A Letter from Carlie's Grand Parents

The following letter reveals our thoughts concerning the tragic kidnapping and murder of our beloved granddaughter, Carlie Brucia. Changes in the criminal justice system are essential regarding the lenient treatment of violent, repeat felons. We would appreciate your comments concerning this issue. Will you please assist us, and all law-abiding citizens, in changing laws regarding this "revolving door" policy.

Thank you.
Joseph G. and Andrea Brucia

Our country spends tremendous resources in our battle against terrorism. This vital effort is undertaken in an effort to prevent another 9/11 or similar attack on our American citizens. Protecting the public is one of the most important functions of our government.

Why then do we allow repeat felons (home grown terrorists) to freely walk our streets and prey on the innocent? According to a Department of Justice (DOJ) study, criminals released from state prisons, in 1994 alone, were later arrested in connection with 2,900 homicides. The numbers are so alarming that it is a national scandal. It bears repeating – those released in just one year were later implicated in 2,900 murders! The carnage approaches September 11th, yet predators are released by a criminal justice system that knows they are likely to strike again.

Joseph P. Smith is one of these terrorists. The evidence appears overwhelming, and if the charges against him are proven, our granddaughter, Carlie Brucia, paid for his freedom with her life. Joseph P. Smith could have served more than forty years imprisonment for the crimes he committed, but he served little more than one year. He was given freedom, and now he is charged with torturing and murdering our precious eleven year old. In a country that guarantees us all life, how could this be permitted? Releasing the likes of Joseph P. Smith places us all at risk.

Judge Rapkin has been criticized for allowing Joseph P. Smith to remain free. If the results of the 1994 DOJ study remains unchanged, there could be 2,899 other criminals this year provided with the same opportunity by other courts to take the lives of innocent Americans. The conduct of Judge Rapkin is only one example of a flawed system of justice. The experts seem to agree that felons are released from prison because it costs too much to incarcerate them. I wonder how much money will be spent on Joseph P. Smith's defense and subsequent appeals? The cost will surely be very high. Considering the rate of recidivism in the system, the expense is high no matter how we choose to treat these criminals.

The only sensible way to assess the expense of dealing with violent criminals is to consider the human cost. The horror inflicted on our granddaughter, and the pain our family must now endure because of her death, should be the determining factor. Other families as well have been forced to accept this outrage because the criminal justice system releases those who they know will likely commit serious crimes.

Our family hopes that Carlie's tragedy can bring about a positive change in the "revolving door" policy with respect to violent, repeat felons. Others must not be forced to confront tragedy due to a lack of will in this endeavor. New, stringent laws must be enacted and enforced. These home grown terrorists must be held accountable for the crimes they commit. How else can we protect the public? The rights of the next child must supersede those of known criminals.

Joseph G. and Andrea Brucia
Wantagh, NY 11793