I’ve been following the story of NYC grad student Imette St. Guillen’s murder. Things aren’t looking good for Darryl Littlejohn, the bouncer at The Falls - the last place Imette was seen alive. Apparently he and Imette got into a heated argument after he threw her out of the bar. Not only that, but his cell phone records indicate that he was in the vicinity of where the body was dumped only a couple of hours before it was discovered. The authorities removed the back seat of his vehicle yesterday, so they must have good reason to suspect that they will find forensic evidence there. Littlejohn has seven prior arrests and was paroled in 2004, even though he had been called a “menace to society”, by the same parole board, only two months before!
I’ve got several issues with this case. First of all, if Littlejohn was deemed a menace to society, why was he released? Was the prison overcrowded? Had he done enough time for his crimes? Had he reformed in the two months following the parole board’s original decision? Regardless of his past transgressions, let’s keep in mind that the man is innocent of this murder until proven guilty. That sure isn’t the way he’s being treated by the media. Bouncers throw people out of bars all the time. And I’m sure that arguments are not uncommon in that situation. Does that mean Littlejohn killed the girl? Maybe. But maybe not.
When originally questioned about Imette, the bar staff repeatedly told authorities that nothing out of the ordinary had happened. She left the bar on her own at 4 AM. Now they have come forth, changing their stories. Imette was thrown out at closing time. She was intoxicated, and an argument took place between Imette and the bouncer, in the alley way behind the bar. Someone even claimed to have heard a muffled scream! Why didn’t someone check out the commotion? Why didn’t someone call the cops? And why in the hell did the bar staff lie when questioned by authorities? I realize that this took place in New York. The crime rate is high, and people oftentimes just don’t want to get involved. That in itself is a crime against humanity! I live in the South, and though we have our problems, looking out for our neighbors is typically not one of them. In my opinion, the entire bar staff should be charged with obstruction of justice! And I realize that I’m probably being more harsh than I should be, but if Littlejohn is found guilty of this crime, I’d personally consider the bar staff accomplices for turning a blind eye to what was going on!
I’m a big fan of Bill O’Reilly, and on the Factor last night, he stated that some people are saying that Imette invited this crime by being in a bar, alone, in the early morning hours. Sure, she put herself in a vulnerable position, but in no way did she INVITE such a crime! The only person who should be blamed is the perpetrator! And of course, if that turns out to be Littlejohn, then I think the bar staff should also receive a portion of the blame. The only wrong that Imette did was being in the wrong place at the wrong time! It could have happened to any of us, at any time, and in any place. Sociopaths don’t just stand outside bars at 4 AM. They do the same things we do. They go to the same places we go. This crime could have just as well happened at 4 PM!
Let’s not lose sight of what’s really important here. This young girl was cut down in her prime, and under no circumstances did she deserve to die - especially in such a heinous manner. The person who did this is a monster and should not be walking our streets. I pray that the authorities will solve this crime quickly – before the perpetrator strikes again.
March 8th, 2006 at 11:09 am
I agree with you. She did not invite the crime any more than I invite a telemarketer simply by being home during dinner.
March 8th, 2006 at 5:20 pm
Tish, I’m always surprised at what one human being can do to another. I guess I shouldn’t because you hear about hideous and senseless crimes all the time. Regarding this one, Imette may have made a bad choice by being out alone and intoxicated but no one deserves something like this to happen to them. On a lighter note I enjoy reading your blog! ~Summer~
March 9th, 2006 at 4:09 am
I think you are right in some respect. We never want to blame the victim, yet there is this growing trend in this country to always assign all blame to another.
We should really be asking ourselves what is our personal responsiblility when it comes to taking care of ourselves and our loved ones, given the fact that there are some really bad people that exist only to terrorize honest folks. We do have a responsibility to ourselves and to one another. Some people realize this and some don’t, but this doesn’t negate the fact that we need to make prudent decisions and choices. Sure, we get a little wild and crazy from time to time. We would hope that when we do, everything will be alright and we can go home unscathed. Most times this is the case, but if we really thought about it for most people that really indulge in the party life we’ve gotten lucky. Everytime someone goes out for a night on the town and gets hammered they are putting themselves in some sort of risk. Why is it when MADD stands up and says that drinking only leads to bad decisions when it comes to operating a motor vehicle do we listen? Why is it that bad decisions can only happen when you’re behind the wheel? The truth is they can happen anytime and anyone who says otherwise is being intellectually dishonest. There are so many people on both sides of the political spectrum who are willing to play the retrospective game of what if, that to hear it discounted here makes me want to remember this conversation for a later argument. If our actions and thoughts don’t have any impact on our responsiblity then what does responsiblity really mean? Is responsiblity only applicable when dealing with an issue that one party, political or otherwise, can gain leverage against another, or maybe we can make a move back towards reality?
To say we need to exercise caution and be prudent is not to impugn the victim. It’s what we do everyday when we make decisions. Some are better than others, some lead to wealth, and others lead to death and destruction. Is what happened to you in either case all your fault? I think the answer is no others contribted along the way, but you did as well. Let’s be realistic about this folks. Let the hammer of justice fall down on the perpetrator of this heinous crime. I truly wish we could revert back to a more pure form of justice and have the slime that committed this crime burned at the stake. But as an American I am willing to accept the reality of our laws and morals and I’ll let the people of NY handle justice in their own way. Peace
March 9th, 2006 at 12:05 pm
I haven’t followed the case as closely as you but it does raise a lot of issues. Regarding the “menace to society” ruling, it seems to me that the justice system is more concerned with statistics than justice.
March 14th, 2006 at 10:53 pm
I am in agreement that Imette did not INVITE or DESERVE to have this happen to her. A woman has every RIGHT to be out alone in NYC at 4 am. The trouble is that there are apparently folks who don’t respect the RIGHTS of others. It’s a sad commentary but if any good is to come of this I hope young women will realize that they need to make their safety a priority. I liken it to a pedestrian having the right of way with a car. Doesn’t make much difference that you didn’t get out of the way after the car has run you down.