Justice still served

Belleville-News Democrat Editorial

February 4. 2008

At the sentencing hearing for Jason Smith last week, a prosecutor argued that the death penalty was the only appropriate sentence. And if the jury had returned that verdict, it certainly would have been appropriate.

Smith broke into an apartment in Belleville in October 2005 and shot to death his ex-girlfriend, two of her friends and even the ex-girlfriend's baby. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims.

But the death penalty wasn't the only right option. The jury's recommendation of life in prison without the possibility of parole is equally appropriate.

The defense presented compelling testimony about why Smith's life should be spared. The tapes of the taunting, threatening calls from his ex-girlfriend were particularly powerful, as was the testimony of the nurse who saw him in the emergency room after he tried to kill himself.

Prosecutors were right to ask for the death penalty, but it's OK they didn't get it. Locking away this killer for the rest of his life is also justice.