I Find This Problematic

This is a recent appeal in the criminal case of State of Tennessee v. Carmi Binkins. (I am not making up that name, either.)

On Sunday, November 20, 2005, at approximately 4:00 A.M., victims Jeremy
Townsend and Darrel Crawford and witness Mario Lott were sitting in a car along
with defendant Carmi Binkins in the 6111 Apartments in Hickory Hill. Defendant
Binkins instructed witness Lott to go upstairs. Witness Lott left the vehicle and went upstairs at which time he heard several shots fired. Witness Lott returned to the car and observed victims laying across the front seat and blood on the front seat.

Witness Lott observed a silver gun in defendant’s right hand. Witness then ran away.
Defendant Binkins got into the driver’s seat, pushed victim Townsend into the
passenger seat on top of victim Crawford, and drove to a gas station in DeSoto
County, Mississippi. Defendant Binkins got out of the car and left it running. At this time, victim Townsend moved in the driver’s seat and drove to another gas station at Highway 61 and Star Landing to get help. Victim Crawford and victim Townsend were taken to the [Regional Medical Center]. Victim Crawford is unable to
communicate and is still listed in extremely critical condition at the [Regional
Medical Center]. Victim Townsend is in stable condition and was able to give an
oral statement as to what happened. Victim Townsend pointed out Carmi Binkins
as the person that shot him through photo lineup. Witness Mario Lott was brought
to 201 Poplar where he gave a type written statement and identified Carmi Binkins
as the shooter through photo lineup.

Now Carmi Binkins was convicted on a slew of attempted murder and assault charges. The phrase guilty as sin comes to mind.

I don't want to deny anybody the right to a fair trial, but this son of a bitch only sentenced to 48 years in prison, and it's clear to me that he should be in a cell and that he never leaves except to take a shower.

But he appeals because one of the guys he shot appeared to testify but couldn't speak - he just pointed at him.

I think the lawyer who represented this total piece of crap should be disbarred. The appeal itself probably cost the taxpayers at least $5,000. For what? This crap happens every day. It needs to stop.

Carmi Binkins? Of course he's going to end up a criminal with a name like that.