To the editor:

Regarding “Man gets 20 years for murder,” published Feb. 24, what struck me throughout the article was Johnson’s response to his own actions.

Although he was sentenced to 20 years for murder, he displayed conventional human values.

It is a common misconception that criminals do not hold conventional values, which is why many people believe criminals can commit crimes at all.

Some might argue that the “values” he displayed were only for show, to appeal to emotions that would hopefully result in a lighter sentence. This case however, shows that criminals, even those capable of committing murder, hold conventional values.
This case is a good example of criminals holding conventional values because of Johnson’s actions after the fact. He “decided to do what was right,” and was “the first to come forward about what happened to Williams.” Johnson was also willing to testify against himself, as well as his co-defendants.

It is also important to note that he showed empathy by putting himself in the shoes of the victim’s family. Ultimately, Johnson came forward, because he believed it was the right thing to do and because he would want someone to do that for him if the tables were turned.

Ashley Lind

Suffolk