"Xbox rage child killer convicted of third-degree murder"

I wasnt sure where to put this, but anyway...

"Tyrone Spellman was found guilty yesterday of third-degree murder for killing his 17-month-old daughter in 2006 after she knocked over his Xbox. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the jury reached the verdict after eight hours, adding that Spellman faces 23.5 to 47 years in prison. He has three prior drug convictions.

Apparently, after impulsively beating his daughter to death, Spellman propped the dead child by some barbells in order to mask the death as an accident in the eyes of arriving EMTs. In a post-verdict conversation, Prosecutor James Berardinelli was told by the forewoman that the jury believed Spellman acted "in a rage" but didn't mean to kill the child."

Source: http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/xbox-rage-child-killer-convicted-of-third-degree-murder/

In my opinion, this ******* (sorry) should be executed on bloody sight. I mean, killing a 17-month-old child is inexcusable, ESPECIALLY when "she knocked over his Xbox". This disgusts me so much, the world we live in is so sick and twisted. Ugh.
This man is despicable, and 23.5 years is just not enough. I thought america still supported the death penalty, so why the hell is he going to prison?

Anyway, discuss...

 

wow, douche.
I'm glad my dad isn't like that, I knocked over his speakers when he was young (his HiFi is his hobby) and shat myself.
But he has major issues, seriously facked in the head. Throw him to the dogs I say

 

Wow... vengeful much? Sure, the guy has some serious issues, but that means he needs counseling or an asylum, not the death penalty.

 

the former costs more money though

 

The death penalty is not enough IMHO. Just another thing to blame video games/video game violence on

 

Can someone explain simply the difference between 3rd and first degree murder?

 

yeah cos justice is totally fiscal.

doug, according to the land of wiki

* The first scheme, used by Pennsylvania among other states:

1. First Degree Murder: A premeditated murder, and (in some states) murders involving certain especially dangerous felonies, such as arson or rape, or committed by an inmate serving a life sentence.
2. Second Degree Murder: Non pre-meditated killing.
3. Third Degree Murder: Any other murder.

looks like 2nd degree might roughly equate to our voluntary manslaughter.

 

I agree that it may be third degree murder BUT it should be also considered as an act of extreme cruelty and the sentence is gonna be way too light ...
What's up these days with the excuses and fascination for the most gruesome persons/violent bandits ?

I am sure that anybody will get in jail for half of his sentence if the RIAA find them selling copyrighted stuff ...

 

Not even close. On average, life in prison costs (last I remember) about $1.2M between actual imprisonment costs, lawyers, etc. Death penalty was over $6M. Counseling is way less than that, though probably more than life. A large portion of the costs are legal fees - which as you may expect tend to increase along with the punishment.

Doug: First is premeditated, second is intentional without premeditation (argument turning into a shooting, for example), third is unintentional.

 

Pfft, I'd do it for $60.

But it would be too good for this guy.

 

Then we would have to pay for your death penalty + $60 =/

 

*swoosh*
I meant under contract of the government, not "freelance".

 

The death penalty should almost never be used, in fact we shouldn't have it in any states. He should however never get out of prison for what he did.

 

I think that death penalty and prison without any chance for a pardon is basically the same thing (or nearly)

 

death penalty should never be used as the person doesnt have to suffer. instead do it like in the old days. chain-gang and bread and water for food. and when not doing that (as they cant do it 24/7) they sit in a small prison cell. no tv or any luxuries. none of that 'prisoners have rights too' BS.

this should only be fore severe crimes like murder and rape, etc...

 

Maybe to some people, however killing is wrong and we can't have some people in normal society. It's really the only option left.

 

Like both of you said, it is hard to know which one is the most cruel between both, maybe we could ask them if they prefer to be jailed for life or to be executed, I am sure that some peeps would prefer to die.

 

lets see, a quick release to death, (and whatever that may bring) or suffering in a prison cell for 20-25 + years, i know which i would take

 

This has **** all to do with gaming.

 

Wow 23 years is a long time for accidentally killing someone, not that I think this should be 3rd degree, more like 2.5nd degree, this guy obviously had some mental issues.