Smith sentenced to die

Joseph Smith , who raped and murdered 11-year-old Carlie Brucia, was sentenced to death Wednesday for her murder.

The jury that convicted Joseph Smith in November had recommended by a vote of 10-2 that he be executed.

Smith, 39, showed no emotion ( Big surprise there) Wednesday as state Circuit Judge Andrew Owens read the official sentences — death for the murder count and life in prison for kidnapping and sexual battery.

Last month, Smith had tearfully apologized during a hearing, saying: "I take responsibility of my crimes. I don't understand how this could have happened. ... Every day I think about what I did and beg God for forgiveness." ("Somebody get me out of this, so I can go do it all again")

He said he had taken heroin and cocaine in an attempt to kill himself before he abducted Carlie on Feb. 1, 2004. Smith said he didn't remember much about that day and asked Owens to spare him for the sake of his family. (Ayup, that's what depressed druggies do, decide to kill themselves, and then look to rape and murder innocent young girls just for kicks. If you are that bent on fucking up your own life, I don't think you'd be trolling car washes for deviant sexual behaviour and murder. Nah. . they either OD or blow their brains out.)


Owens discounted those arguments Wednesday. He said Carlie suffered "unspeakable terror and physical suffering" at Smith's hands. (Now Florida can return the favor, unfortunately in a more merciful manner.)

Many of you know that I am an avid fan of Randi Rhoades of Air America, but I disagree with her on this one. She states that Smith should be kept alive, to examine what makes him tick. I say, it matters not, as long as the ticking ceases to be. There are ALOT of problems with our criminal justice system, especially with death penalty cases. But, in clear-cut cases like this, I say erase them. If I was Carlie's dad, I would hunt this SOB down until I killed him or was killed trying to. I think any father would agree.