[Deathpenalty]death penalty news --- MICHIGAN

[Joerg Sommer]

death penalty news

July 8, 2004


MICHIGAN:

Sterling Heights Votes in Favor of Capital Punishment

The Sterling Heights City Council passed a resolution Tuesday night in 
favor of the death penalty for people who kill police officers. Just a 
month ago, the city lost Officer Mark Sawyers to a killer who is still on 
the loose.

 From the officers who served with him, to the wife who was left behind, 
those closest to Mark Sawyers want the death penalty for his killer.

Yvonne Sawyers, Officer Sawyers' widow, told the assembled crowd, "Mark 
will forever be my hero. Each day I pray that no other officer, family, or 
community will have to endure what we are all going through. We need to 
show and teach people to respect and value our officers for the sacrifices 
that they make for our safety and for our freedom."

It was a month ago Monday that police say Timothy Berner stalked Officer 
Sawyers then shot and killed him for his gun.

The Sterling Heights Police Department has been pushing for the death 
penalty for cop killers.

Sgt. Kevin Reese, of the Sterling Heights Police, told 7 Action News, 
"Being a police officers, being a firefighter, and being in the military 
are the only professions that you're putting your life on the line for 
somebody you don't even know everyday you go to work. And that's the big 
difference."

After last night's vote, the police department now also has the backing of 
the city.

Steve Rice, a Sterling Heights City Councilman, told 7 Action News, "It is 
one of the only effective ways to deter these violent criminals."

And with the Sawyers family's blessing, the city of Sterling Heights says 
it has cast a vote for justice, in favor of the death penalty.

Now the Sterling Heights Police Department is circulating petitions in 
order to have the motion put up for statewide vote.

Timothy Berner, however, is still on the loose.

(source: WXYZ.com)