Jessica Lunsford

Convicted sex offender, John Evander Couey, confessed to police on Friday that he killed nine-year-old Jessica Lunsford from Homosassa, Florida. Apparently, Couey entered the Lunsford home through an unlocked door, took the girl from her bedroom, and sexually assaulted her. Because of the drugs in Couey's system, medical examiners cannot determine exactly how long he held Jessica captive; the third grader disappeared in February.

"Lord, we don't always understand your ways," the Rev. William LaVerle Coats said to almost 200 mourners during services at Faith Baptist Church. "We accept what has taken place here, and ask that you would give us some peace." Rev. Coats asked the congregation to forgive Couey.

It was painful to watch Mark Lunsford, Jessica's father, as he spoke to reporters on CNN. Lunsford requested the death penalty for the perpetrator. Personally, I don't believe in the death penalty, but if I were ever to support it, the rape and murder of a child would warrant such a punishment.

I shuddered when I read the words "convicted sex offender," but I was unable to discover further details about Couey's previous offenses. Some people can never be rehabilitated. Pedophiles are notorious recidivists. They should be kept on a very short leash - inside prison.

Parents -- lock your doors!

Jessica, sweetheart - RIP.

Sigrid Macdonald

http://www.lulu.com/content/117949