THE EDITOR, Sir:
LEE BOYD MALVO, the 17-year-old youth implicated in the sniper shootings in the USA, is being unfairly treated, if one should consider his juvenile status and the circumstances under which he found himself in this foreign country, under the controlling self-appointed custody of John Muhammad, an American ex-serviceman.
When one considers the serious nature of his crime, he justly deserves to be punished; but everyone deserves a fair trial and hearing. For him to be 'grilled' for over seven hours without the benefit of a lawyer, is just too unfair.
Lee Malvo, at this time, has no family or friends to consider his cause. He urgently needs legal representation and guidance to defend his involvement in this very disturbing, sad and unfortunate matter. Had he been of a different hue, he would no doubt have been advised of his rights and how to proceed a long time ago.
The Jamaican Government, or any Jamaican organisation, be it here or abroad, could undoubtedly assist in seeking legal representation for this bewildered, young man.
I am, etc.,
JANICE BOWEN
jbow@aol.com
New York
Via Go-Jamaica
