Sammie Speigner’s Killer Gets 21 Years
Wow! Judge Clyde Jones must feel strongly about keeping murderers off the streets — he gave Sammie Speigner’s killer a big one year over the minimum sentence. This even though Raymond Carlisle pulled a gun, chased Prof. Speigner from his car, and then shot him when the Prof got back to his car and tried to drive away. Then Carlisle took Prof. Speigner’s wallet and his car and left him to bleed to death. Carlisle’s excuse? Why, gay panic, of course. And it worked, by God. First, he was convicted of the lesser charge of felony murder rather than capital murder, and now he gets a mere 21 years, out of a possible 20-99 year range, for taking a man’s life. He’ll be eligible for parole in 10. Way to be tough on crime, Judge Jones.
March 1st, 2006 at 8:03 am
How can this be? I have always opposed the “hate crimes” legislation because I have believed that such legislation devalues the life and rights of one party by implying becasue they are of lesser value they need special treatment. And I still feel that such legislation does have that implication. However, I am beginning to think that I am absurdly naive. Alabama is declaring open season on gays. The “gay panic” defense is basically established legal precedent in this state.
Come on judge, it was MURDER. What are you thinking?