The Penalty In . . . The Mullen Case

Your editorial “A tragedy compounded by injustice?” about the Jim Mullen case again demonstrates your arrogance and cavalier insults to a segment of our city. The prior affront to the Hispanic community two years ago should have been sufficient impetus to examine your lack of sensitivity.

I am amazed that you would consider the two 70-year sentences as harsh. George Guirsch was a trained security guard who knew the strict laws governing the discharge of a firearm. Your editorial described Mr. Guirsch as a “police wannabe,” which is all the more reason to conclude that Officer Jim Mullen’s attire, complete with his police star affixed to his bulletproof vest, was sufficient to convince Mr. Guirsch that the police–not an armed intruder–were attempting to question him.