Jesse Timmendequas, Murderer of Seven Year-Old Megan Kanka, Escapes Death Penalty

In March of 1907, the New Jersey State Prison's Capital Sentence Unit evolved. In the beginning, the unit could only hold a total of six inmates. By 1932, the number of inmates jumped to 18, and by December 28, 1966, 26 death row inmates could be accommodated for. The very first inmate to be put to death by electrocution in the state of New Jersey was on December 11, 1907, the last to die of electrocution was on January 22, 1963.

New Jersey then outlawed capital punishment in 1972, to then bring it back just 10 years later in 1983. This time however the electric chair was replaced by lethal injection. Now almost 25 years after the death penalty was reinstated, New Jersey is the first in over 40 years to abolish the death penalty on "Human Rights Day", December 10, 2007.

For some people this day is a joyous accomplishment, however for others who were victims of the eight death row inmates whose death sentence have now been changed to life without parole, this comes as a huge disappointment. The eight inmates, Marko Bey, David Cooper, Ambrose Harris, Nathanial Harvey, Sean Kenney, John Martini, Brian Wakefield and Jesse Timmendequas, were all given a second chance at life, unfortunately we cannot say that for the victims whose lives were all cut short by their irresponsible viciousness.

One particular inmate, Jesse Timmendequas who was charged with the rape and murder of seven year-old Megan Kanka in July of 1994 is stirring up emotions in many people who may now change their minds in thinking that the justice system does work.

July 29, 1994, the parents of a beautiful, seven year-old girl, Megan Kanka's lives would be changed forever. After living in Hamilton Township, New Jersey for nearly fifteen years, the simple family of five would quickly be a broken family of four when Jesse Timmendequas who lives directly across the street from the Kanka's lures the child into his house, raping and murdering her.

Unfortunately, if the Kanka's had been aware that a convicted sex offender had lived across the street, this incident may have never happened. In a quote taken from the Megan Nicole Kanka Foundation website, it reads, "We knew nothing about him", says Maureen Kanka. "If we had been aware of his record, my daughter would be alive today."

The death of Megan Kanka resulted in a nationwide law known as "Megan's Law" legally called the Sexual Offender Act of 1994. This act requires any person who is convicted of a sex crime against a child to notify the local law enforcement of any changes to their address, employment, etc, once they have been released from prison. This gives the people who live around the convicted sexual offenders the knowledge that someone in their area has and still could be a threat to their child or children.

The reaction of the people regarding Timmendequas receiving a life sentence without parole instead of his original death sentence, is one of mixed emotions. Those who are jumping up and down for joy are those who are the death penalty extremists who do not believe in killing anyone regardless of anything they have done. And even though I am against the death penalty in most circumstances, I do not believe that anyone who could rape and kill a child should be given any kind of chance at anything.

Here are some reactions from some content producers here at Associated Content regarding the recent decision of New Jersey abolishing the death penalty.

Celeste Parker says, "Personally I think it's wrong. I am a strong believer in the death penalty especially for child rapist. Someone like him deserves to be put to death then we don't have to worry about him ever getting out and harming more children. I don't want my tax dollars spent feeding and caring for these awful people when the should be going to the schools."

Tina Lehman says, "I personally feel that the death penalty shouldn't be around in the first place. This isn't because I don't believe that people shouldn't pay for their horrible crimes by dying... but because I think it's a punishment that is given out too randomly. Not everyone who commits these crimes can expect to face death... only some. And it takes YEARS to put someone to death (as shown by the fact that someone who was put on death row for a crime in 1994 is STILL there). And there is always that chance of putting to death someone who is innocent." Lehman goes on to say, "As far as someone getting a second chance...I can only hope that he will live out the rest of his life being thankful for it. And thankful for the taxpayers whose problem he has become now that they have to support his sorry ass by paying for his three hots and a cot.".

John Gugie says, "Everyone knows I'm 1000% pro death penalty as is evident by my past articles. If it were up to me, I'd put electric chairs right in the courtrooms. When found guilty, fry them immediately. People argue that it's too costly and lengthy a process. This is no reason to trash the whole idea. It just need tweaking. I think NJ's ruling is bad.".

As for me, I have mixed thoughts when it comes to killing people for crimes. I believe that if we are going to use the death penalty as a way to punish people, then we should make sure 100 percent that those people are guilty. I also believe that the death penalty should be given to those who commit the same crime. For example, all child rapists and murderers should have the death sentence. No different rulings because of this and that. Just one set of rules just like anything else. I also believe that if your going to hand down a sentence of death, that it should be done immediately. Waiting 20 years to kill someone is wrong. 20 years being institutionalized can change anyone. If your going to do it, just do it.

To learn more about Megan's Law, please visit the Megan Nicole Kanka's Foundation.