Klobuchar's Failures

If you want some insight as to why we are stuck with the Minneapolis Quagmire, read on.

Today's Red Star highlights an example of Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar's failure to convict two criminals for an egregious crime, and the story of a judge who has allowed a criminal to virtually get away with murder by way of a non-sentence.

The first story reports on the end result of the prosecution of Anthony R. Lee, 18, and Lamarr Lucky Smith, 20, both of Minneapolis, for the murder of Martin Ruiz.

Since the inception of this blog, I've posted stories of terrible crimes, many with tragic circumstances and consequences, and many involving depraved and evil criminals. I consider the murder of Martin Ruiz, however, to be the worst of them all.

Here's my original post from July 31, 2005: "A good man dies in the north side of Minneapolis". Please read what these two pieces of garbage allegedly did to Mr. Ruiz in front of his wife. It'll break your heart.

Today the Red Star tells us that Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar has failed to convict these two alleged animals: "2 found not guilty in ambush killing of man, robbery of wife".

"We knew this was a tough case," CountyAttorney Amy Klobuchar said, because of scant evidence and witnesses who recanted on the stand. There are no other suspects, she said.

Margaret Zack, Star Tribune

Two men were acquitted Thursday of robbing and killing a man who was walking home with his wife after the couple finished their shifts at a McDonald's restaurant in north Minneapolis.

Anthony R. Lee, 18, and Lamarr Lucky Smith, 20, both of Minneapolis, had been charged with first- and second-degree murder in the death of Martin Pliego Ruiz and the robbery of his wife, Paulina Solorzano Quevedo.

Jurors deliberated about four hours Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning before reaching a verdict.

The state "didn't have much evidence," juror Melvan Beamer said. "I can't believe they took a year of these young kids' lives."

Paulina Solorzano Quevedo said in a statement Thursday afternoon, "If the jury decided that Smith and Lee are not guilty, then that is their decision. I leave it in the hands of God for final justice.

Yes, God will dispense justice at the appropriate time. In the meantime the criminals who slaughtered Mr. Ruiz are not in prison, but on the streets. Who will be their next victim?

There was sufficient evidence to charge these two for this horrific crime; why couldn't Ms. Klobuchar get a conviction?

The second story gives us some insight on why violent criminals are running wild in the Twin Cities; the online title of the article tells it all: "Man, 20, sentenced to workhouse, probation in Minneapolis killing".

A 20-year-old Minneapolis man who pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree unintentional murder and failing to help a shooting victim was sentenced Thursday to 18 months in the workhouse.

There is little reason to believe that Qawntilyus J. Allen fired the shot that killed Corey J. Owen, 35, in the 2100 block of 6th Street N., one year ago today, Assistant Hennepin County Attorney Kerry Meyer said.

Allen's codefendant, Quentin E. Burgess, 23, was acquitted in December of first-degree murder during an armed robbery, first-degree murder during the unlawful sale of a controlled substance and second-degree murder.

So no one is really going to pay for this crime either. It's no wonder criminals feel safe to do their work in Hennepin County.

Along with the workhouse part of the sentence, Hennepin County District Judge Heidi Schell also sentenced Allen to 10 years' probation and a $900 fine.

He also is not to use alcohol and drugs and is to undergo random testing.

Owen's mother, Pamela Kidwell, said in a statement read in court, "It's a sad day when a criminal has more rights than the victims."

It seems they do in Hennepin County, Ms. Kidwell.

Between the wishy-washy judges and the failures of Ms. Klobuchar, violence in Hennepin County appears to be here to stay for the foreseeable future.