Witnesses Dissatisfied With Sentences For Women Who Threatened Them
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Two young, heroic and terrified women, threatened when they testified in a murder case, left court Thursday dissatisfied and still fearful after the judge imposed sentences of four and seven months on the women who threatened them.
The prosecution has recommended a sentence of three to six years in prison for the defendants, who are relatives of the convicted murderers.
The victims, by pure circumstance thrust into the middle of the murder case, testified leading to a successful prosecution in an execution-style double murder. And it has cost them all sense of safety.
One tearful woman told the court she is afraid to feel safe because if she lets her guard down, that will be the day she is forced to her knees and shot in the back of the head.
"You're scared to death to walk out the front door, you are afraid that any moment you walk out the door, whoever it may be, who could it be, where could they be?"
Judge Benjamin Lerner explained his sentence, citing guidelines and acceptance of responsibility.
Both women pleaded guilty, but the witness warned him without long sentences, this is never going to end.
