GUILTY TX - Former Dallas Police Officer Amber Guyger, indicted for Murder of Botham Shem Jean #8

[Charlot123]

Why is it "not a good look"? AG isn't some psychopath. It was a dreadful and deadly mistake. She's not a danger to anyone. Ten years is a LONG time, in spite of those who think otherwise. In what universe is it bad for a human being (the judge) to exhibit compassion in such an instance? Why are we (humans) even born if not to live up to the highest spiritual principals?

I didn't watch this trial. Just caught bits of news here and there. Came here and read the last two or three pages so started watching the sentencing. I don't see any "justice" here and I'm so dissatisfied with our system. Prison is for two things: to remove the dangerous and revenge/punishment. She isn't dangerous and this sentence accomplishes nothing. It's not enough for the vengeful and too much for someone who made a tragic mistake. Nothing can make any of it right or bring back Mr Jean. IMHO, a better sentence would have been 10 years of house arrest with community service and allowing her to work. I base that on her not being a danger, making a mistake, being remorseful and her reputation as being a giving, thoughtful and helpful person to others. I'm sure that won't be a popular opinion here.

BBM.

Ok not commenting on the race. She probably is not a danger to me if she mistakenly barged into my house because I am not too tall, and a woman. But she is a mortal danger to a big, tall, younger man whose apartment she’d take for her own. Look at it from the standpoint of the victim. Who is peacefully sleeping in his apartment, doing nothing wrong, and then killed because a cop first made a mistake, and now, she is scared of a big man, and trigger-happy, and can’t think fast. A cop that can act fast but not think fast is a walking danger.

ETA: and you wrote, “allowing her to work”? Work in what capacity, as a cop? She can’t be even a mile close to LE structures. She doesn’t notice surroundings, is distracted by phone exchanges, and shoots before she thinks. And at this, she is a good shooter. She can’t own a gun, ever. I don’t know what job she can ever do. Something very far from people.

 

[Hope4More]

I think the sentence in this case is fair, but it seems less fair because other sentences we hear about are so unfair.

(snipped)

But IMO, a huge sentence for AG is not the solution for this problem. It's not outrageous that AG got ten years when there are grandmas doing decades for having a small amount of pot, it's outrageous that grandmas are doing decades for having a small amount of pot!
IMO.

The sentencing of any one individual for any crime isn't intended to be, and can't be, the "solution" for any problem, legal or social.

Amber's sentence is only about how much punishment one jury, this jury, believed Amber deserved.

That unjust and disproportionate penalties/sentences are meted out to pot-smoking grandmas and petty thieves doesn't justify or make right a disproportionate sentence being handed down for a violent crime, including murder.

I find it baffling that this jury believed both things: that Amber committed first degree murder of a completely innocent, wonderful man, and, that her punishment for such a murder is just 10 years.

 

[TristanP]

The actions and words of Judge Tammy and Brandt Botham were exactly the right thing at the right time. I am not sure I could have done the same but I like to think maybe I would have. They are portraits in courage. I don't think the judge was trying to gain anything here. She probably knew there could be backlash. My guess: she may not have considered that at all. All I know: people like her and the Bothams make the world a better place. MOO>

If she didn’t consider there would be backlash after HUGGING a convicted felon and giving them a gift, of a Bible!, then she’s not qualified to be on the bench.

 

[Wishbone]

Why is it "not a good look"? AG isn't some psychopath. It was a dreadful and deadly mistake. She's not a danger to anyone. Ten years is a LONG time, in spite of those who think otherwise. In what universe is it bad for a human being (the judge) to exhibit compassion in such an instance? Why are we (humans) even born if not to live up to the highest spiritual principals?

I didn't watch this trial. Just caught bits of news here and there. Came here and read the last two or three pages so started watching the sentencing. I don't see any "justice" here and I'm so dissatisfied with our system. Prison is for two things: to remove the dangerous and revenge/punishment. She isn't dangerous and this sentence accomplishes nothing. It's not enough for the vengeful and too much for someone who made a tragic mistake. Nothing can make any of it right or bring back Mr Jean. IMHO, a better sentence would have been 10 years of house arrest with community service and allowing her to work. I base that on her not being a danger, making a mistake, being remorseful and her reputation as being a giving, thoughtful and helpful person to others. I'm sure that won't be a popular opinion here.

Of course she's a danger, she's a loose cannon. IMO

 

[Hraefn]

The sentencing of any one individual for any crime isn't intended to be, and can't be, the "solution" for any problem, legal or social.

Amber's sentence is only about how much punishment one jury, this jury, believed Amber deserved.

