When it comes to determining the fair punishment of confessed killer Seti Scanlan, it is hard not to think of David Martel and his two sons Stephen and Matthew.
The Martel family had its mother and wife ripped away by Scanlan's criminal behavior. Their lives are forever changed by the monstrous acts of Scanlan and his gang of thugs.
Nearly two years ago, Scanlan fired the shot that killed Burlingame bank manager Alice Martel in a violent takeover robbery that netted $4,000. He continued his crime spree and planned to die in a hail of gunfire at the hands of police after he killed a great number of them. He later turned himself in and confessed to all his crimes.
Since then, Scanlan has waited for a decision on his fate. Will he face the death penalty? Or will he face life in prison?
This summer, a jury deadlocked 9-3 on whether he deserves to die and a mistrial was declared. By default, Scanlan will spend the rest of his life in prison unless District Attorney Jim Fox decides to go through a retrial. David Martel strongly believes Scanlan deserves to die and said he is willing to go through the grueling testimony again.
In California, the death penalty is reserved for the most egregious of crimes and if you follow that criteria, then Scanlan certainly qualifies. If Scanlan doesn't receive the death penalty, it is cause for wonder whether any man deserves it.
Before the trial began, Scanlan said he wanted to represent himself and ask for a judge to sentence him to death.
Despite his crimes, his confession and appeal for the death penalty seemed to give him an ounce of respectability.
After the mistrial was declared, however, Scanlan reversed himself and now said he wants legal representation from attorneys seeking life in prison for him. His reversal is evidence that he is playing the system, toying with the Martel family's emotions and doing his best to stay noticed.
Clearly, Scanlan likes the limelight. He liked the attention he received during his crime spree and he liked the attention he received during his arrest and trial. Why give him any more?
It is tempting to pursue the death penalty again. But do the chances of him receiving it go up with a second batch of jurors? No one is certain.
The previous trial cost taxpayers approximately $500,000 and a second trial will likely cost the same. Granted, justice should have no price and the Martel family's loss is immeasurable. However, the effort may be too great and the process too excruciating for too little reward.
Seti Scanlan will never leave prison. Why give him another day in the spotlight and force the victims to relive the pain?
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