Going to Mexico

Lately, I have had the urge to look at some sites for updates on daily news. The article titled U.S. Fugitives in Mexico Spared Death Penalty caught my attention. It goes on to explain horrific crimes that people commit and the ways in which they try to avoid punishment. For example, a man who suffocated his baby daughter and left her body in a toolbag on an expressway, will not receive the death penalty. While such a crime is normally punished by receiving the death penalty, this man has avoided such a sentence. This is because he fled to Mexico after his act, knowing that once he was there he was safe. 

One thing that distinguishes Mexico from the U.S. is its position on the death penalty. While we accept it and use it for many crimes, Mexico does not. This is why many criminals travel to Mexico. Once they cross the borders the U.S. does not have the right to ever give them the death penalty. Instead, Mexico will only hand them over (criminal) to face justice. 

When I read this, I have to admit that I was a bit shocked. I have always known that people flee to Mexico after committing a crime; however, I suppose I was unaware on their reasoning. I know that if my family was a victim to such a person and their punishment was reduced, I would be quite upset. I feel like something must be done, otherwise criminals will continue to flee to Mexico and hide, while families struggle to cope with their losses.