BEATING: Idaho, be ashamed

Mr. Bruce McDonald, my heart aches with you on the terrible beating your son, Clint, endured at the hands of his abusive caregiver, William Robertson Jr., while living at Milestone Decisions. The fact that your son is autistic, non-verbal, vulnerable and at the mercy of his caregiver, makes it even more tragic.

I am outraged with you that our justice system did not give justice to your son and family, and did not put Robertson in prison where he belongs. The state is charged with protecting those who cannot protect themselves.

Had the assault happened seven miles to the west, Robertson would have faced multiple felony charges with a sentence of over a year for felony assault at the highest level. A misdemeanor assault in Washington is “unwanted touching.” How the Idaho court system could fail so badly to protect your son is beyond comprehension.

As a retired criminal law attorney in Washington, I have seen defendants go to jail for 10 times longer than Robertson got over less than a $10 item. I am shocked and appalled that because your son lives in Kootenai County, Idaho, he is at the mercy of lawlessness.

BEVERLY STUMPF LAVY

Post Falls