The following letter written by daughter Hallie was published in the Idaho Statesman (Boise) on Sunday, August 3. Hallie is our "team leader" as we seek justice for son Milo's wrongful death while incarcerated. KW
Moscow police released hundreds of unsealed documents
related to the Kohberger case, just hours after the sentencing. While
disturbing to read, the public has a right to access such information.
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| Milo Warnock |
In April, James Johnson was sentenced for murdering his cellmate, Milo Warnock, at Idaho State Correctional Center. Afterward, I requested investigatory reports from Idaho State Police but was denied, citing exemptions for law enforcement and correctional records. In actuality, those records may be subject to release, but will require petitioning the denial.
At best, the state imposes obstacles to prevent releasing
information. At worst, it hides its own incompetence, corruption and
culpability. Either way, it is disrespectful to the citizens that it serves.
The right to records isn’t about sensationalizing a tragedy but ensuring
transparency and accountability. Even if no one ever requests a report, the
possibility encourages thorough investigations.
When individuals entrusted in the care of the state are
harmed, it is of utmost importance that the public has visibility into those
transgressions. Incarcerated individuals are a vulnerable population, unable to
exercise choices to maximize personal safety. We cannot wholly trust that the
system will do the right thing in the absence of oversight and influence of
public opinion. HWJ
2 comments:
So well stated. Can't divulge because they are correctional and law enforcement records?? What a crock of baloney. They know they did wrong.
Thanks, Chris. It's a work in progress. Someday we'll have a story to tell.
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