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A real travesty
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Published: April 19, 2009
What's a human life worth in Iredell County Superior Court?
In the case of Terry Turner, a sometimes resident of Fifth Street Shelter, the answer is not very much.
Mr. Turner was beaten to death after he was jumped by a group of teenage thugs while walking along Center Street in downtown Statesville nearly two years ago.
His senseless and brutal death — and the apparent randomness of it — sent a wave of fear across our community, causing many to wonder how safe our streets really are.
Statesville police officers worked tirelessly on the investigation, alleviating some of the anxiety with a quick resolution of the case.
Once the case was handed over to prosecutors, residents had a reasonable expectation that the perpetrators of this heinous crime would be brought to justice and punished severely.
Instead, Mr. Turner's killers received less than 10 years in prison and, with credit for time served while awaiting trial, will be free before they reach their 30th birthdays. An accomplice who pleaded guilty to a reduced charge is already free.
These men will be able to spend time with their families, enjoy a night on the town and take a walk along Center Street if they so choose.
That's a travesty in this case.
If your child or spouse or sibling is taken from you in such a violent manner in Iredell County, you should expect a similar outcome.
Will prosecutors seek the same light punishment for the man charged with murdering Shell station clerk Jennifer Vincek and customer Jeff Peck?
Or are their lives somehow worth more than Mr. Turner's?
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