I knew the months ahead would have several stories in the newspaper about Jayme Biendl’s murder. Should I thank The Herald for telling the story, or be disappointed that you’re letting the real story slip by? Right now it’s both and I have questions.

Inmate Byron Scherf “had been deemed a serious risk to female employees” at the Monroe prison complex and the administration ignored this advance written warning? Wow! Certain guards used a written format to voice their concerns for their personal safety regarding Scherf, and they were ignored? Were they female and was that why they were ignored?

Lastly, your July 22 article, “State investigation finds lapses at Monroe prison,” declared that a recent report prepared by other state employees “barely mentioned” the change in Scherf’s status from “close custody to medium security.” That is a deliberate move to alter the perspective of the events that did happen to Jayme … who are they trying to protect?

You have an incarcerated violent criminal who had his status changed from “close custody” (because he is violent and needs to be watched) to medium security? How about the victims that landed Scherf in prison? How do they feel about this change and Jayme Biendl’s murder?

The truth is, prior to Jayme’s murder, the correctional facility staff warned us that cutting staff and procedures were placing their lives at risk. That created a perfect storm for an opportunistic predator to hunt in. It’s wrong to diminish or alter the controversial substance involved. Do not alter the story. Jayme Biendl deserves better!

Penny Hansen
Marysville