Madison NORML

The article below, from the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's website, tells the sad story of what happens when government shirks its duty to protect citizens by regulating (and even taxing) America's huge cannabis market. Not only is someone dead, but taxpayers will foot the $30K per year bill for incarcerating the perp. Add in the costs of prosecution, and you are talking millions. Just a small part of the tax we all pay for keeping pot illegal and out of the hands of patients, farmers, and those who desire a safer and non-toxic substance to socialize with.

MONDAY, July 23, 2007, 5:17 p.m.
By Bob Purvis
Charges in homicide over marijuana

Jervis T. Moore was killed Wednesday in a struggle over two pounds of marijuana, according to a criminal complaint filed today.

Mack Lee Lewis, 31, went to meet Moore in the 3100 block of N. 38th St. to buy the drugs after being introduced by a mutual friend, the complaint states.

Lewis tried wrestling the bundle of weed away from Moore, 33, and shot him three times when Moore resisted, the complaint said.

Police found a large amount of marijuana at Lewis' house and the handgun used to shoot Moore, according to the complaint.

Lewis is charged with one count each of first degree reckless homicide while armed and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

He is considered a habitual criminal and faces enhanced penalties if found guilty. Lewis was released from prison in 2006 after serving 12 years of a 20 year sentence for a felony murder conviction.

If convicted of the new charges, Lewis faces a maximum of sentence of 85 years and prison and a $25,000 fine.

[snip]