Blind motorist case

EDITOR’S NOTE: The letters below were received before District Judge Ralph Strother rejected a plea bargain that would have placed a vision-impaired motorist on deferred probation in the December traffic death of motorcyclist Richard Craig Schroeder. Sentencing was set for July 19, but the judge moved up the case after more than 1,000 motorcyclists said they would ride to Waco to show support for Schroeder.

Concerning the upcoming sentencing of Trena Evette Mitchell, who is legally blind yet drove and hit and killed motorcyclist Richard Craig Schroeder on Dec. 12: If she was blind enough to receive disability benefits, then she should not have been driving.

She chose to drive knowing her vision was impaired, which to me is no different than someone choosing to drive while intoxicated.

Judge Ralph Strother should make her punishment fit the crime when he sentences her July 19.

She made a decision to drive and take the risk, and she should pay for it dearly.

Trisha Bailey

Waco

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I have followed the death of motorcyclist Richard Schroeder and was appalled to read Judge Ralph Strother comment to staff writer Tommy Witherspoon in Tuesday’s Tribune-Herald [“Motorcyclists threaten court protest”] that he runs “a court of law, not a court of public opinion . . . Public sentiment and justice aren’t necessarily the same thing.” This was in regard to his upcoming sentencing of Trena Mitchell.

I agree with him very strongly. But if justice isn’t carried out, it will be remembered at election time. As the old saying goes, “Do your job or get a new one!”

James Wolfe

Lorena

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Can Trena Mitchell’s disability benefits be revoked? Richard Schroeder’s wife and family have suffered so much needless hurt and pain. They have my sympathy for the loss they must feel and endure day to day.

Child Protective Services should take away Mitchell’s children before she drives again and kills one of them.

Mitchell should be locked behind bars for as long as possible. While behind bars, possibly she will learn to use a walking stick.

Carlene Baxter

Waco

Helping a vet

I want to thank the Texas law enforcement officers who assisted me when I was trying to change a tire in 95-degree heat on Memorial Day weekend.

A patrol car pulled up, and an officer insisted I stand to the side while he put on the spare tire for me. I’m a disabled veteran and former POW, and I was touched by his help. It’s comforting to know that they are here to help all motorists in trouble.

John Potochnik

Lake Whitney

A lifetime marriage

Regarding Dick Turner’s Saturday guest column, “Marriage is not for faint of heart,” some years ago my husband bought a refrigerator magnet that read, “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times with the same person.”

He was fond of quoting this to people.

We were married 58 years.

Mary A. Roch

Hewitt