Should she face the legal consequences?

Should a person who was driving intoxicated and caused a wreck ending the death of another be prosecuted? What if that drunk driver fled to another country to escape possible charges? What if ten years has passed? These questions are all too familiar to those who have been reading the Austin American Statesman newspaper.

In response to a fellow classmate of mine, and in regard to the post “Woman to be extradited to the US to face charges; parents of victim clash on punishment for crime”, I would like to add my personal opinion as well as pose some questions for readers to think about.

The young woman who was driving drunk in 1996 was Evelyn Mezzich. Once she realized the consequences and severity of killing 18 year old Lindsay Brashier while driving intoxicated, Evelyn fled to Lima, Peru. At the time, the treaty between the US and Peru did not allow her extradition. However, in 2003 the treaty was ratified and Travis County is now requesting an extradition of Evelyn.

There are many disagreements about the extradition of this woman. Lindsay’s dad believes that since Evelyn has apologized, she should be left alone to get on with her life. And, Lindsay’s mom feels that Evelyn should pay the price for her decision to drive drunk. I, personally, believe that Evelyn should be extradited and tried as an adult for driving while intoxicated as well as for vehicular manslaughter, and any other law she may have violated by fleeing the country. Yes, Evelyn was young when she killed Lindsay. But, I truly believe that the justice system was being fair by offering her six months jail time and ten years probation (before she decided to flee). She was old enough to make the decision to drink and drive, knowing that the consequences could cost another person her life. Evelyn fleeing to Peru further shows her ability to make decisions – poor decisions, at that. She should be held accountable for driving while intoxicated and for killing another person because of her drunk driving. She should also be held responsible for leaving the country, which just shows her attempt at skirting her consequences. Lindsay’s dad wants the defense to drop their case and allow Evelyn to get on with her life. But if Evelyn really wants to get on with her life, shouldn’t she have dealt with her consequences ten years ago? In that case, her probation would be nearly finished! If she did apologize to Lindsay’s dad, as he claims, then she should be responsible enough to take her consequences. I almost see her alleged apologies as false in that how can she truthfully apologize for a crime she committed, yet run from the legal system and her consequences? I truly feel that if Evelyn is not extradited and tried for the crimes, this will just open the door for more youthful escapees. If other teenage drinkers see Evelyn’s case, wouldn’t the idea of fleeing to another country be tempting (especially if there are no real consequences)?