Trial and Error

May 25, 2011

Kennebec Journal

There used to be a standard of justice here in the United States. There was a time that it was better for 10 guilty men to go free than for one innocent man to languish in prison. Now we hear that the judicial committee of the Legislature has put the kibosh on a bill that could have freed an innocent man.

Whether Dennis Dechaine is innocent is really irrelevant. The ability to introduce evidence after a conviction, especially evidence of innocence, should be something that we all want.

I am appalled that Sarah Cherry’s family is willing to keep in prison a man who may not have committed this atrocity.

I remember when she was murdered, and I have children of my own now. I would want justice if something happened to one of my precious little ones.

Dechaine isn’t asking to be released from prison; he is asking for evidence that would possibly point to another killer to be seen and heard. I think that is a reasonable request.

I find it very sad that the Legislature hasn’t the strength of will to defy the unreasoned and self-serving request by the attorney general and the impassioned yet sadly understandable request of the family of the victim.

Troy LaBreck

Vassalboro