Second chances missed for teen, judge
By ANDREW SKERRITT
Published August 1, 2006
As I sat for four hours listening to testimony in the case of William Thornton IV last week, I wished that my 16-year-old son could have been there for the lesson.
This is what happens to so many people who can't afford the best legal defense. This is why so many black people think you can't get a fair shake in court.
Thornton is poor and black. He was 17 when he drove a car with a suspended license and caused an accident that killed two young people. He had no previous record. On his appointed lawyer's advice, he pleaded no contest and threw himself on the mercy of Circuit Judge Ric Howard who, in turn, threw the book at the boy. He got the maximum 30-year sentence.
Last week, the judge was asked to reconsider the plea but wouldn't.
This does not mean Judge Howard is racist, although the public defender's office used the "R" word in an earlier unsuccessful attempt to overturn Thornton's tough sentence.
The "S" word might be more appropriate.
Stubborn.
The judge heard plenty of details why this case called for a more thorough investigation. His first lawyer did a drive-by investigation.
No matter, the judge said. Sentence stands.
How bothersome it is knowing that Howard imposed the tough sentence having earlier sent the teen's father to prison for 30 years for burglary.
But no matter who his father was, if Thornton were a blond teen dressed in a suit and tie, would Howard have given him the same three decades? That is a question many black folks ask even though they believe they already know the answer.
This case was about second chances missed, for Thornton and for Howard. But the judge said you don't get a "do over" under the law.
Judge Howard was wrong. He had a chance to admit that Thornton wasn't the only one who screwed up. His decision added to the tragedy of the two lost lives. Thirty years in prison will destroy a young man who it seems was worth trying to salvage.
Thornton was at fault, tragically so. His actions led to a consequence no 17-year-old could imagine before getting behind the wheel. Teenagers do stupid things. That's why we generally cut them some slack. There are drunk drivers and murderers who aren't doing 30 years.
The timing of this case did nothing to dissuade the opinion that race played a role. Memories are fresh in the case of Jennifer Porter, the white Pasco County woman who was sentenced to house arrest for the hit-and-run death of two black Tampa children. Porter had a top criminal defense attorney.
Thornton got a public defender who did little research and said forget about defense. Take your medicine. Surely the judge will take into account that this was a terrible accident.
Surely he'll show some mercy.
Andrew Skerritt can be reached at 813909-4602 or toll free at 800-333-7505 ext. 4602. His e-mail address is askerritt@sptimes.com.