The views expressed herein are those of Thomas Clark, Jr. This speech is protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution........

As I sat in the courtroom awaiting Price's entrance, I wondered how I would respond to seeing my granny's killer. I reflected on the last minutes of my granny's life and still cannot fully comprehend the sheer terror and pain she must have endured from this predator. My thoughts alternated between utter disgust and contempt for the man, and the utter frustration and anger at those who are suppose to safeguard the rights of victims (the Illinois State Police Forensics Laboratory) for having compromised the case so badly that a plea agreement was even considered. My thoughts also wandered to the land of "what if's"... What if Price had been locked up by Madison county judge Ferguson after being found living as an unregistered sex offender instead of being released by this judge weeks earlier on Price's promise to return to the court for sentencing? What if my granny had the chance to call for help from my father, living in the house next door? What if I had taken a more active role in making sure who was actually living so close to my grandmother?... The land of "what if's" is full of quicksand and too much time there only intensifies the misery...

As Price strode into the courtroom, head held high, and looking fit and healthy, I was instantly seized with the ultimate reality that THIS was the man who hurt my grandmother and family so badly... THIS was the man who altered the reality of all who loved and cherished this little old woman, and THIS was the man who hurt my father so badly that the only time I have seen him cry was the afternoon of her murder... A wave of anger flashed over me as I reconsidered the event leading to this day and I listened intently as the attorneys worked through the court process. Near the end of the proceedings, the presiding judge offered Price the opportunity to make a statement. He remained silent and defiant, although to be honest, any attempt to apologize for his actions would have been met with hostility from me, I am sure. I realized, however, that this man was exactly where he should have been.

At the end of the proceedings, the judge said some final words and as Price began his exit from the court room, it dawned to me that what I was viewing was not a man, but a PUNK-ASS BITCH, and I yelled that to Price. His back stiffened, but he did not have the guts to turn around as I assured him that I would not be such an easy victim and that the lady he raped and murdered was 97 YEARS OLD! His attorneys prodded him along and I yelled again that he was a punk ass bitch. I sincerely hope Price finds his new accommodations to his liking and that he has to opportunity to live it as the punk ass bitch that he is...... Being punked, up the ass, like a bitch, every night for his remaining years... It won't bring my granny back, but it sure makes me feel better.......

Love and cherish those you hold close as if this day is the last, for someday it will be. Remain vigilant, and never become complacent as there are predators among us looking for weakness, and always defend those who are physically or psychologically unable to defend themselves. Peace to You and Your Family