I am writing in regards to the recent discovery in the Ball State/ Muncie murder case. First and foremost, my heart goes out to Karl Harford's family and friends. Unfortunately, I know how they feel all too well, I'm afraid. I am the brother of Michael McKinney, the Ball State student who was killed by a campus security guard in November. I am writing to say that I completely agree with Deputy Prosecutor Calhoun in her statement that "I don't care how much alcohol is in your system, you don't deserve to be killed, period." She is absolutely correct. The fact that Karl had a few beers does not change anything. He did not deserve to die. The fact that you have to worry about your own safety when trying to be a Good Samaritan is appalling to me.
I am curious, though, as to why the attitude of the Delaware County Prosecutor's office is so different in this situation, as opposed to my brother's. I read the quotes from Calhoun and thought: these are the same people who demonized my brother for having alcohol in his system when he was killed. These are the same people, along with the entire Ball State administration, who have used alcohol as a crutch to explain my brother's death. These are the same people who have basically implied to my family the exact opposite of what was said in that quote. I also am in complete agreement with Delaware County Coroner Jim Clevenger when he states that "I don't think this changes anything. Murder is still murder."
He is right on with those remarks. However, these remarks are far different than those made after my brother's death, in which he stated "the exact number (BAC) doesn't matter as long as McKinney was proven to be intoxicated." He also stated "once we all knew that he had consumed alcohol, I don't think it really matters what numbers are out there." It seems these people have had a change in their thinking pattern. I guess if it had been a different type of thug holding the gun everything would be different. The prosecutor would be diligently pursuing a conviction and send my brother's killer to jail.
Well, I hope the Delaware County Prosecutors office does their best to put these murderers behind bars for a long time. They deserve it, just as the man who killed my brother deserves it. Murder is murder, no matter how you slice it. I hope these recent statements by Delaware County officials mean that they are taking a different outlook on matters such as these, and not the result of some sort of double standard based on the circumstances.
I also hope that these same officials are treating the Harford family with the respect and compassion they deserve in this situation, unlike the treatment given to my family. I hope that they have learned some valuable lessons. To the loved ones of Karl Harford, the thoughts and prayers of my family and I go out to you.
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