I am writing to you in reference to the Appeal Court ruling on Friday March 4th, 2011 to release Ms. Sandra Hall who was sentenced on January 27, 2011 for the murder of my brother, Radford Seaforth, and the unusual circumstances surrounding the release of Ms. Sandra Hall.
I am not versed in the legal system of St. Maarten. However, I am perplexed at the chain of events that led to her release after a verdict was rendered in a court of law and sentenced was imposed only a months ago. Is this the normal process for similar cases of this nature? If so, is it asking too much as a professional courtesy to contact the victim family prior to this action? I am curious what is the legal precedent of similar situations? Has there been a history of similar cases? What were the mitigating circumstances? How come additional witnesses were presented during this appeal process and not summoned in the original trail? Did the prosecutor have the opportunity to cross examine these additional witness? Can you the prosecutor identify at least ten cases in recent history in which a convicted murderer was given an opportunity to appeal their cases in less than 2 months following their original conviction.? How often does Appeal Judges render their verdict two days following an appeal hearing?
Historically, judicial practice of any country is based on legal precedents and if this miscarriage of justice is allowed to stand, it will create a very dangerous climate for all citizens and visitors who are in St. Maartin. "One can literally get away with murder". What impact will this action have on the tourist industry or on ordinary citizens if such unprecedented conduct is allowed to stand and people begin to lose faith in the legal system?
Finally, why the secrecy surrounding this "appeal process"? After all, during the original trial the press played a prominent role by providing updated information leading up the trail, during the trial and after the trail. However, from my understanding the press was only notified after Ms. Hall was acquitted following this recent appeal. In conclusion, we are posing the following question "Will the prosecutor office appeal this to the Supreme Court? If so, will they contact family this time?
Sincerely,
Kimelia Austin
