When Casey Shelton received the maximum sentence of 40 years in prison last month for killing his infant son in rural Brodhead in 2007, some felt the punishment still wasn't enough.
Interestingly, a bill that's been sitting in the state Senate most of this year addresses that sentiment, and would do something about it in future similar cases. Senate Bill 22 would increase the penalties when a child is murdered by a parent or caregiver. It was introduced on Jan. 30 by Sen. Jon Erpenbach at the request of a couple from the Democratic senator's home town of Waunakee whose 11-week-old grandson Aaron Michael was killed by his father.
Under SB 22, a parent or caregiver convicted of first-degree (as Shelton was) or second-degree reckless homicide would be subject to a penalty enhancer if the victim is a child 5 years old or younger. The penalty enhancer would vary depending on the victim's age. If the victim is 1 or younger - Christopher Shelton was 2 months old when he was killed by his father - the maximum term of 40 years would be increased to 60 years. The maximum term would increase by 10 years for killing a child who is between 1 and 3 years old, and by 5 years if the victim is between 3 and 5.
Casey Shelton, obviously, could not have his prison sentence lengthened by the bill. His fate from Christopher's death already has been determined by a judge. But the bill would ensure the next Casey Shelton faces an even stiffer penalty for his crime.
"Parents have a fundamental responsibility to safeguard and nurture their children," Mike and Lauri Farrell said in a statement. Their grandson's father received a 15-year prison sentence for killing Aaron Michael Roberts in his crib.
"Adding this tool to the law enforcement's and district attorney's arsenal will hopefully give those who have the potential to harm our children a moment's pause, a pause long enough to save a child's life," the Farrells said.
Perhaps, but frankly a person heartless enough to kill his or her own child isn't likely to be persuaded by the potential for a longer prison sentence. That doesn't mean the tougher penalty isn't the right thing to do, however.
It is the right thing to do. Erpenbach's Senate bill received a hearing in April. It should receive bipartisan support in the Legislature and the governor's signature.
Interestingly, a bill that's been sitting in the state Senate most of this year addresses that sentiment, and would do something about it in future similar cases. Senate Bill 22 would increase the penalties when a child is murdered by a parent or caregiver. It was introduced on Jan. 30 by Sen. Jon Erpenbach at the request of a couple from the Democratic senator's home town of Waunakee whose 11-week-old grandson Aaron Michael was killed by his father.
Under SB 22, a parent or caregiver convicted of first-degree (as Shelton was) or second-degree reckless homicide would be subject to a penalty enhancer if the victim is a child 5 years old or younger. The penalty enhancer would vary depending on the victim's age. If the victim is 1 or younger - Christopher Shelton was 2 months old when he was killed by his father - the maximum term of 40 years would be increased to 60 years. The maximum term would increase by 10 years for killing a child who is between 1 and 3 years old, and by 5 years if the victim is between 3 and 5.
Casey Shelton, obviously, could not have his prison sentence lengthened by the bill. His fate from Christopher's death already has been determined by a judge. But the bill would ensure the next Casey Shelton faces an even stiffer penalty for his crime.
"Parents have a fundamental responsibility to safeguard and nurture their children," Mike and Lauri Farrell said in a statement. Their grandson's father received a 15-year prison sentence for killing Aaron Michael Roberts in his crib.
"Adding this tool to the law enforcement's and district attorney's arsenal will hopefully give those who have the potential to harm our children a moment's pause, a pause long enough to save a child's life," the Farrells said.
Perhaps, but frankly a person heartless enough to kill his or her own child isn't likely to be persuaded by the potential for a longer prison sentence. That doesn't mean the tougher penalty isn't the right thing to do, however.
It is the right thing to do. Erpenbach's Senate bill received a hearing in April. It should receive bipartisan support in the Legislature and the governor's signature.
