Victims do not get time off for good behavior

To the editor: I want to first extend my condolences to the St. Guillen family for the brutal rape and murder of their beloved Imette. I can sincerely say that as a crime victim survivor I can, in some small way, share their pain. Two things make me furious as I listen to the media coverage of this case. The first is “blaming the victim.” Comments made by some of those interviewed asked what was Imette doing out in the early morning hours in a bar prior to her murder, implying that she was in some way asking for trouble. The second thing is “good time” given to inmates before they even start serving their sentences for the crimes they have committed. The accomplice in my husband’s murder has his sentence reduced by one third for this so-called “good time” as do other inmates in New York State. The prime suspect in this case was released on parole with “good time” served with the Parole Board.Why was he working in a bar? Where were the Parole Officers who were supposed to be “checking” on him? Apparently, the Parole Board had their hands tied as “good time” is a necessary evil due to lack of prison space in New York State. Perhaps our legislators should review this practice and do away with “good time” and build more prisons. Do victims get time off for good behavior? As least with this case being high-profile, the average citizen (who doesn’t know or care to know) is more knowledgeable about the flaws in the systems of Parole. Patricia Bodnar Monroe