This is what James Kopp received-.....
It is also what Dr. David Gunn's family wanted for his killer, Michael Griffin- and pled with the D. A.(in Pensacola, FL) who prosecuted Griffin not to seek the death penalty as Dr. Gunn opposed it; and what Dr. Wayne Patterson's family (in Mobile, AL) hoped for but the accused in his case was acquited (after 2 mistrials) so is 'out there' now.
"Please put Mr. Kopp in jail for life ..."
Lynne Slepian statement
Lynne Slepian has rarely spoken since her husband was slain in their
Amhersthome nearly nine years ago. But at the sentencing of the man who
killed Dr. Barnett A.Slepian, she read a prepared statement.This is
Updated: 06/20/07 6:56 AM
When first approached about writing a victim impact statement, my
thoughts were to say nothing and let the court impose whatever sentence
it deemed fit. But, after much thought, I decided that I'd like to say
something on behalf of myself and my four sons. I will get right to the
point of the statement without trying to repeat the obvious in this
case. Mr. Kopp is an already convicted monster. He is going to spend
time in jail no matter what I might have to say to the court. He not
only took away my husband and life partner, but also took away a kind
and nurturing father to our four young children. I want Mr. Kopp to go
to jail knowing that he killed a wonderful man - a kind and
compassionate brother, father, husband and friend. This was the man that
I was supposed to grow old with - who worked hard so that his family
could have all that he himself did not have as a child growing up. James
Charles Kopp changed our lives forever. If it wasn't for my family,
friends and the entire community, I'm sure I wouldn't be here today with
the ability to stay strong and focused. I would also like to point out
the fact that although Mr. Kopp will be spending what I hope is the rest
of his life behind bars, that there are countless more people just like
him ... with the same warped belief system ... that have his same
perceptions and viewpoints and that are still walking around like you
and I. We should all be very, very afraid that this sick mentality -
that of James Kopp and his followers, still exists and is tolerated by
so many. There are too many persons who believe that what James Kopp did
was not a crime, but a "calling."
I would be remiss if I did not thank all of those responsible for
bringing James Charles Kopp to justice. I am forever grateful to all of
the following for their important roles in both the capture, and
conviction of this heinous man who stands before you today for his
sentencing.
My heartfelt thanks goes to: The Amherst Police Department who were not
only instrumental in solving this case, but who also became like a
family to myself and my boys. A huge thank you also to the FBI, ATF,
U.S. attorney's office, district attorney's office, U.S. Marshals
Service, Department of Justice, New York State Police, federal and local
victim witness personnel, the witness in both the state and federal
trials, courthouse security, Scotland Yard, Irish National Police,
Interpol, French National Police, Dinan [France] police and all the
judges and their court staff who have been involved. A special thank you
to Joan Dorn. Without her courageous testimony and effort, this case may
never have been solved. The prosecutors in both state and federal trials
deserve a special thank you also. Joseph Marusak, Kathleen Mehltretter
and Martin Littlefield went above and beyond their job descriptions to
bring this case to a just conclusion. I also am eternally thankful to
anyone who has taken time out of their busy schedules to transport me
and my family back and forth to all of the court proceedings with a
special thank you to Mr. John Culhane. John frequently rearranged his
own personal schedule to accommodate all the hearings for this case. A
special thank you also to Sharon Simon. If I have neglected to
acknowledge anyone, I apologize.
If it wasn't for all of the above, along with the kindness and support
of all of our friends and family, I am not sure how we would have made
it through this surreal ordeal.
Finally, Your Honor, I ask you to please impose the maximum sentence
allowed by law upon Mr. Kopp. I ask you to impose life without any
chance of parole. Please put Mr. Kopp in jail for life so that my
children never have to worry about attending a parole hearing. Allow
myself and my children to put our lives back together without ever
having to give this man another thought. Imposing a sentence of life
without parole will allow our family the peace of mind that Mr. Kopp
will never be allowed out of jail to put another family through what we
have endured. No family deserves to be put through what he has put us
through. On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to thank the
court for allowing me to express my thoughts.
Respectfully submitted, Lynne Slepian