That unjust and disproportionate penalties/sentences are meted out to pot-smoking grandmas and petty thieves doesn't justify or make right a disproportionate sentence being handed down for a violent crime, including murder.

I find it baffling that this jury believed both things: that Amber committed first degree murder of a completely innocent, wonderful man, and, that her punishment for such a murder is just 10 years.

I totally get what you are saying. I never meant the unjust sentences justified anything! My point was those sentences (or lack of sentences on other offenders) don’t justify harsher penalty here.
My comments on AG’s sentence being fair IMO are *very* framed in how TX laws are written.

The solution IMO is both in changing outdated, unfair, and confusing statutes, and in a cultural shift overall.

 

[sloane7777]

that is why a judge has CHAMBERS!!

I really have to agree strongly with this , I have a husband and a coworker that tries lately to push religion off on me, and its really bothering me . I have nothing against it but just don't , I don't push my stuff on anyone !

 

[Weki]

I find it baffling that this jury believed both things: that Amber committed first degree murder of a completely innocent, wonderful man, and, that her punishment for such a murder is just 10 years.

Snipped by me.

Yes I find it baffling too. I think they set our expectations high with the murder conviction. Had they found her guilty of manslaughter, we'd have expected this sentence. It doesn't line up. Again I don't think she should've gotten life. But at the very least a murder conviction warrants 15-20 years. Especially when they knew she'd be parole eligible in half that time and likely to get out since she's an ex-cop.

 

[TristanP]

This forum went from cries for justice to Kumbaya and nothing but praise for how wonderful everyone is and AG deserves nothing but forgiveness and the ten years is just fine, it’s no big deal that she’s racist and violent.

Did the justice seekers just leave or has everyone really turned that quick? I can’t handle this.

 

[Weki]

If she didn’t consider there would be backlash after HUGGING a convicted felon and giving them a gift, of a Bible!, then she’s not qualified to be on the bench.

She's a politician. There's no way she didn't understand the optics. She understood and did it anyway.

The younger brother has every right to make whatever statement he liked and grieve in whatever way he chose. He's entitled to that. But that private choice doesn't mean it should be a public stance. And it shouldn't be forced on the community. And she made it one through her behavior and that's what people have a problem with.

 

[oceanblueeyes]

I had some weird dreams last night about the Judge. I hope she has protection, there are some crazy people out there. I mean just look at the posts here, some think what she did was wrong, some have no problem with it. I think there was not just shock at the sentence, but there was ALOT of anger. I just got up so I haven't read any posts or listened to any news. I pray what the brother did will not divide the family. God bless Mrs. Jean.. God bless the victim's family.

I hope so too. It shows there can be difference in families even about something this severe, and tragic.

I believe his brother is at peace now although always sad for the loss of Bo. That is what genuine forgiveness does for the ones who gives it, and means it.

It releases the forgiver from carrying the heavy burden around, day to day like a ball, and chain letting it consume their own lifes which only harms themselves.

Imo, having constant negative thoughts about anything is truly like a deadly cancer.

There is a valid reason why doctors tell patients their positive attitudes are just as important as any of the treatments they are given.

Dwelling on contant negative thoughts will affect anyone's overall health, both mentally, and physically.

I do understand that Bo's mom is unwilling to forgive, and I highly respect her heartfelt feelings because she has lost her beautiful son who had made our world a better place, and has every right to be angry how his life was taken from him, and his family.

However, I also highly respect his brother's courage also who has a right to also choose his own path of forgiveness.

In fact I wouldn't be surprised to learn she may write to him while in prison, and he will write her back, which has happened before in other tragic cases as well.

I truly feel it's important to him to show mercy for he genuinely wants to carry on Bo's legacy.

God bless all of Bo's family.

Jmho

 

[AliceInPain]

I'm disappointed.
I did read our verified att's posts and suggestions, and I respect their knowledge, and I think most were spot on on what the sentence would be.
Still, I believe this was a joke of a sentence.
She took his 40+ years of productive life away!

 

[Wishbone]

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS



Lead prosecutor Jason Hermus walked over to the Jean family in the silent, mostly empty courtroom after the sentence.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I can't explain that."

Jean's father shook his hand. "You fought a good fight."

Amber Guyger verdict: Emotions run high after former police officer sentenced to 10 years - CNN

 

[turaj]

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS



Lead prosecutor Jason Hermus walked over to the Jean family in the silent, mostly empty courtroom after the sentence.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I can't explain that."

Jean's father shook his hand. "You fought a good fight."

