If it's broken, fix it

As a relatively recent alumnus of Clemson University, I was captivated by the tragedy of Tiffany Souer's death and the pursuit of her murderer. I have to say that my interest was slightly biased in this case due to my history with the school, meaning that if this terrible crime had occured at another college I wouldn't have followed it as closely and I wouldn't have been as relieved when the suspect was caught. I think that it is human nature to focus more attention on events that are less removed from you. Things that are closer to home we often give more attention to than others. I would tune into CNN or Fox News to check on the status of leads that the police might have. I wanted details about the time, the place, the evidence that was left. Reports on the news mentioned that there was DNA evidence at the scene and I replayed scenarios similar to CSI reruns in my mind.

A few days later I woke to news reports that there was a suspect in custody. Jerry Buck Inman. Not Jerry Inman or "Buck" Inman...Jerry Buck Inman. Not an odd name, but I was surprised to see that "Buck" was not in quotations, meaning that this was his real name, and not a nickname that he went by. The full name makes this man sound more evil than a simple first name and surname combination would. The simple "Jerry Inman" doesn't strike fear into the hearts of cable news faithfuls. Jerry Inman sounds like the neighbor that lends you his ratchet set and is the vice president of your neighborhood association. Jerry BUCK Inman sounds like a man capable of evil deeds. Think Lee Harvey Oswald and John Wayne Gacy.

The report on the news stated that Jerry Buck Inman not necessarily confessed to the murder, but he hadn't denied his involvement with the Clemson girl's death. As time went on, more and more details were released about this monster and his terrible past littered with kidnapping, rape, and various other criminal offenses that would certainly have him incarcerated for the remaining years of his natural existence. But no, this sick, twisted cretin is roaming the streets, picking girls out at random to fulfill his deranged sexual/homicidal urges. I understand that there is overcrowding in our jail systems across the country, but I haven't heard one report that this maniac had any qualities that would classify him as a redeemable human being.

The question is: Why was this man out walking the streets when he should have been behind bars? I understand that there is overcrowding in our jail systems, but with all of the warning signs and red lights that this guy gave off in his violent/crazed history, someone in the legal system dropped the ball big time. HE COMMITTED RAPE WHILE INCARCERATED!!! A reformed citizen he was not! Whoever parolled this man has these crimes on their conscience and should have trouble sleeping at night.