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It's inhumane to lock up youths for life
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I am 21 years old and I was sentenced to life without parole when I was 17. I was residing in Ventura County at the time of my arrest.
I was convicted of murder and robbery in 2006. I support Senate Bill 999 (the Juvenile Life Without Parole Reform Act) because I think juveniles are not adults mentally. I believe that no juvenile is very mature because I remember when I was one. Juveniles cannot grasp consequences, have poor impulse control and lack good, sound judgment.
Recent brain research has indicated this. Juveniles are extremely susceptible to using drugs because, when the opportunity arises to use drugs, they do them on an impulse because they don't grasp consequences or the danger. What teen do you know who always irons his clothes, spends his money wisely or always locks up his bike?
I think the choice is clear. Stop locking up America's youths by treating them as adults. That is inhumane, especially for those who committed murder due to drugs. That is one of the reasons why this bill is important to me. I think a juvenile's mind may be even more susceptible to the psychotic mental effects of drugs. Vote yes on SB999.
— Nathan Sessing is serving a sentence of life without the possibility of parole in Kern Valley State Prison in Delano. He was 17 when he stabbed Larry Phifer, 61, of Newbury Park in the neck six times, beat him with a baseball bat and stole a DVD player from his home Dec. 2, 2004.
Posted by catlover on April 13, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why does the Star even allow these criminals to make public pleas from prison?
As far as I am concerned, Sessing deserves his place right now.
If the brain is not fully developed, please explain the rest of the teenagers in this world that choose NOT to commit murder? Why is that? Why is it that the teenagers I went to school with got good grades, went to College and became law-abiding successful tax-paying citizens?
There is NO excuse for killing another person besides being completely enraged and not having any regard to human life.
Inhumane is stabbing a 61 yeara-old man in the neck 6 times for a DVD player.
So, while Nathan Sessing is sitting in prison dwelling on how unfair the system is, I wonder how Mr. Phifer's family is feeling without their loved one.
Sessing got what he deserved.
Posted by shaver_one on April 14, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm surprised that this 21 year old is opposed to sentencing kids who murder to life in prison...NOT. I'm sure many, if not most, of those prisoners awaiting 'the needle' are opposed to capital punishment. Or, people convicted of stock fraud are opposed to 'white collar' criminal laws. Or, people who drink too much, and then drive into an accident are opposed to DUI laws.
"Juveniles are not adults mentally." And, at 18, a miracle occurs that suddenly produces maturity.
Do the crime...do the time.
Are there exceptions? Yes...very limited.
But, stabbing someone in the neck six times, then beating that person with a baseball bat, just to steal a DVD player is not one of those exceptions.
Posted by shaver_one on April 14, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And, neither is it an exeception when a 14 year old plans a murder...finds a gun...makes sure that gun is loaded...takes that gun to school...knows specifically where his victim will be...walks up behind that victim...fires twice, once in the head and once in the back, from behind...flees the scene.
Posted by tamrasangel on April 14, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't understand why we pay so much for these ppl to be housed better than working class citizens that can't even pay there bills, or put food on the table for there families?
Although it's nice to see some justice being served for murder, let's change it up a bit to let's say drunk driving and killing innocent people; or child molesters? Why arn't they getting the justice that's deserved to there families?
There are children getting raped and perps are only getting limited time, while drug dealers are getting years and even life.
I think it's time to reform the justice system to focus more on justice and not so much money.
It's cheaper for the tax payers to quit leaving these people on death row for years and years and handle their business than it is keep them there and let some child molester back on the streets only to do it again.
Does anyone else agree?
Posted by nannyfo1 on April 16, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There should be a study measuring the brains ability to remain objective about our criminal justice system while serving a life system.
Posted by hamskid on April 17, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Being in prison is not inhumane. Stabbing someone six times and beating them with a baseball bat is inhumane. Kill someone for a DVD player? I hope this guy never gets out.
Posted by lrgvanman on April 17, 2008 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He doesn't appear to be developmentally disabled and is probably getting what he deserves. It is inexcusable and unacceptable to mask the obvious difference between right and wrong with youth.
Posted by smithjc on April 20, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
he's right. it is inhumane to keep garbage like him in prison for life. it's time to apply the death penalty to all scum, and it sure would be nice to see it be carried out in a timely fashion.
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