Guzek IV: Sam Bracamonte's victim impact statement
June 20, 2010 | Steve Duin | www.oregonlive.com
As I noted in its final installment, my 2005 series on the murders of Rod and Lois Houser was largely inspired by a letter from Sam Bracamonte, the Housers' grandson, in which he assured me I had no understanding of the impact of their deaths.
During the fourth death-penalty trial of Randy Guzek, Bracamonte, now 29, wrote an essay, describing that impact, which he asked to deliver in court after the jury returned with its verdict.
Judge Jack Billings refused that request. But because special prosecutor Josh Marquis -- with no objection from Guzek's defense attorneys -- entered Bracamonte's statement in the public record, I can replay it here: [ Read More ]
Making Sense (and cents) With Sex Offenders
Truly the article I read on sexual assaults and the effort to lengthen offender sentences, needs a rational approach to curb these crimes. Consider that studies (sumamarized at www.psaes.info) put sex offense recidivism at 18.5%, about one fourth that of other types of other offenders. Over 90% of sex offenses are by those who are imprisoned for the first time for sex offenses, not former offenders.
Our focus needs to be on providing proven-effective rehab while the offenders are locked up. Release these folks when they demonstrate needed changes to become responsible citizens. Treated offenders before release have shown to re-offend at about 8%. Follow the proven guidelines at the above site and we will achieve less than 5% re-offenses. The savings in cost to potential victims and to us as taxpayers will be greatly diminished.