Amber Guyger verdict: Emotions run high after former police officer sentenced to 10 years - CNN

About all he can say...I doubt that anything said in the closing made too much difference...I would have preferred Hermus do the final closing...I thought the suggestion of 28 years was more than fair...even thinking they might go higher...I think they pretty much had that sentence in mind when they returned to the room...it did not take very long...probably easy to rule out "passion". Glad it was a diverse jury and it was mostly women and I think Amber's mother and the drug addict (can't remember name) were powerful and maybe some of the jurors are super religious too and really believe she can be redeemed and 10 years seemed like the right number. We have to honor that....she will be in at least 5 and that will be 5 where she can prepare for a new career...people are already wanting to write to her . That time will go fast...still can marry and have kids. awhile I have my doubts about her really changing but I assume no more guys for her!!

 

[Hope4More]

I totally get what you are saying. I never meant the unjust sentences justified anything! My point was those sentences (or lack of sentences on other offenders) don’t justify harsher penalty here.
My comments on AG’s sentence being fair IMO are *very* framed in how TX laws are written.

The solution IMO is both in changing outdated, unfair, and confusing statutes, and in a cultural shift overall.

Definitely agree with you about what a solution needs to include. And understand that you (rightfully) take into account the Texas laws which framed the entire trial, through sentencing.

(As an aside on the latter- did you too find it bizarre that the jury instructions for sentencing included an option for considering first degree murder a "crime of passion" with a sentence of only 2 years?! )
------
Thinking it over, IMO the jury might well have brought race into their sentencing deliberations, and if so, perversely.

What should have mattered -in both guilt and sentencing phases- is that Amber chose to shoot to kill, instead of taking any of the non-violent options available to her. And...that she demonstrated callous indifference to Mr. Jean, whatever the color of his skin, as he lay dying.

IMO, the State erred strategically in bringing in race at all. Using race against Amber during the guilt phase allowed the defence to use race in her favor during sentencing. See? She has black friends and helps black people, therefore she isn't a racist.

I suspect the jury was swayed by those testimonies, and found Amber more sympathetic as a result. Again- perversely, imo.

 

[Weki]

Yes I thought the 28 years was fair also. She'd have been out in 14 years. I feel like the parole board is highly likely to give an ex-cop parole on the first go, lets not kid ourselves.

ETA: Based on how quickly the jury reached the penalty verdict, I'm inclined to believe they were sympathetic towards AG from the get go. Even during the guilt phase.

 

[sloane7777]

Like I said before, I think the family's show of compassion and forgiveness has a better chance of rehabilitating AG than more time in prison. I still stand by that. However, do I think AG will truly change? I highly doubt it. She's shown herself to be an extremely selfish person on the stand. Her main concern was about herself. She showed little concern for him after she shot him. I find it hard to believe that THAT person will change. In a few weeks what happened yesterday in the courtroom will be forgotten by all of us who will move on to the next outrage. And I can't imagine that it will be imprinted in AG's mind 5 or 7 years from now when she's released from prison. Call me cynical. But at 32 I don't believe people can truly change their character. I also don't rule out that she'll be bitter and angry at her punishment and feel it was undeserved.

Seems everyone has forgotten this part , I think 10 years was a slap in the face , she will appeal to further the slap and she just needs to consider herself lucky, which she has shown no problem considering herself first . I'm not his brother I am still a bit bitter

 

[grammieto5]

The judge gave her a bible after the trial. It’s been said that the judge is religious so I’m sure this was coming from a personal place. She wasn’t holding a bible study, right there, in the courtroom. No harm done, in my opinion.

On a side note, today is National Take Your Bible to School day!

Interesting, I did not know of this day. Now I need to ask my G-kids about this. I wonder if any 0f my GG-kids took a bible to school.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Benjamin Crump, an attorney for the Jean family, said he had not seen anything similar in a courtroom.

“This was an extraordinary moment from an extraordinary family,” he said. “They are a very godly family and what Mr Bertrum and Brandt were talking about was her internal grace, even though Alison, the mother, has expressed that there must be worldly consequences.”

In a press conference on Wednesday, Dallas county district attorney John Creuzot called the embraces in court an “amazing act of healing”.

“Personally I expected perhaps longer,” he said of the sentencing, “but I respect what [the jury] did … they reached what they thought was a just verdict.”

Botham Jean's father: I forgive Amber Guyger but I wanted stiffer sentence

 

[Weki]

Seems everyone has forgotten this part , I think 10 years was a slap in the face , she will appeal to further the slap and she just needs to consider herself lucky, which she has shown no problem considering herself first . I'm not his brother I am still a bit bitter

I think the brother's statement and hug threw everyone off!! I know it threw me off. I was stunned by that, I have to be honest. It made me forget all the broader ramifications and all the testimony about her character. But now that I've slept on it, I'm back to reality!

 

[imstilla.grandma]

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