This Monday December 14 is the final rally in the James Decatur Lee case. As you know, Lee bludgeoned a litter of kittens to death with a broom handle. His mentally challenged daughter managed to save one kitten from death. We AJRG members hope that his punishment - while it can never replace those innocent lost souls - drives home the gravity of his crimes. Mr. Lee may be more reluctant to "knock in the head" whomever he chooses from now on.
James Decatur Lee was given one year probation and, we think, a $500 fine for something worked out during adjudication.
Due to him being declared indigent, he will likely pay nothing. The prosecutor asked for 6 months jail time.
The judge, William Stone, KNEW Mr. Lee from a previous case! Mr. Lee brought forward 4 character witnesses who talked as if Mr. Lee was God Incarnate and then, the judge himself made note of Mr. Lee’s good character. The judge also talked about the “public outcry” over this case and that his mother was on the Board of the Humane Society before it became PAWS. The judge claimed his decision was painful and that he may have to explain it to God.
Mr. Lee complained about PAWS and that PAWS charges $25 to come out and the judge agreed that the contract with PAWS does cause some problems. Mr. Lee and his character witnesses say that killing rabid animals is the “farmer’s way.” Mr. Lee said the kittens had rabies and he killed them to save his family from potential infection.
Mr. Lee’s lawyer noted that this offense wasn’t as bad as others that have passed through the courtroom.
There was no mention of the daughter who saved one kitten nor was she present at the hearing. There was no mention of the veterinarian who claimed clobbering cats on the head is more humane than medical euthanasia. There was no mention of whether the kittens had rabies or what happened to the one that was spared.
The prosecutor asked no questions of anyone. Her summary argument was that despite Mr. Lee having lived a lawful life, he still committed an illegal act.
If we hadn’t have been there, I personally believe this case would have been dismissed. The judge seemed to really like Mr. Lee and Mr. Lee liked him.
But our “public outcry” didn’t make it so easy to sweep it all under the rug.
The kittens paid the ultimate price. . .I hope they find peace knowing they were not forgotten.