Finch deserved death

I want to tell you about Sgt. James Kinard.

In 1986 I was at home with my handicapped father when three assailants broke into our garage and assaulted me when I went to investigate. Deputy Kinard was the responding officer. He was a compassionate professional. He took information and consoled my very frightened father and myself. And Deputy Kinard went and did what he had sworn to do. He arrested the perpetrators and upheld the law.

He was a big man but very respectful and not intimidating. I remember these things clearly after all these years because that is how strong an impression this man made on me. Years later, my roommate played softball with Deputy Kinard, and my roommate’s father was a sheriff’s deputy and colleague of his.

Deputy Kinard is missed. The cowardly murder of Deputy Kinard and Ronald Modlin was tragic. But not as tragic as the miscarriage of justice that took place in the Snohomish County Superior Court last week, when jurors decided to spare the coward Charles Finch’s life.

I felt safe knowing James Kinard and men like him were guarding us as the watchtowers of our community. I slept well at night because of this knowledge. I sleep a little less peacefully now.

Thank you for your help in 1986, Sgt. James Kinard. You are missed.

Edmonds

Talk to us

More in Opinion

File - A teenager holds her phone as she sits for a portrait near her home in Illinois, on Friday, March 24, 2023. The U.S. Surgeon General is warning there is not enough evidence to show that social media is safe for young people — and is calling on tech companies, parents and caregivers to take "immediate action to protect kids now." (AP Photo Erin Hooley, File)
Editorial: Warning label on social media not enough for kids

The U.S. surgeon general has outlined tasks for parents, officials and social media companies.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Sunday, May 28

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Forum: Especially at time of peace, U.S. must honor its fallen

As diplomacy takes precedence over military action, Memorial Day reminds us of our duty to history.

Comment: Federal student loan repayments need reforms

With repayments resuming soon, borrowers and the government need to prepare income-based plans.

Comment: Veterans struggling with addiction need our support

Connect veterans with the services they need through encouragement, understanding and advocacy.

President Joe Biden meets with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of Calif., to discuss the debt limit in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, May 22, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Comment: A brief history of risks and outcomes of debt crises

Past debt ceiling and budget crises in 1995, 2011 and 2013 offer perspective on the current situation.

Comment: Hospice care isn’t giving up; it’s a gift of time, love

End-of-life care offers patients and families comfort, better quality of life and time to say goodbye.

Comment: State, local libraries rebuilding lives after prison

For those leaving prison, a library card is key to starting again. A new program offers that key.

Most Read