By DANICA COTO, Associated Press
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A day after his teenage son was killed in a drive-by shooting, Luis Arvelo found some comfort in the arrest of a body shop worker suspected in the slaying. But that quickly evaporated hours later when he learned the man had been freed after posting a $33,000 bail bond.
Puerto Rico currently is the only place in the Western hemisphere where all people, including those charged with rape and murder, are always entitled to bail. But under an upcoming referendum that would allow judges in the U.S. territory to deny bail in certain cases, the man charged with killing Arvelo's son could have remained behind bars.
What does the subject alledged to have committed a homicide have to lose now? Out on bond and free to flea the country to places unknown. Sure, the court can issue an arrest warrant, but then you have to find him and that could take years and perhaps several others will be his victims...........and he may never be caught. Those subjects arrested for a violent crime should not be allow bond and remain locked-up until their trial date.If he is guilty, he will pay the price and if proven innocent he will be set free. The system, as slim as it is, has to take its course. It's not perfect, but it's all we have.My prayers are with the family of Luis Arvelo that they might be given the strength to carry on under such a loss of a family member. LMB
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. You might find it hard to believe that some in Puerto Rico are against it.
ReplyDeleteMJ
That does not surprise me, I'll bet they don't even like Apple Pie either! LMB
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