I've been silently watching reactions to the posts I've written on a local murder, probably a little closer than I watch other topics. First because it was a local case, and second because I wanted to know where people's thoughts lie when unsolicited.
By all accounts, Linsi Light was a special person. Bright, attractive, outgoing- a quick search of her name in Xanga will bring up entries of friends who clearly cherished her. In the Xanga Blogs Search, there are bits and pieces telling of the beautiful girl, and how her smile lite up a room.
And on the other side of the scale is the reaction to Rick (Richard) Wegmann. There's everything from sympathy for his family, to wishes that he burn in hell. Even on my own site, there have been conflicting comments on how people feel about Richard.
Home Sweet Home, another crime blogger did a great post on the case. She is less judgemental than I am often known as being, and she has laid out a well written and compelling entry comparing the pain that the two families are experiencing.
The effects of this murder are being felt by many people, from the families of the two young people, to their friends. And while we naturally are moved to give our sympathies for the family and friends of Linsi Light, we should be willing to accept that this heinous crime has effected another family.
I often debate with my husband just how I would react to my son growing up and doing something this heinous. Of course, like any mother- I insist that my son never could. That he is a good child and nothing could ever change that. Deep inside, I realise that no mother ever believes their child is capable of evil. But, the point is, just how would we react if the murderer was our child? Would we wish to shield them from the glares, and the thoughts of disdain and hate? Would we want to be able to take them in our arms, just like we did so many times when they were little, and make all their problems go away? Or would we be firm in the belief that criminals deserve swift and harsh judgements. Could we cut them off, refusing to stand by their side, and leave them in the hands of the justice system?
Could you turn your back on the killer and damn him to hell, if he was your son?
What has happened is tragic, and without valid reason. Although we know the who and the how, we still do not fully know the why. That seems to matter little now, as the possibility of anyone really understanding this senseless murder isn't likely. There will never be a good reason, or a way to undo what has been done.
I welcome everyone's thoughts on this case, and I know that there will be anger and pain in the responses I get, but I do hope that some attempt to restrain themselves, unlike a few of the comments I received tonight. Although I firmly believe in freedom of speech, we can not abuse that right by threatening others.
Categories: murders
By all accounts, Linsi Light was a special person. Bright, attractive, outgoing- a quick search of her name in Xanga will bring up entries of friends who clearly cherished her. In the Xanga Blogs Search, there are bits and pieces telling of the beautiful girl, and how her smile lite up a room.
And on the other side of the scale is the reaction to Rick (Richard) Wegmann. There's everything from sympathy for his family, to wishes that he burn in hell. Even on my own site, there have been conflicting comments on how people feel about Richard.
Home Sweet Home, another crime blogger did a great post on the case. She is less judgemental than I am often known as being, and she has laid out a well written and compelling entry comparing the pain that the two families are experiencing.
Now Linsi is dead. Her family is going through the grieving for her loss, as well as the anger and frustration of trying to see that her murderer gets justice. And that still won’t bring her back. What happened is forever, and is a loss that will affect them the rest of their lives. Parents are not supposed to bury their children. Especially this way.
Wegmann’s family, will be worrying about their child. He is in jail. He is facing a sentence of 18 years to life in prison. While he will be alive, he won’t be there for them, he won’t be there for Christmas or Thanksgiving or any of the special times. They know he is young to be facing the hardened criminals he will face in prison. So they will worry. And grieve that the little boy they remember, could not have pulled a trigger on a gun and killed someone. Read full entry
The effects of this murder are being felt by many people, from the families of the two young people, to their friends. And while we naturally are moved to give our sympathies for the family and friends of Linsi Light, we should be willing to accept that this heinous crime has effected another family.
I often debate with my husband just how I would react to my son growing up and doing something this heinous. Of course, like any mother- I insist that my son never could. That he is a good child and nothing could ever change that. Deep inside, I realise that no mother ever believes their child is capable of evil. But, the point is, just how would we react if the murderer was our child? Would we wish to shield them from the glares, and the thoughts of disdain and hate? Would we want to be able to take them in our arms, just like we did so many times when they were little, and make all their problems go away? Or would we be firm in the belief that criminals deserve swift and harsh judgements. Could we cut them off, refusing to stand by their side, and leave them in the hands of the justice system?
Could you turn your back on the killer and damn him to hell, if he was your son?
What has happened is tragic, and without valid reason. Although we know the who and the how, we still do not fully know the why. That seems to matter little now, as the possibility of anyone really understanding this senseless murder isn't likely. There will never be a good reason, or a way to undo what has been done.
I welcome everyone's thoughts on this case, and I know that there will be anger and pain in the responses I get, but I do hope that some attempt to restrain themselves, unlike a few of the comments I received tonight. Although I firmly believe in freedom of speech, we can not abuse that right by threatening others.
Categories: murders
Comments
He is a part of their family, someone they love and want to support. They can love him, and still hate what he did. Likely they are trying to deal with those issues now. Sometimes, the family can be victims also.
BTW, thanks for the kind words!
Rot in jail Richard, and have fun with your new buddies in there.