement for expenses related to an eligible personal injury claim
Application for personal injury (personal injury claim-- JDP-VS-8PI)
$25,000 in reimbursement for expenses related to an eligible homicide claim
Application for survivor benefits (homicide claim--JDP-VS-8SB)
An application for compensation can be filed with the Office of Victim Services up to two years after the crime. State law requires that the criminal incident be reported to the police within five days of the personal injury or death. Eligibility is not based on personal or family income. An OVS claims examiner will work with the applicant to collect the needed information.

For further information regarding the Compensation Program including the application process, please contact OVS compensation staff at (888) 286-7347 or (860) 263-2761.