This case got people talking about safety in Westport, especially at night. The victim, Devin Cassidy, was a talented young woman -- a microbiologist who could also play the violin. Her family has a Web site dedicated to her here. Midtown Miscreant did a post about the case here.
From Bob Cronkleton: A plea hearing is scheduled for this afternoon in a case where a Leawood woman was fatally shot during an alleged botched robbery in Westport.
The change of plea hearing for Claude L. Sterling of Grandview is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. today before Jackson County Judge Sandra C. Midkiff in Kansas City, according to court documents.
Sterling and Brandon R. Smith of Kansas City were charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Devin Cassidy, 24, last September as she tried to drive away from an armed robber.
Plea deals make me sick to my stomach. For me it's an admission of guilt but your to big a wuss to actually do the time you deserve. These guys were "real" men who did this.
Posted by: Chuck Rizzo | Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 09:05 AM
While I don't think that these thugs deserve less time in prison, I hope that the lack of a trial is easier on Devin's family.
Devin's death was one of the more senseless crimes in recent times. Not only was she so vibrant and talented, but the criminals responsible so young, aimless and stupid. Two kids, who were too young to even be in the bars or entertainment district, loitering in Westport trying to get gas money home. Horrible.
Posted by: caroline | Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 09:50 AM
They should have to plea for their life instead. Just to have the plea denied.
Posted by: D-man | Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 09:55 AM
I'm curious what kind of deals, if any, the defendants get.
Posted by: James Hart | Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Unwritten rules in the hood.
1) don't kill kids
2) don't kill white women
Posted by: D-man | Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 10:22 AM
I would hope D-man those were unwritten rules EVERYWHERE.
Posted by: Chuck Rizzo | Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 12:38 PM
no, they're written everywhere else
Posted by: Rusty Trombone | Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 04:40 PM
If you know you're gonna raise pieces a garbage that commit crimes like this, please abort instead!
Posted by: David | Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 05:15 PM
There is no "deal". He plead guilty to all four charges with no promises or deals made. The full range of sentencing will be available for the judge.
Posted by: rjc001 | Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 06:44 PM