Lawmaker wants death penalty for certain murders involving children

The Indianapolis Star reports that Representative Terry Goodin will introduce a bill to require prosecutors to seek the death penalty in certain child murders.

This is a feel good piece of legislation that would cause problems for prosecutors and county budgets all over the state. Death penalty trials are expensive and to require a prosecutor to seek the death penalty could impose a financial burden that some smaller counties cannot handle. It speaks volumes that both the Indiana Prosecuting Attorney's Council and Public Defender Council are against the legislation. The article reports that the bill passed the House last year but was not picked up by the Senate.

The Killing Zone

Today's Indianapolis Star has an interactive map of all 153 homicides in Indianapolis-Marion County in 2006. It's no surprise the three most concentrated areas are the near Eastside and Haughville. Special recognition goes to 42nd Street and Post Road. Take note those of you who don't believe crime exists outside 465.