Life sentences were not enough

Little Noah Cuatro’s parents have finally been sentenced (Antelope Valley Press, May 1). Both received sentences upwards of life, but regrettably, with the possibly of parole — which isn’t good enough. The death penalty is the only appropriate sentence for the unfathomable, sadistic torture-murders of any young innocent 4-year-old child.

The last words Noah said to his grandmother were, “Promise me grandma, don’t forget about me.” What devastating and haunting last words to be left with. It is heart-wrenching to all.

To paraphrase a father who tragically lost a young daughter, “I have to remember her longer than I have known her.” Can closure come to Noah’s loved ones? Or closure to Gabriel Fernandez’s or Anthony Avalos’ families? Maybe a sense of justice? Possibly. A life sentence has been forced upon all of them by having to remember their young children much longer than they knew them. There are no words, only grief.

Three local sadistic murders of young children in six years in the Antelope Valley (2013, 2018, 2019). What kind of people are living here? California’s DCFS has been unforgivably incompetent.

Hopefully, for the sake the children now in their care the tragically deadly reputation of the DCFS has been corrected by now.

Many deserved kudos to Tom Lackey for making a special trip from Sacramento to read his impact statement that gave support to and showed compassion for Noah’s family during the sentencing hearing.

Hopefully, all three families can find some solace in knowing God has a special place only for children and they are embraced by His love, happy in the comfort and shelter of His grace.

Dave Walker Palmdale