Well the defendant got the maximum sentence the judge could allow, since we accepted a plea: 25 years.
We had a very good, common sense judge and had we been able to count on a jury as such (which we could not) we'd have life in prison for the defendant.
The courtroom was packed with Dawn's family, friends, co-workers. There was not an empty seat. Ten of us gave testimony (mine is below) and after my reading, a slide show of Dawn was run, set to the song "There You'll Be" by Faith Hill.
News links are here:
Courier News/Home News Tribune
Star Ledger
What I want to say most of all is that I feel "lighter." I am so surprised. I was reminded this morning that justice is not man's invention. God created it for man when He brought law to His people in the Old Testament.
Justice is a spiritual state, like God's other inventions for man: marriage, parenthood...I feel so much BETTER. I feel like I am a 'normal' grieving person now, like people who lose loved ones in an accident or to illness. I feel in the same league.
Previously, it was, "Yes, you are suffering but you have no idea what I am going through..." The murder and all the court stuff put such an unbelievable burden on all of us! And it was so isolating!!
In the court room yesterday, we were heard, and that was so powerful. My husband observed that everything that needed to be said, was said. That is healing for us. We were heard!
So today, in my lightened and enlightened state, I Thank God for His provision of justice. I Thank Him for the chance to move on again, and remember Dawn with loving memories.
Until we see her again.
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My statement to the Judge:
Your Honor,
My name is Allison. I’m Dawn’s sister. We were close in age. I used to be the younger one-- now, I’ve already lived six months longer than Dawn.
In New Jersey, people are getting away with murder. The dead can’t speak. All a defendant has to do is lie about the circumstances involving the crime, and say he got really upset. The punishment for taking a life should be a life sentence, if not capital punishment. We can see from Dawn’s wounds that the defendant had intent. He chose twenty-one times to kill Dawn. I call upon the entire state of New Jersey to do away with their Passion Provocation Plea laws. Because of them, we had to accept less than what this defendant truly deserves.
I’ve wanted more than anything for Dawn to be able to speak for herself. Since that is not possible, I have decided to read from some of her e-mails:
_________________________________________
January 2006, on becoming a Grandmother:
"It is indescribable the feeling of holding your child's child. It is not like holding other new babies. When you hold your grandchild, you are thinking, 'This is a part of me!' "
About breaking off the relationship with the defendant:
“I really feel bad for him.”
“I don't want him humiliated.”
“I feel like he cheated on me. He was supposed to love and honor me…not constantly put me down.”
“Don't let him know I told you specific things that happened between us.”
“People change suddenly when money is involved.”
October 2006
“I’m beginning to realize I wasn’t tired before [the break-up] either…I was depressed.”
“You’ll be seeing a lot more of me again.”
“This has turned out to be a most WONDERFUL year!!!”
“I’m ecstatically happy!!! “
Thanksgiving 2006, to our Brother
“This will certainly be one of our most thankful Thanksgivings!”
“I’m SO looking forward to the Holiday and when the Costa’s come up!!!”
A final e-mail to me:
“Thanks, sis! Can't wait to see you all!”
And a final one to our sister-in-law Laura:
Man it’s good to be alive!!!
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Oct. 25, 2008 - Untitled Comment
I am so glad you have held onto your faith in God!