OK, this is visceral, not a logical, reasoned response, so I guess it wouldn't be a good idea to put me on the jury for Simon Rios, assuming the trial even takes place in our lifetimes. How far do we have to go, exactly, to make sure a trial is fair?
Defense attorneys for Simon Rios, a suspect in the deaths of his wife and three daughters, on Friday were granted their motion for a continuance of his February trial.
Allen Superior Judge Fran C. Gull ruled attorneys Michelle Kraus and John Nimmo did not have sufficient time to properly prepare for the trial, which was scheduled to begin Feb. 5. Prosecutors did not object. The trial is now scheduled to run from Oct. 1-31, 2007.
[. . .]
Rios attended Friday's hearing, which lasted 10-15 minutes. Kraus said she and Nimmo need more time to find bilingual people who can assist in their pre-trial investigations. Their nationwide search has slowed their preparations. Rios does not speak English.
This particular story does not mention it, but it has also been reported that Rios' defense team wants the pre-trial investigation to include an exhaustive documentation of his life in Mexico, in case he suffered head trauma for has some other excuse to warrant a life term instead of the death penalty. We know, do we not, that Rios killed his wife and three daughers? We know because he called police and said he did, after which he waited for them on the front porch. We can also reasonably believe he raped and killed 10-year-old Alejandra Gutierrez, since he, you know, led police to the body. And now we wait another year so this man's defense team can dig up everything they can to help him beat the death penalty? This is not justice delayed. It is justice tied and gagged and kicked into the farthest corner of the basement.
It seems to me one of the biggest news stories of the past few years, played up by both newspapers and all over the TV stations, is the growth of the Hispanic community here. What's with the "nationwide search" for bilingual people who can assist the defense team?
Comments
Don't be surprised if his lawyers (eventually) contend that his "right to a speedy trial" was infringed upon in some ludicrous manner....(that THEY caused in the first place)...!
I'm in total agreement with you, Leo....
B.G.
One would certainly think we could find a Spanish teacher at a local high school to help translate.
Just out of curiosity, is he an American citizen? If so, why can't he speak English? And if not, what is he doing here?
All good questions and points, Bob and Tim. I'd be the first to admit that in some cases we wrongly convict innocent people, but we have bent over so far backwards to appease the defendant, I'm afraid the justice system has fallen over and can't get up.
But you have to admit that bending over THAT far backwards does give one a "unique" view of the world, does it not?
(I'm thinking BIZARRO WORLD here)
;)
B.G.