Many of you know that in a former life, I was a criminal defense lawyer. I worked damn hard to protect my client's constitutional rights. I stood next to many people for many years, and I would tell high school classes that to get to my client, you had to get through me. And I made it as hard as possible for any DA or US Attorney to get to my client.
So follow me below the fold to see why I switched to the side of the angels for one particular case.
Katy Hawelka was 19 years old when she was murdered on the Clarkson University campus in 1986. Her murderer, Brian McCarthy, was a convicted felon at the time. McCarthy beat Katy so badly her father didn't recognize her at first, when he saw his daughter on a gurney at the hospital. McCarthy slammed her head against the wall of Walker Arena, then beat her and kicked her with workboots. He then raped her. The official cause of death? Strangulation.
Katy died three days later, having never regained consciousness. Her murderer pled guilty, and was sentenced to 23 years to life. He has never taken responsibility for killing Katy. He has never told her family that he was sorry.
And let me be perfectly clear about one thing - Brian McCarthy was guilty of his crimes. There was never any question about his guilt. Her blood was on his clothes. He was apprehended at the scene, and his confession will make you nauseous. For, you see, McCarthy is a sexual predator who kills his victims. And, believe it or not, he is up for parole.
This is the first time Katy's family has been allowed to speak up. They are speaking loud and clear. Please read the article. I simply cannot summarize here what they say so movingly, so poignantly. I am simply proud to represent them, and I am doing it pro bono. Pro bono means to act for the public good. And, believe me, sexual predators who kill their victims should stay in the cages the state builds for them.
There is also a website where you can learn more about Katy, and an online petition you can sign.
And why did I ask you to do something crazy? I asked you in here to get you to read this story. To understand how proud I am of this family who are fearless, and yet are grieving her loss once again. This one's for Katy.
Thanks for listening.