July 19, 2007

ValleyViewpoints

Hit and run should not have been fatal

Editor,
I read with utter disbelief the article “Hit and run likely will go to jury trial” about Marcus Keppert's death. In this article, George Xinos' attorney, Chuck Mesirow, claims one witness followed Xinos from the scene to tell him that there wasn't anything Xinos could have done to avoid hitting Marcus.

There were several things Mr. Xinos could have done to avoid the fatal accident. Mr. Xinos could have not been driving his three-ton Yukon SUV 31 miles over the posted speed limit with a blood alcohol level of .18. Perhaps if he had taken his existing DUI probation seriously and had gotten alcohol treatment, maybe he would not have destroyed so many people's lives.

Of course, it is Mr. Mesirow's job to blame the victim for this tragic event. Mr. Xinos could not be to blame for Marcus Keppert's death. How could he possibly see a 6-foot-7 moving object? How could Mr. Xinos know he hit a person? Maybe because he was intoxicated.

Mr. Xinos needs to receive an appropriate sentence, and mandatory continued treatment for his alcoholism. Anything less than jail time is unacceptable at any level to bring justice for a 15-year-old boy. Mr. Xinos should be throwing himself on the mercy of the court.

Annmarie Coyne-West
Almaden Valley

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