Living Hell
In one of the most shocking verdicts in recent memory (granted that’s a high bar to breach considering the OJ verdict, the Mike Tyson verdict and even the William Kennedy Smith verdict), a jury in California yesterday found an illegal immigrant not guilty of murder, negligent homicide or even involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of Kathryn Steinle. I would have referred to the shooters NAME (instead of “illegal alien”) in the sentence above, but the perpetrator has so many aliases no one is sure exactly what his name IS! Jose Ines Garcia Zarate AND Juan Lopez Sanchez seem to be the most popular, so, for purposes of discussion ill use Zarate.
Prior to the Steinle shooting, Zarate had SEVEN prior FELONY convictions and had been deported back to Mexico FIVE TIMES. (And the democrats say there’s no need for a border wall?). Despite an order from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to turn Zarate (who was being held for a different crime) over to ICE for deportation, authorities in San Francisco REFUSED and released Zarate onto the streets of that city. San Francisco is a “sanctuary city” you see. What ever happened to one of our CORE VALUES that NO ONE is above the law???
In July of 2015, Ms. Steinle was wallking with her Dad on San Francisco’s Pier 14, when she was struck and killed by a bullet fired by Zarate. Ms. Steinle died in her father’s arms.
It’s hard to know what Zarate’s official alibi is, however, as it changed dramatically with time. First, it was that the gun went off accidentally when he unwrapped it. This proved untenable, however, as numerous witnesses described Zarate waving a fully UNWRAPPED gun around. Then he claimed the gun went off when he stepped on it on the ground. Once again, witnesses described the gun being in his hand when the shot was fired. At length Zarate settled on the accidental striking of Ms. Steinle when he was attempting to SHOOT A SEAL!!! (better not let PETA hear about this one). Why the conflicting alibis? He doesn’t understand English very well, you see.
The jury bought it, however. Hook line and sinker. One could, however, make a valid case against outright murder in this circumstance because Zarate’s bullet struck the pavement before hitting Ms. Steinle. HOWEVER, why waving a loaded pistol around in a crowd and then firing into that crowd is NOT negligent homicide, or AT LEAST involuntary manslaughter DEFIES RATIONAL EXPLANATION. Ms. Steinle’s father Jim stated quite simply: “Justice was not served.” President Trump called the verdict: “Disgraceful”. Both are correct. And, the defense attorney had the nerve to grandstand, saying: “Today is a day of VINDICATION for the rest of immigrants.” (Emphasis mine). He should be ashamed of himself, and apologize to all the law abiding citizens of this country.
And yesterday’s verdict is not the only travesty associated with this case. In July of this year a judge threw out a wrongful death suit by Ms. Steinle’s parents against the police department who’s officer left his firearm in an unlocked car that was stolen. Also, in May of this year a different judge threw out a wrongful death suit against the City of San Fransico for not turning Zarate over for deportation. That’s SOME judicial system they’ve built for themselves in California, isn’t it? The living hell that California is heading toward continues unabated.