A Tale of Two Cities

Before you read this, keep in mind that officials in both Massachusetts and New York, after having abandoned and common sense sometime around the early days of the Ford Administration, are now pimping the theory that the less-restrictive gun laws of their neighboring states are to blame for the crimes being committed by violent, armed criminals in their own states.

City #1: Lynn, Massachusetts

Man arraigned for robbing cabbie twice

SALEM - A Lynn man was arraigned Thursday on charges of twice robbing the same cab driver at knifepoint within nine days.

Robbery #1:

[T]he fare allegedly pulled out two knives, put one to Cabrera's throat and the other to his neck, and said, "Give me all the money or I'll kill you."

Robbery #2:

Kizner then allegedly pulled out two knives again, put them to Cabrera's neck and ordered him to keep going. Cabrera was slashed from his forehead to his ear, and Kizner made off with $280 in cash.

Well, at least the people of Lynn can rest easy now, knowing that this violent, armed nutjob has been apprehended by the authorities, and is fianally off the streets, right?

Wrong.

Salem Superior Court Judge Thomas P. Billings allowed defense lawyer Lawrence J. McGuire's request that Kinzer remain free on his promise to return to court...

Judge: Do you promise to appear for your court date?

Scumbag: Yes, your honor.

...but Kinzer was ordered to stay away from the cab driver...

Judge: Do you promise to stay away from the guy whom you've already assaulted and robbed on multiple occasions, and whom we plan to call as our only witness against you in your upcoming trial?

Scumbag: Absolutely, you honor.

...and not use Garcia Taxi until his case is resolved.

Judge: Do promise to rob only cabbies working for other cab companies at knifepoint between now and then?

Scumbag: Of course, your honor. You can trust me.

Judge: Okey-dokey. You're free to go.

Assistant District Attorney Murat Erkan argued that a bail of $10,000 be set.

"This is a serious case. The circumstances alone are tragic that a working man is robbed twice," Erkan said.

The real tragedy is that this judge let this scumbag walk out of court, a free man, on the promise that he'll behave himself. Judge Billings needs to be swiftly kicked in the balls removed from office.

This is insane Massachusetts.

City #2: New York, New York

Bronx thief accidentally kills cohort

(waits for laughter to subside)

A bungling bandit accidentally shot his accomplice - his cousin - dead after the duo tried to mug a man in the Bronx, a police source said yesterday.

Oh, that's too bad. The poor dear.

Sharrieff Smith, 28, was charged with second-degree murder and gun possession in the Feb. 11 killing of Risha Campbell, 29.

[snip]

Smith, who was also charged with attempted robbery, was awaiting arraignment late yesterday.

Well, surely, he'll be dealt with harshly and brought to justice, right?

Don't bank on it.

His criminal history includes a 2001 collar in Riverdale on charges of possessing marijuana, ammunition and a gun. He pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon in 2002 and was sentenced to five years' probation.

Damn you, Vermont!