Model prisoner until she dies?

Re “Keep Van Houten in prison,” editorial, Sept. 8

I certainly agree with your position that a parole for convicter murdered and former Mason family member Leslie Van Houten is a “complicated call.” I also agree with your opposition to the death penalty and feel life sentences give society a chance to correct its mistakes.

But I think you missed one important issue.

As other inmates watch Van Houten being denied a parole despite her years as a model prisoner, they will no doubt conclude that good behavior and accomplishments while in prison will do them no good. More importantly, they will be management and safety problems for prison administrators and guards.

Paroling Van Houten will encourage other prisoners to better themselves so they too might have a shot at freedom.

Kevin McGill Chula Vista

The Times’ editorial is spot on, though I would go one step further.

Van Houten was engaged in an act of firstdegree murder and, at the time, she was sentenced to death. The sentence was changed to life after California’s death penalty was determined to be unconstitutional in 1972.

I believe that the term “life in prison” means just that for those who are found guilty of premeditated homicide. As one who unalterably opposes the death penalty, I do believe that our moral compass as a society dictates that an individual forfeits her freedom once she is convicted of firstdegree murder.

Van Houten should live out the rest of her life in prison.

Bob Teigan Santa Susana