We went for the trial of Joseph's murderer yesterday. As expected based on a meeting with the Commonwealth's Attorney on Friday, the murderer entered a guilty plea to Second Degree Murder plus five additional felony counts of a lesser degree. The maximum sentence for these charges is 83 years without parole. Because of the definition of life in prison in Virginia, the maximum allowable sentence is 52 years with not more than 15% off for time served with good behavior.
The actual sentencing hearing/trial will be on January 23, 2009. This is 3 days before what would have been Joseph's 21st birthday. Based on previous experience with sentences in Virginia, the Commonwealth's Attorney is expecting a sentence of about 35 years UNLESS the testimony of the family is such that the judge feels compelled to give him more. There are more than 50 family members and friends who will submit Victim Impact Statements that the judge is required by law to read and consider. This sheer volume alone is likely to result in a sentence of more than 35 years.
Now, for The Joe 15 Team:
- We received notice from the IRS that we are officially a 501 (c)3 non-profit, tax exempt organization
- We were approved to set up Joe 15 Team clubs in our local high schools and two clubs have been formed already
- Our first two $1,500 scholarships are being given out this Fall
- We now are approaching 1,000 hours of cimmunity service since May 2008
With the formation of the clubs, our local ABC TV affiliate is planning a news segment on the team. This means publicity throughout the entire metropolitan Washington, DC area about what we are doing. Debbie, my wife, has been spearheading these efforts. You cannot believe the community wide support she's been getting including articles in local newspapers - - - one more is pending in the next two weeks.
Anyway, that's the news.
Jack
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