Tough Judges make Safe Communities

One of the reasons we live where we do is because law enforcement and the judiciary do not mess around. A crime in Atlanta that may get probation will get you 5 years in Fayette County.

We do have crimes, and horrible ones. Two teenage girls killed one of the girls grandparents. Sordid story, but they were tracked down in less than a day all the way across the state.

They were sentenced yesterday, and here is the exchange between Fayette Superior Court Judge Paschal A. English Jr*** and one of the girls.

Harvey, the Colliers’ 16-year-old granddaughter, was sentenced to two consecutive life prison terms and Fayette Superior Court Judge Paschal A. English Jr. forced her to go into great detail about the killings.

When English asked her why she killed her grandparents, she said simply: “For Sandy.”

The judge pressed her further. Then she said she and Sandy killed her grandparents “so we could be together.” When the judge asked where the star-crossed couple might go, she said, “Anywhere.”

Police have confirmed that Harvey and Ketchum were involved in a romantic relationship.

When English asked Harvey what she would have chosen to be her punishment, Harvey replied, “I think I should be dead.”

“Well, we both agree on that,” English replied.

What a great line. It is true and pulls no punches. He then sentenced her to two consecutive life terms because she was a minor. We are tough but fair down here. And it is amazing how little crime does occur compared to the neighboring counties

*** You may recognize the name of the judge, Paschal A. English Jr, from Survivor. He was the star of one of the Survivor Shows.

Pappy