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November 8, 2009

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Letter: Right a wrong by releasing Jessica Williams

Tuesday, June 18, 2002 | 9:05 a.m.

With this in mind I wonder why the court saw fit to sentence Jessica Williams to 50 years in prison for the fatal accident that occurred when she fell asleep and lost control of her vehicle. All involved agreed Williams' driving was not impaired by the trace amount of marijuana in her system and the jury agreed.

The prosecution and the media demonized her, and the families of the victims called for blood during the year it took for the case to come to trial. It was, however, most evident -- Jessica Williams was not a violent person and certainly no danger to society as a whole. The only conclusion I can draw is that the court yielded to the demand for vengeance.

The Nevada Supreme Court will have an opportunity to right a terrible wrong when Attorney John Watkins presents her appeal. It is time to forget vengeance and get about doing what is right.

PETER C. RUSTIGIAN

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