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Smith Gets Death

The man convicted of the brutal rape and murder of 11 year old Carlie Brucia, has been sentenced to death.

After a lengthy review of the circumstances in the case, arguments made by the prosecution for a death sentence and arguments made by the defense for life, Owens asked Smith to stand in the Sarasota County Courthouse.
Owens then informed Smith, and the crowded courtroom, that the scales of justice had been weighed and unquestionably tilted toward death. Smith, Owens said, had forfeited his right to live. "May God have mercy on your soul," the judge said.
Owens also sentenced Smith to two terms of life in prison for kidnapping and raping Carlie. He sentenced Smith to five years in prison, with credit for time served, for a violation of his probation.
Smith, who will turn 40 on Friday, said nothing and was led away in handcuffs back to jail.
He was convicted of the February 2004 crimes in an emotional trial that drew national attention to Sarasota County and reintroduced to the nation the surveillance video of Smith leading Carlie away by the arm at Evie's Car Wash on Bee Ridge Road.
In a 10-2 vote last fall, a jury recommended Smith die by lethal injection, a decision that under state law Owens had to strongly take into consideration.

Judge sentences Joseph Smith to death

The only thing I can add to this, is a short piece of my mind. Growing up I was taught that God was never vengeful, and to be honest- I've always found comfort in that. Today, however I sit back and hope that he is. I pray that he exacts justice for the innocent life stolen, and for the torture that this young girl was put through in her last moments.

The judge said "may God have mercy on your soul" I'd prefer to replace that with "may you burn in hell for all time".

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Anonymous said…
I was raised with the "God's gonna getcha" mentality. It worked well,I think...reflecting back on the choices I made,and din't make.I'm no Saint by a long shot...but I could have been so much worse.
15/3/06
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