Enough Excuses

Sometimes reading the news you just want to reach through the screen and strangle someone for saying something that can only be classed as ridiculous.

On Friday, November 9, 2012 the L.A. Times reported on a rape that happened on the 217 Culver City Metro bus at around 5.00PM the previous day. (You can read the full article here.)

There are quite a few things wrong with the article.

The headline states "Suspect In Brazen Rape On L.A. Bus Arrested" but reading through the story the 'suspect' was caught by a surveillance camera. So, not really a suspect. Could swap that bit out just to say "Sicko" or "Pervert".

But that wasn't the bit that made me want to strangle someone. The bit that angered me is this section:

"It was a crime of opportunity," said sheriff's Sgt. Dan Scott. "Unfortunately, [the victim] was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He followed her onto the bus and assaulted her."

Seriously? Wrong place at the wrong time? There is a right place or a right time for someone to get raped? Forget that 'suspect' Kerry Trotter took advantage of an 18-year old girl that had the mental capacity of a 10-year old. According to the police investigating this crime it is obviously the victim's fault for being on a public bus at 5.00PM.

Sorry Sgt. Dan Scott, there is no right time. There is no wrong time. Rape is wrong point blank. You don't hear on your police radio that one of your comrades is being shot at and just sigh then say "Oh well he was in the wrong place at the wrong time." This woman is a member of the public that you are employed to protect. If she wants to ride the bus at 10.00PM she should be able to without worrying it is 'the wrong time or place'.

For the Police Sergeant on the case to say something like this shows why 'suspect' Kerry Trotter was able to do it. He's been in and out of jail over and over. The L.A. Times report:

Trotter has a history of run-ins with the law, according to records. Last year, he was convicted of drug possession. In April, he was convicted of grand theft and sentenced to a year in jail, but did not serve his full sentence. In June he was arrested again, and in September admitted to violating probation. He was released from jail Sept. 28. On Oct. 15 he was arrested again by Redondo Beach police and served 10 days in jail. Records did not include specifics on that offense.

How many more times is Trotter going to be arrested and given soft sentences so that he may roam the streets and prey on the people of L.A.?

Sgt. Dan Scott needs to be reprimanded for his thoughtless and insensitive comment; and a full apology to the victim.