Neal’s Notes

Commonwealth Journal

February 24, 2006 February 24, 2006 09:38 am

— A key to our community’s closure in the tragic slaying of Sheriff Sam Catron was the graceful way in which his killer handled his guilt.
Danny Shelley admitted he was addicted to drugs, paranoid and overcome by fear, when he shot Catron dead in April 2002.
In exchange for telling his tale on the witness stand — and helping put Kenneth White, the plot’s “mastermind,” away forever without the possibility of parole — Shelley’s life was spared.
The Commonwealth agreed to a life sentence for Shelley, without the possibility of parole for 25 years. Jeff Morris, the third conspirator, received the same deal.
It was Shelley, however, who seemed sincere.
It was his testimony that sealed White’s fate.
It was his remorse that helped begin the healing process for Sheriff Catron’s family — and all of Pulaski County.
Earlier this week, Shelley re-opened the wound.
Shelley’s motion to set his plea agreement aside and attempt to garner a jury trial was a cruel, selfish twist to a tragic story.
In his motion, Shelley says his plea agreement has robbed him of “any normal, useful or happy life.”
Instead of accepting responsibility for his actions, he reverts to blame-placing:
... Attorney Mark Stanziano gave him bad advice.
... The truth “has been edited” by the media, A & E Network and KET.
In essence, he says he deserves a lighter sentence because he owned up to killing a man.
It just doesn’t work that way.
Shelley has already been rewarded by Commonwealth’s Attorney Eddy Montgomery, and Catron’s family.
His 25-year sentence is a small price to pay for his deed.
To be frank, if anyone deserved the lethal injection in this case, it’s Shelley.
He doesn’t get points for being manipulated.
He doesn’t get points for being a druggie.
And he certainly doesn’t get points for being out and out stupid.
The stark reality of the case is this: Sam Catron’s life was in Danny Shelley’s hands right up until the time he pulled the trigger.
Shelley could have ran.
He could’ve gone to the authorities.
He could’ve blown his own head off.
But instead, with one twitch of his finger, he ended Catron’s life.
For that, the price Shelley is paying is a low one, indeed.

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