Prisoner transferred to Canadian facility

I am the mother of Thomas Maki,who was brutally killed by Dean Michaud. This transfer should have NEVER been granted. I fought it for years, to no avail. Justice means nothing, because above all, politics prevail. It's truly a sad world that we live in.

It doesn't matter to me where he's jailed, just as long as he stays in jail. I realise that you, the mother of the slain man, have much more at stake in the matter, but if Canada wants to spend their tax dollars to house and feed him and not my tax dollars...so be it. True justice would be the death penalty for a convicted murderer, IMO. But it looks like that's not gonna happen.

Gorp wrote:

It doesn't matter to me where he's jailed, just as long as he stays in jail. I realise that you, the mother of the slain man, have much more at stake in the matter, but if Canada wants to spend their tax dollars to house and feed him and not my tax dollars...so be it. True justice would be the death penalty for a convicted murderer, IMO. But it looks like that's not gonna happen.

The problem is, he won't STAY in jail in Canada. The govern differently, and it was a stipulation of his transfer that he NOT be governed by the sentence imposed here in the US (Maine). Initially, I did not want the death sentence for him, as I did not want his parents to know the pain of losing a child. However, ten years later, and knowing what I know now, death for him for what he did to my son would have been the only justice!

Wow. Nice push for your site and book

Sybil wrote:

Wow. Nice push for your site and book

Site and book???

Rosemarie was right....Mr. Michaud was released on parole last week.

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/state/...

Unbelivable....

Rosemarie Maki wrote:

I am the mother of Thomas Maki,who was brutally killed by Dean Michaud. This transfer should have NEVER been granted. I fought it for years, to no avail. Justice means nothing, because above all, politics prevail. It's truly a sad world that we live in.

Rosemarie, I'm deeply sorry for your pain and sickened to read that justice could not be served. I pray for you and your family.

RoseMarie,
I have followed your story from day one. My heart hurts for you every new twist and turn of this sad,sad,story. It does seem that Mr. Michaud is used to getting everything his little heart desires every time he stamps his foot. Perhaps this was the way he was raised as a boy, on it continues into his adulthood. I hope he thinks of what he has done every day of his life, and lives in disgrace and shame.

This is where most of you are wrong. Dean Michaud was convicted by the State of Maine of reckless manslaughter and not murder. Only Dean Michaud knows the details of the incident that took place given he did not testify at trial and the State could not provide more than constructed circumstantial evidence to back their murder claim.

In most countries the incident would have been considered lesser than manslaughters given the element of criminal responsibility. How else could you characterize a fist fight between two young men on a river bank? No weapons were found and eyewitness evidence at trial demonstrated that Michaud almost drowned himself.

Given he still caused this death, most would agree that 10 years is plenty. Furthermore, Michaud has privately and publicly expressed deep remorse for the repercussion of his actions.

Ten years for MURDER? Nope he should be in prison for life. Call it manslaughter if you want it still boils down to murder. Dean could not take the fact a woman jilted him so he MURDERS his rival. You take a life and it should be paid for your life in prison or the death penalty. I'm sure James, if it had been a member of your family you would not be here praising the person who committed the crime.

James from Ottawa. I lived in the area where Thomas was killed. I'm also very familiar with the St. John river and I can assure you, it's not a place to seek out to have a chat. There are no sidewalks, benches or any public conveniences. You don't just down to the St. John River to have a chat as described by Michaud. This tragedy was all planned, which means premeditation. Premeditated manslaughter does not exist. What existed here was handful of incompentent authorities, judges and a flawed process. Because of this, justice failed. The irony, James, is now that all these Canadians who welcomed him back, who have worked hard for his speedy return and are quick to forget this tragedy will now have this remorseless killer walk among them.

Dave, I absolutely agree with you. I also wondered why 40 or so family members went to meet him upon his arrival in Edmunston, N.B. Ok, so he is part of their family. How about a low key luncheon back at their home to welcome him back, but why such a public display. Too bad the Maki family will never get the chance to welcome their beloved son home. I wonder if any of those 40 family members of Mr. Michaud ever thought of that young man that day.

Dave,

You have no knowledge of the specific location where this indicent occured. Your conclusions are unsustained;Other facts can explain this. What facts do you have to conclude premeditation. How can you interere Michaud's state of mine?

James,
I won't speak of Mr.Michaud's state of mind on that day. However, having traveled and visited that part of Maine several times, this particular destination is not exactly a park-like setting where you set out for a nice stroll on a sunny day, or go wading in the river. Also, keep in mind that this occurred mid-Sept., the weather was alreading cool and fall-like in that area of the state. Maybe if a "chat" was in order, perhaps a local coffee house or pub would have been a more appropriate choice for the destination.

James -
I lived in that area for over over 20 years. I know it better than you have alluded to. I know Michaud could have met with Tom at BJ's, the local bar (Fort Kent) or maybe at Rosettes at a small quiet restaurant in Frenchville. I also know of people who would prefer to mindlessly and insensitively play the devil's advocate on these discussion boards. I also know, James, writing styles don't change in two threads. See http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/new s/state/061116drowning.html. I know you're not John from Madawaska. Do I know enough? What's your state of mind?
-UMFK '92

All I hear now from James is the sound of silence...

I have been to both BJ's and Rosettes while visiting with friends who live in the area ( had the chicken as recommended, it was wonderful!), so obviously Dave does indeed know the area well.

Sidewalks,benches,public conveniences? Your thinking of "the other maine"Dave. Heads up people,Kids love ta hang out at places like the river.They drink beer,smoke pot,make babys,and kick some ass.Not just in the "valley".It is the same in every county in this country.I did and so did you. Like it or not the court found that young man gulty of manslaughter and not murder.Ten years is long nuff.Sorry Rosemarie for your loss.I think your heart has grown hard,that is sad.Time heals all wounds only if you let it.Let God and let go

Yikes, spelling! I did notice a few schools in the area. Is it mandatory to attend in the "valley", as it is in "every county in this country"?

It is easier to do time in Canada especially Ontario rather than the United States.Many more privileges and early parole too.