Dear Source:
I am writing to express my dismay and outrage at the latest Judge Kendall debacle in which a criminal with pending violence charges was released on his own recognizance, only to lure, kidnap and kill a child less than a week later.
I am appalled at the lack of judgment on this man's part and the fact that this is not the first time Leon Kendall (I shudder to use "Judge" because his conduct is certainly unbefitting a person who is sworn to uphold the law while keeping the safety of the community in mind.) has released a convicted criminal into the unsuspecting community.
I find it necessary to speak out against this injustice for several reasons; one of which is the fact that Jennifer Packard (who was quoted in an article in St. Thomas Source Online Newspaper on 5/25/07) and is also an acquaintance of mine.
The second reason is that I have experienced violent crime again me first hand, so I know of the fear of which she speaks. I know the frustrations of the honest law enforcement officials who dutifully complete the paperwork, only to have the perpetrators released before they've completed their police paperwork. How frustrating is that?
The idea that one can be a 16 year resident with a life, career, family and community ties be forced from the life she knew because of the lack of proper judicial process. As stated in Atty. King, who is speaking on behalf of Kendall on 5/26/07, we the public, are not privy to all forms of the legal process regarding decisions on how bail is set or release is granted, especially when there is a crime of violence committed. But any member of the public is smart enough to realize the dangers of a career criminal with violent tendencies being released unconditionally back into the community, which is what Atty. King should have addressed in his statement to the Source. I also believe any person charged with a crime of violence (any felonious charge) should be remanded to custody and proper bail set to ensure the community's safety. Leon Kendall has eroded that trust in our judicial system by repeatedly releasing recidivist violent individuals with little or no bail. Atty. King seems more concerned about Kendall's reputation. I think that it speaks for itself, and no amount of "spin-doctoring" the facts will change that.
Bail is not meant to be a punishment, but to serve as an assurance that the accused will appear for his (or her) court date. Any convicted criminal should not be allowed out on reduced bail or their own recognizance, or into third party custody. This is ludicrous! It puts the community at large in jeopardy. Especially when we're talking about previous violent crimes, or even a first time violent offender. These people represent a danger to our community and it needs to be addressed immediately!
Leon Kendall must be removed from the bench immediately–how many more children have to go missing and be murdered? How many more people must be victimized in their own homes before this clown decides to do his judicial duty and lock these people up or at least assign appropriate bail to ensure their appearance?? Where is the outpouring of community outrage? We as a community need to band together to make this happen and get this man out of the judge's seat and realize "together we can".
I have lived here 10 years, have a VI driver's license and the right to vote, and I most certainly plan to exercise it when I have the option to elect legislators who support Leon Kendall or are lenient on criminals. Just because "me not bahn heya", does not make me any less of a concerned community member. Come on, people! Speak up and out against the injustices being perpetrated here by an inept judge and do the right thing. Write your legislators, governor and newspaper. Make your voice heard! Remember Gov. De Jongh's slogan–"Together We Can."
Doreen Pape
St. Thomas, V.I.
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