116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Home / Opinion / Letters to the Editor
What is the price of a life in Cedar Rapids?
Steve Harvey
Dec. 2, 2018 5:00 am
Darius Alexander was arrested for the September 2016 stabbing death of 18-year-old Christopher Attaberry Jr.
Initially, Alexander was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony, according to The Gazette. The most recent news report details Alexander's sentence of 10 years for aiding and abetting second-degree robbery and 10 years for aiding and abetting voluntary manslaughter, following a plea bargain. The sentences will run consecutively. Sixth Judicial District Judge Mary Chicchelly is reported to have said Alexander will have to serve a minimum of seven years before being eligible for parole.
Am I out of line for asking if this is justice? A young man is slain, apparently unprovoked and in cold blood, and his murderer can be free after 7 years in prison? Is that the price of a life in Cedar Rapids, Iowa? Please tell me what I am missing here.
Steve Harvey
Cedar Rapids
Opinion content represents the viewpoint of the author or The Gazette editorial board. You can join the conversation by submitting a letter to the editor or guest column or by suggesting a topic for an editorial to editorial@thegazette.com
Daily Newsletters