Consensual Murder

March 11, 2006

Almost two weeks ago, Imette St. Guillen went out for a drink with her girlfriend.  Her friend went home but she continued down the street to another bar. She was young,out late, and probably drunk when she left the bar at 4 a.m. It turns out she was almost immediately abducted and murdered by a bar employee after she left.

In response to the horrendous crime, many believe Imette was responsible for her own murder. They point out she should not have been out so late and “in that part of town.” Implying she got what she deserved.

Nonsense.

No one deserves to be murdered. This logic would give permission for criminals to rape and murder depending on circumstances or at least make them less culpable for their crimes. This is absurd. We have a right not to be slaughtered regardless of how many drinks we have or where we are.

People who blame Imette are saying it is okay for a murderer to use the defense that Imette was “asking for it” by being young and out late.

This was not consensual murder and Imette did not deserve to die. The man who killed her deserves the death sentence because he made the decision to murder and is solely responsible for what he did.