This letter is regarding Benjamin Norvell and the recent letter to the editor that was published in the Point Pleasant Register.
On Jan. 20, Matthew Scott was killed in a car accident. The car was being driven by Benjamin Norvell. Benjamin was intoxicated and driving at excessive speeds. Due to Benjamin’s decisions, Matthew is no longer with us.
The letter to the editor stated that Benjamin Norvell should not serve a prison sentence because he has to live with what he has done every day. They are correct, he does have to live with what he has done every day, but at least he gets to live. Matthew’s life was taken from him in a second because Benjamin Norvell made a decision to drive drunk and recklessly.
Benjamin has been charged with DUI causing death, which carries a prison sentence of 2-10 years. In my opinion, that is not justice. Benjamin may not have set out to kill Matthew that night, but he did. It was his choice to become intoxicated. It was his choice to drive recklessly. Now, he shouldn’t have a choice. He should be punished in accordance with the law. Should he not be punished, what type of example are we setting? That it is all right to drink and drive? That it is all right to kill while driving drunk as long as you feel bad about it and regret what you did?
The only option that I have to visit my brother is to sit at the cemetery and talk, hoping that somehow he hears me. Matthew was an extraordinary person who lived every day of his life to the fullest. He loved life and he made the most out of it every single day. He is loved and missed by all that knew him.
Punishing Benjamin will not bring Matthew back. However, it is a must that he be punished, as he broke the law, killed Matthew and destroyed our family. I am confident that the pain Benjamin feels is minimal compared to the pain felt by Matthew’s family, especially his mother and father. He should feel terrible for what he has done, and he should have to pay the consequences.
Sincerely,
Mandy Cordle,
Columbus, Ohio
Welcome to the criminal justice system of WV. In 1994, my brother was killed by a drunk driver also. It was the drivers 7th arrest, his blood alcohol was .23.
It is sad to see that in 15 years it hasn't changed. The person who did this to our family only served 11 months in the county jail, for driving without a license and insurance, he had no felony record when he left the "county" jail. You are about to see what being a true victim of the system is, not only do you have to endure the loss of a family member, you will again feel violated once the trial is over and there is no punishment for the crime. It was explained to us that you have to prove intent on the drivers part.
I reside in Florida where the laws are more strick, these same people in this state would never see the light of day. I have a friend who's stepson was in a similar circumstance and he is in prison for 15 years, and yes it was a terrible mistake on his part, but he has to pay the price for making that horrible mistake.
The people of WV have to get the laws changed. The world knows that if you want to drink and drive do it in WV.