ELDON: Sentence is unjust

I read with consternation and sadness about Eldon Samuel, 16, being sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing his father and brother, particularly since he has been a model prisoner for the last two years.

How can a 14-year-old boy with his upbringing possibly be tried as an adult? I know the gravity of his crime was severe, but how can this event not be considered a case of temporary insanity caused by gross living conditions and forced consideration of zombies as a real part of his family’s consciousness? This is depraved, insane thinking, and all the more so for being forced down his throat by his father. He was only 14.

I do not know all of the details of this case, but it is difficult to understand why the prosecutor would not pursue a path of leniency and rehabilitation for this poor soul. Providing him with counseling, and perhaps sentencing Eldon to 10 years of community service would be much more humane and productive for him and for society. Perhaps a part of his community service could be to speak to groups of high school kids about the evils of violent video games and belief in zombies.

To lock him away in prison with hardened criminals for 20 years is a true travesty of justice in my opinion.

JEFF CONNAWAY

Coeur d’Alene