Elson sentence exposes inequality in justice

Having sat through the trial of my brother, Keith Elson Jr., I could not help but question the inequity I witnessed. I first want to be explicitly clear that I wish no disrespect to the victim of this crime or to her family.

With that said, my concern is for those of us who haven't the money or connections to fight a system that seems to be applicable when convenient and not equal as depicted by our symbol of American justice.

My brother was given life without the possibility of parole, a sentence based on whether or not he had specific intent. Despite indisputable, objective evidence that tested his blood alcohol conent at .216 six hours after the crime, he was determined to be have had that intent.

My question: Why can an automobile driver be incarcerated with a breathalyzer (a prediction of BAC) of .08 and my brother be convicted of preplanning a crime at a tested BAC of .216? If one cannot have the mental capacity to drive a car at .08 based on Iowa law, then how can one preplan a crime at .216?

Becky Elson-Ehlts

Hendersonville, Tenn.