Stolen Boy’s Weblog

Hi Mr. Mehas,

I just got done reading your latest blog and article about the case update, so I thought I’d drop you a line…   I can imagine you’ve been pretty busy with the newest developments in the case.  I’ve been very busy with school and family situations, so I haven’t been able to comment on any of the blogs, but I’ve enjoyed reading them very much.

With all of the violence that is plaguing our society in this day and age, it is very important that voices of reason and non-retaliation are heard.  Recently, in my Argumentation and Debate class, I debated the topic of whether or not the Death Penalty should be enforced in every state.  Being from the Detroit area, many people in the class seemed to view the Death Penalty as a way of deterring crime that has immensely hurt the city and state for years.  Since I was arguing for the Death Penalty to be completely abolished in every state, I thought it was relevant to bring up an article I read about Mrs. Markowitz at the sentencing of Ryan Hoyt.

The article stated that Mrs. Markowitz felt no happiness after the verdict that Ryan Hoyt would be placed on Death Row, for it would never bring back her son.  I felt this was an extremely important idea to elaborate on.  I cannot begin to imagine the pain the Markowitz family has felt from this horrible and senseless tragedy.  Losing a family member at the hand of another human being has to be one of the most awful feelings any person could ever experience.  But, as you have stated all along, will ending the life of the one who committed the atrocious act ever truly bring closure to the  family of the victim?

Perhaps it is because I was able to read Stolen Boy, but in many ways I view every person involved in this crime as a victim.  Ryan Hoyt, who committed the horrible act, appeared to be an abused young man who never felt wanted or loved by anyone.  I very much felt bad for him and the childhood he had after reading the details in your novel.  This in no way justifies his or any of the others’ sins, but it should make someone reevaluate their beliefs.  Being raised in a very devout Catholic home and attending Catholic school all the way through high school, I have always been taught to embrace Pro-Life and realize that all life is precious.

While many refuse to compare the death penalty to abortion, I feel it is imperative to never lose sight of the importance of not taking any life.  I am very much behind you in your advocacy of saving all individuals involved in this case from the death penalty, as well as abolishing it all together.  You are in no way taking on an easy stance or position to defend, but I just wanted to let you know you are agreed with and respected for your efforts.  Hope all is well and look forward to talking to you again soon.  Your friend from Michigan, 

Jim Walrad