In my opinion, Mary M. Laughinghouse is going to walk. 24 years ago, has 24 years ago
laws, and I believe they only had a certain amount of time to charge
and try her. This is a dog and pony show for a statute of limitations
defense and to make sure she walks away from the charges with a
complete dismissal.It is enough blame to go around from the evidence that was available
at that time. Letters, notes, and direct statements from the victim
should have had her tried in a court of law. The Virginia State
Police, City of Danville, and Pittsylvania County are all to blame for
the continuous pattern of abuse allowed to go on because they are
afraid to get a friend in trouble. It is evident all over David
Grimes office, his predecessors, and throughout the Commonwealth of
Virginia that allow known violations to go silent in hopes of it never
coming back up to protect a friend, family member, or their special agents. I guess David Grimes and the Danville, Va Commonwealth Attorney forgot to check with this victim about justice.All entities beforemention should be ashamed of themselves. The
employers that further her abuse should be ashame of themselves.
Obstruction of Justice from all parties seems to run wild in this
case, as well as many others. It is a sad day when are so blind with
patriotism of our friend, family, and neighbor to allow wrongdoing to
continue to occur. It is only when it hits our door steps than we cry
to government for redress of our greivances. Depending on who you
are, it shows throughout this case whether justice is served.
Moreover, the victim must prove the abuse happened. In order for a
third party to be held liable, the victim must prove it aided the
abuser in some way. It means everyone responsible for letting the
abuse occur and go without justice can take a pass to from this
injustice, because of the statute of limitations defense. Some of
the people responsible pictures will still hang up in a courthouse or
local government building as a monument for justice, all the while was
truly tainted.
In conclusion, Over 24 years has passed and the law only allows for 2
years to 20 years for a prosecution. I stress patience as this matter
ends. I hope that the
newspaper writes articles about all that knew and failed to respond.
Even though, I know this will never happen. I figure I should be the
one to say it. We put a special trust into these public officials
and special measures should be taken to make sure they pay for their
crimes and make amends for their acts. Mary M. Laughinghouse has plenty
of blame to spread around and I hope she tells the truth. It appears
that the article and charges was pushed to find another victim, to
make up for the many other victims that never got justice. If you
feel guilty about your resolve, than maybe its because you are guilty
for allowing the rape to occur, as much as the accused.
Merle T. Rutledge Jr
Chatham, Va
merletrutledge 