Thursday both Derrick Donchack and Brandon Piekarsky were found guilty in federal court on multiple charges stemming from the beating death of Luis Ramirez.  Both individuals had previously been acquitted of murder with the help of the local police hiding and distorting the facts and a farce of a jury trial.  In addition to the convictions, Police Officer Jason Hayes, who is the boyfriend of Brandon’s mother, is facing obstruction of justice charges along with his Lieutenant, William Moyer, and Police Chief Matthew Nestor.

When the verdict was read Derrick dropped his head and his parents cried.  What a change from their demeanor after the first trial.  All the cheering and clapping.  All the victorious comments.  It seems they completely forgot the fact that their son had helped to kick a man to death.  I can understand a person would be happy that their child was not convicted but it’s not like it was self-defense.  Four people harassed a couple of mixed ethnicity and then beat the man to death.  How could they have forgotten that part?  How could they act like their son was the victim?

I know it’s discouraging to know that these pockets of hate are alive and well.  Still, I believe it will get better but not on it’s own.  We will have to work at it.   We have to continue to shine a light on the rotten, diseased portions of our society.  They are the exception, not the rule even though it sometimes seems otherwise.  We have to raise our voices and demand justice when such horrendous acts are perpetrated no matter who the victim is or the perpetrator.

My sincerest thanks to the federal jury, the all Anglo federal jury, that found these two scumbags guilty on all counts.