By Joshua Berlinger and Jack Hannah
Source: CNN News
2007 started off as a normal year for 14-year-old Cherice
Moralez. It was her freshman year in high school and she decided to take a
business class with Mr.Rambold. Everything went great until she was raped by
Rambold. Initially, he was only sentenced to 31 days in prison. But here we
are, 7 years later, and this young girl’s family is still awaiting justice.
Cherice Moralez committed suicide in 2010 before the case went to trial and
before she turned 17. Rambold, now 55 years old, pleaded guilty to sexual
intercourse without consent and was sentenced to a 15 years with 31 days
suspended by Judge G.Todd Baugh. On Friday, September 26, he was resentenced to
15 years with a 5 year suspension by a different judge. Former Judge Baugh was
taken off the case due to intense criticism, because he had placed partial blame
on the victim. He claimed that the victim looked older than she was and that
she had as much control over the situation as Rambold. Due to his biased and
inappropriate comments, along with his doubt on the appearance of justice, he
apologized and was replaced. He said, “I am sorry I made those remarks. They
focused on the victim when that aspect of the case should have been focused on
the defendant”(1). He states that he
will be retiring at the end of the year, but claims it is not related to
Rambold’s controversy.
I chose this article because it is important for us to try
to understand the amount of pain and grief this family has been put through in
the short time span of 3 years; their daughter, not only lost a part of her in
a forceful way, but she also had her own blood on her hands. Not only is the
injustice of the situation upsetting and heart wrenching, but also the very
inappropriate comments of Judge Baugh. No family should ever be placed in a
situation such as this one and have to endure the sorrow that comes along with
it.
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