Regarding “Roy Russell resentenced to 26 years in 2005 murder of Chelsea Harrison” (Nov. 19, 2022, The Columbian), I am beyond shocked and angry. I am biased, as the former prosecutor of the murder trial and current attorney for the murdered child’s family. But my anger goes out to our lawmakers who allowed this to happen.
Roy Wayne Russell was convicted of armed robbery, theft, kidnapping, perjury, assault, arson and ultimately murder. He was rightfully sentenced to life in prison. However, your Washington lawmakers in 2021 chose to invalidate robbery as a strike offense, leading to his release at a maximum of nine years from now.
I support reforms that help our offenders, but this is truly the worst legislation I have seen in my 27 years of law. We elect these people to pass laws, and this is what they do? None of the lawmakers would respond to any media inquiries. Either they were ignorant, or they didn’t care. Unacceptable.
This is not political. This is inequity. Try explaining this to 14-year-old murder victim Chelsea’s family, who in 2006 I told that Roy Wayne Russell would be behind bars for life.
I am disgusted at my elected officials. I hope others are too. This is not right.
