Crime Bill Not Working

Although I didn't vote for Fenty, I was quite impressed that he had the sense to vote against the crime bill that was rushed through the DC Council. It was pretty clear to anyone who cared more about crime prevention than pandering to one's constituents that this bill, which lowered the youth curfew to 10pm and installed security cameras in parts of the District, would not prevent crime.

Today's Post features this heartwarming headline: "Three Juveniles Found Slain in D.C. Over 24 Hours."

Before I get into crime bill specifics, let me just add that these murders are totally unacceptable. I suppose all murders are. But I'm no dummy. I understand that crime is inevitable in a big city. What I can't comprehend is why Washington is totally unable to protect its own children. When three minors are killed in a 24 hour period, it means the city is sick. It has a cancer that is eating away at its own future.

Here's the rundown on one of the juvenile victims (with an adult victim thrown in to boot):

The first of the three young people to be killed was also the youngest. Police said 14-year-old Andre Pee was gunned down Sunday night about 11 p.m., on a dead-end block of 13th Place SE that is notorious for drug dealing and gunfire. A 15-year-old was slain on the same block last New Year's Eve.

Andre's body was found in the courtyard of an apartment complex. As part of the same incident, police said, 32-year-old Curtis Watkins, 32, was shot to death inside a squat brick building nearby. Police said Andre and Watkins each were shot once in the back.

Isn't this terrible? It's an area known for drugs and murder and, still, two more unnecessary deaths. Why didn't Washington put one of their newfangled security cameras in this block? Oh? You don't say? They did?

Police knew of no motive or suspects in the killings, which were discovered when someone called to report hearing five gunshots in the Congress Park public housing complex. A police surveillance camera on the block did not capture the crime, investigators said.

Well, what do you know? Security cameras continue to be useless as both a deterrent and as a means to apprehend dangerous criminals. Anyone who sees a camera in their neighborhood and feels safer is neck-deep in denial.

And then there's this delightful little tidbit:

The shootings took place past the 10 p.m. curfew.

Wow. You mean to tell me that minors willing to kill two people are also willing to break curfew? Does their lawlessness know no bounds? Murder at 9:59pm would at least be understandable, but after 10pm when they should be in watching "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip"? Unfathomable.

I can't wait to see what kind of bullshit legislation the Council comes up with next. I'm sure that they'll give themselves big pats on the back for a job well done. Meanwhile, within our city limits, children continue to kill each other.

(By the way, I didn't mention the other two murder victims since the Post was pretty scarce with details. But please keep the families of all four victims in your prayers.)