Response to letters sent to Gov. Jeb Bush

From: Governor Jeb Bush
Sent: Thursday, October 10, 2002 1:42 PM
To: *******
Subject: RE: JUSTICE FOR ALEX AND DEREK KING!

Thank you for your e-mail to Governor Bush regarding Derek and Alex King, the two young boys tried and convicted for the brutal murder of their father. The Governor received your e-mail and asked me to respond.

There are many children in society who turn to crime because they have not had a proper upbringing. Some of these children are helped by the juvenile system. Others continue to commit crimes even after the juvenile system has exhausted its attempts at rehabilitation. The legislature has created laws to protect society against juveniles who either continue to commit crimes or commit the most serious offenses.

The authority to file criminal charges and prosecute particular cases lies exclusively with the local State Attorney. There are ethical and legal standards that must be weighed in making such decisions, including the decision to prosecute juvenile offenders as adults. However, unlike prosecutors, the Governor is not vested with the authority to make these difficult and admittedly life altering decisions. Nor does he have the power to impose a particular sentence.

Ultimately, the judge must determine the fate of these two boys. I would suggest that you voice your concerns to the judge and the state attorney prior to the sentencing of Derek and Alex King. Perhaps your appeal for leniency will have an effect on the final decision. Regardless of the sentence imposed, you may rest assured knowing that once Derek and Alex King are sentenced; they will be housed in a juvenile facility. Last year, the Governor signed into law a bill requiring all juvenile offenders sentenced as adults to be housed in juvenile dormitories, separate from adult inmates, until they reach the age of 18. Although prison may not be the outcome you wish to see, please take some comfort in knowing they will not fall prey to adult offenders.

There are many controversial issues surrounding the trial of these boys. Unfortunately, the Governor cannot intervene in the case. At the appropriate time, however, he will thoughtfully weigh and evenhandedly consider an application for executive clemency.

Thank you again for writing.

Sincerely,

Lewis Goldberg
Office of Citizens' Services

This appears to be a form letter response sent to anyone who is writing to Gov. Bush in an attempt to get him more involved with the case, and particularly the trial. I've received this mail from a few sources, and it has been reposted with the recipient's permission.