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V is for Vincent, and it is for victory. Sometimes victory requires compromise, and doing something unpopular.
That might be the case this week — as victory means offering an alleged child abuser a plea bargain.
At first glance we, like many others, are disappointed Chad Carr was offered a plea deal. We believe no time in prison is long enough to punish child abusers.
At first blush those who are angry — and according to a poll at thekansan.com, there are a few — at what transpired Thursday in the Harvey County Courthouse would be angry for good reason.
Those who are angry believe 20 years is not enough prison time for a man charged with the death of a toddler, a man who allegedly abused the child multiple times before the tiny body gave out.
However, as is often the case, there was solid reasoning behind offering a plea bargain. When Carr offered his plea, there would be no doubt to his actually having to serve time.
County prosecutor David Yoder chose to not gamble with a jury, and make sure Carr would spend time in prison.
In doing so he also saved the taxpayers of Harvey County a costly jury trial that was sure to be a circus. The media, Newton Kansan included, covers this type of trial with overkill. He also insured Carr will go to prison. There is no risk, no doubt.
And while this story is seemingly coming to a close, let us not forget the 19-month old child whose life was cut short. According to the testimony of the coroner, Hill died of a brain injury likely caused by suffocation.
Hill’s mother, who was also sentenced to prison time after a plea agreement, testified she jabbed a fork in little Vincent’s mouth after he refused to eat. She admitted to grabbing him the chin hard enough to leave bruises and slapping him in the face.
Vincent couldn’t catch a break, not from his mother or her boyfriend. The result is a life cut short and shattered lives.
This sickening and sorry tale is a reminder to us all. No matter where you live, no matter what your zip code, bad things can and do happen. Sometimes we can’t prevent them, while other times we can.
The community will continue to weep for Vincent, but we can take solace in claiming a small victory as well. Two of participants in this macabre tale are, or will, serve prison time — just as they should be. The other is resting, peacefully, in a way he was not allowed to here on earth.
— Kansan editorial board
V is for Vincent, and it is for victory. Sometimes victory requires compromise, and doing something unpopular.
That might be the case this week — as victory means offering an alleged child abuser a plea bargain.
At first glance we, like many others, are disappointed Chad Carr was offered a plea deal. We believe no time in prison is long enough to punish child abusers.
At first blush those who are angry — and according to a poll at thekansan.com, there are a few — at what transpired Thursday in the Harvey County Courthouse would be angry for good reason.
Those who are angry believe 20 years is not enough prison time for a man charged with the death of a toddler, a man who allegedly abused the child multiple times before the tiny body gave out.
However, as is often the case, there was solid reasoning behind offering a plea bargain. When Carr offered his plea, there would be no doubt to his actually having to serve time.
County prosecutor David Yoder chose to not gamble with a jury, and make sure Carr would spend time in prison.
In doing so he also saved the taxpayers of Harvey County a costly jury trial that was sure to be a circus. The media, Newton Kansan included, covers this type of trial with overkill. He also insured Carr will go to prison. There is no risk, no doubt.
And while this story is seemingly coming to a close, let us not forget the 19-month old child whose life was cut short. According to the testimony of the coroner, Hill died of a brain injury likely caused by suffocation.
Hill’s mother, who was also sentenced to prison time after a plea agreement, testified she jabbed a fork in little Vincent’s mouth after he refused to eat. She admitted to grabbing him the chin hard enough to leave bruises and slapping him in the face.
Vincent couldn’t catch a break, not from his mother or her boyfriend. The result is a life cut short and shattered lives.
This sickening and sorry tale is a reminder to us all. No matter where you live, no matter what your zip code, bad things can and do happen. Sometimes we can’t prevent them, while other times we can.
The community will continue to weep for Vincent, but we can take solace in claiming a small victory as well. Two of participants in this macabre tale are, or will, serve prison time — just as they should be. The other is resting, peacefully, in a way he was not allowed to here on earth.
— Kansan editorial board
