Murderer receives punishment at last

The state of Florida finally executed Danny Harold Rolling yesterday for killing five college students in Gainesville in 1990. Although he never stood trial for other crimes, police in Louisiana are certain Rolling committed three murders there years earlier.

But it was the killing rampage at the University of Florida back in 1990 that held the attention of the nation. Over a short three-day period, police found five bodies mutilated and sexually assaulted. All had been butchered with a hunting knife.

Police fairly quickly identified Rolling as a suspect. He was in jail at the time for a grocery store robbery committed after the murders.

Rolling shocked the court when in 1994, he pled guilty to the murders. He said he deserved to die. Rolling fancied himself somewhat of a wordsmith and dazzled the court with his eloquent philosophy on life and his past troubles. In the end, Rolling was just another sick murderer who had no regard for the lives of others. The only thing that put him apart from others is the number of deaths that took place at his hands.

But as I often wonder, why did it take 12 years from the time of his guilty plea to the time of his execution? We most certainly want a criminal system that is fair and just and gives everyone ample opportunity to establish their innocence. But in Rolling's case, the issue of guilt or innocence was never really in doubt. So why have the families of the victims had to wait for this final closure for 12 long years? Why have taxpayers fed, clothed and housed this murderer for 12 long years? Why has Rolling been able to manipulate the system to prolong his life for 12 long years?

Danny Harold Rolling received his justice Wednesday. All of his lengthy discussions on life and death won't help him now. Rolling is now facing a higher court that may well not be as lenient. And just like on Wednesday, he'll get what he deserves.