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6 years ago my cousin, Kacee Unique Lindsay, was gunned down in the streets for doing what would ultimately be considered an unthinkable act back then and now, walking away from a fight. That's right, he squashed it, and when leaving in the spirit of peace he was shot in the back. April 15, 2003 is a day forever emblazoned in our memories.
Yesterday, April 8, 2009, almost six years to the day, the confessed assailant was finally going to get his due. This human being who showed no remorse for his actions. Expressed any sorrow, nor reached out sympathetically, em pathetically, to the mother of his victim. The family of the victim. Or even the courts who will now dictate the terms of his life. No, he offered no penance, and for that, he deserves no leniency.
This so called man, in the final hour even had the audacity to request a postponement of sentencing in order for his gf and himself to be married before he was sent away. How dare he. No, no such request will be granted, and no favors extended. Immediately upon request, he was denied. 1 point for the penal system.
And so, as the judge read his sentence sealing his fate we had a collective cry. A happy cry. A cry of solace. Though the sentence is not what we expected, we choose to rejoice in this bittersweet victory in order to move on and give this so called man, individual, animal and thug not one more ounce of acknowledgment and thought.
Before announcing her verdict, the judge gave both parties the option to speak. The convicted chose to wave his option, but my aunt spoke on behalf of the family, and her son. I'm pasting her words below in hopes that you'll be able to understand even a minuet amount of the pain, sorrow, anger, we have felt the past long years.
"April 8, 2009
Your Honor, Ladies and Gentleman of the court,
We the family would first like to thank God for carrying us and allowing us to remain sane healthy and prosperous during such a tragic and extremely devastating time in our live.
6 years ago our family was hit with tragedy. A tragedy that we still struggle to overcome, one which has left so many lives empty and forever inconsolable. On April 15, 2003 on the streets of Brooklyn, N.Y. where he was born and raised our SON, FATHER, BROTHER, UNCLE, NEPHEW and Friend, Kacee Lindsay was shot and killed. He was gunned down from behind; like an animal, by an animal. A barbaric animal who had no right to take the life of another human being but also he had no right to even be in this country. We struggle and work to make an honest living to provide for our families, just as Kacee did. Day to day our family struggles, asking God to help us understand and allow us to be able to help us and especially me- his mother and Kacee's son, Kacee Jr. understand how such a dreadful person is allowed to exist in society period. How inhuman and cowardly does one have to be to take the life of an individual and show no remorse? The defendant has sat in this courtroom amongst numerous family members of Kacee, court date after court date, not once did we see a glimpse of remorse from him or his family. Perhaps these are the morals and values they were taught to aspire to become a defendant, a murderer, another poor excuse of a human being, unworthy to walk around free. This poor example of a living creature will have to endure that daily routine of physical imprisonment while Kacee's family and friends will have to endure the mental imprisonment. Because you lack the humanity, ability to value life and back bone to make a positive change you will never be able to imagine the damage and darkness you have brought upon this family. Due to your disgusting and inexcusable choice of your action the lives of many have been forever changed, a mother will never get to hold her son again, a son will never get to hold his father, Kacee will never get to see his nieces and nephews graduate elementary school let alone college. Kacee will never get to come to family gatherings, celebrations, holidays, proud moments, good news and good cheer. You will soon get to understand that for every action there are consequences, the consequences and punishment of this confessed killer is set to receive will never amount to the punishment and consequences we are now facing because Kacee crossed paths with such a reprehensible individual. Not only have you left death and destruction in your path because you lack the ability to think about what you do, you have left that ability to the government, the justice system and God. Because you had no self respect or respect for others your family will suffer too but I feel you really don't care, because you have demonstrated you have no capacity to care, no remorse, no compassion, no love, no decency and unfortunately for you- you will get what you give in this life. However, after today you will be a ghost because you have received enough attention for your horrible actions.
Please know that I want you to be confident that me and my family will move from this dark place because you see, as you carelessly took Kacee's physical body you did not take his spirit because it lives on in Kacee Jr. and all of his close friends and family. You did not take our memories, our laughs, our tears, our excitement, our pain, our will to persevere, our faith in each other, our humanity, our compassion and our promise to Kacee Jr. that we will always honor his father's memory day by day each in our own way. We have so much to live for and all that you have taken for granted and will no longer have access to we will enjoy because we value living and we understand that each day is a gift that's why they call it the present…
We will enjoy the intimate moments with our loved ones, consoling children, hugging and receiving hugs, playing in the park, fresh air, family celebrations, attending weddings graduations, freshly prepared meals, experiencing new things and the latest trends, soaking baths, connections, physical contact, unguarded movement, seasons, sunlight, rain, showers, rainbow snow, autumn air, entertainment, new learning experiences, shopping, surprises, the ability to say hello to new friends and goodbye to those we love and care about. We will continue to live and prosper and give thanks to God for all of the love and light that surrounds us."
Thank you for giving me this time to vent. Trying to be there for me family, I've had to internalize a lot of my feelings and grief. As such my pen, pad, and blackberry note pad have been my only outlet.
Good day, and god bless.
