I'll make an exception . . .

I've said that I'm not a proponent of capital punishment. First, in this country, it's a fustercluck of a process. Second, I simply feel taking another person's life intentionally is wrong.

But . . . I've also said I'd make exceptions. Here's an exception:

A 17-year-old Terrytown man was arrested on charges of aggravated rape and first-degree murder of an 8-month-old child Saturday afternoon, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office said.

Arnold T. Ross, of 136 Friedrichs Road in Terrytown, was booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Facility. No bond is available on the first-degree murder charge.

Ross was arrested after officers responded to a call of an unresponsive infant at 1656 Gary Court, Apt. B, near Gretna.

The infant, Da-Von Lonzo, was taken to Ochsner Westbank where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, according to a release issued by Col. John Fortunato, a spokesman for the sheriff's office.

The death was initially unclassified, but the Jefferson Parish coroner's office later reported it as a homicide after an autopsy of the child's body revealed multiple fractures consistent with a beating and tears in the anus.

Ross, who said he was the boyfriend of the infant's mother, initially told detectives that the baby fell down the stairs while he was babysitting, Fortunato said. But a neighbor reported hearing loud noises coming from the apartment, and investigators noted inconsistencies in Ross's account.

Ross later admitted that he beat the infant repeatedly when he would not stop crying, Fortunato said. When the child began to defecate on himself, Ross said he tried to clean it up, causing the tears, according to the release.

Ross has a record of previous arrests for possession of crack cocaine and marijuana, obscenity, battery on a correctional officer, three counts of battery on a teacher, three counts of theft, illegal carrying of a weapon and assault

I want this guy in the chair.

What is wrong with people?

Jarvis Duke is a scumbag. A low life scumbag. In Duke's case, it's difficult to find a word to satisfactorily describe him without using profanity. Maggot. Thug. One that's at least accurate, murderer. Duke was sentenced to 80 in prison today for the murder of Shaina Mersman. She was 18 years old. She was also 33 weeks pregnant. Her fetus also died.

According to the article, it was not only a senseless murder, it was also particularly cold and callous as it happened in the middle of the day in the middle of a street. Clearly, the judge did the right thing. But what struck me about the article was this:

And though Duke will be closing in on his 100th birthday before he is a free man, he stood up from the defense table, turned to the supporters behind him and smiled.

Some clapped.

A few hooted.

Several called his name.

The senselessness of the display befitted the senselessness of the crime.

Who would support this dirthole? For what possible reason? Because they're standing up for him? Standing beside him in his time of need? These people are as morally corrupt as Duke is. Who would support someone who murdered a person? What kills me . . . Duke got his. With any luck he'll become someone's b*tch and live forever in fear of being shanked. But these low lifes in the courtroom cheering Duke on . . . these are dangerous people. The type that will turn their backs on someone in need, have little respect for life, and would likely kill themselves for the dumbest of reasons. The only good thing, none are likely smart enough to get away with it.

Sad, pathetic, and disturbing.