Injustice pending in Lewers case

I was assured by Bonner County prosecutors that there would be no deals. Instead, there is a deal awaiting the court's decision to accept a 20-year-to-life sentence for the defendant pleading guilty to the first-degree murder of my son.

It includes dropping attempted murder charges of an inmate while Lewers has been in jail.

I was told the reason for this deal was to eliminate the defendant's right for endless appeals. This costs the courts time and money. If the court doesn't agree with the deal and imposes life without parole, Lewers can withdraw his guilty plea.

What kind of justice is this? This is the worst crime a person can commit. The strongest sentence should be imposed. Admission of guilt should not be rewarded with a lesser sentence. My son was ambushed and murdered in cold blood.

Testimony in the first trial states that Christopher Alan Lewers and Kenneth Eugene Thurlow would have hidden my son's body if his truck hadn't been disabled because he was working on it.

They took his belongings and tried selling them the same night.

The only right that victims have is that justice be served. I feel totally let down by the state for offering this deal. My son is being let down. Lewers should not serve any less time than the other defendant for being equally guilty under the law.

My family has to endure the pain for the rest of our lives. Lewers should have to endure prison for the rest of his life or there is no justice in this case.

The sentencing date is Nov. 30 at 9 a.m. I urge people to attend in support of justice being served for victims of horrible crimes.

TINA WEST

Sandpoint