[Rae1]

Hello ladies,

May I first begin by saying that I have been a silent observer of this board a little over 8 months. I would like to thank all the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc for all the words of wisdom shared throughout this board.

I have never been compelled to become a member and participate in the conversation until I read this thread. The situation posted by AKA2D '91, as described in the post, is premeditated murder and the perpetrator should certainly be prosecuted. I am not sure if I believe in the death penalty. However, I am positive that the man should not have killed the people attempting to break into or steal his vehicle.

I believe someone has a right to defend him/herself and anyone else if they were in immediate danger. However, the man discribed in the given scenario was not in immediate danger. How would he know that the suspects were trying to steal the vehicle -vs- merely breaking into the car to steal items inside? Please note, I am in no way condoning the felons for commiting this crime. However, that is why we have a judicial system. Citizens cannot and should not take the law into their own hands. This could cause chaos.

The question I would ask anyone who believes the owner of the vehicle was 'justified' in his actions: Is an automobile and it's replacable contents more valuable than a human life? That answer will forever be NO in my book. The owner of the vehicle could just as easily went back up to his apartment and called 911 to report the suspects and have officers come out. Even if the suspects got away with stealing the vehicle, it couldn't be worse than dealing with the car owner's conscience. Certainly reporting your vehicle stolen and filing a claim against your insurance would be much easier than dealing with the guilt of killing two people the rest of your life.

OK, sorry this post was so long. I just find it hard to believe that people think that it is OK to place the law into their own hands and deal with criminals any way THEY see fit. It is wrong and immoral.

Rae