Illinois Judge Rejects Prison Time For Defendant In Alleged Knock Out Attacks

While the rest of the country has been trying to find a way to deter the savage game known as “knock out” (where men randomly punch pedestrians to see if they can knock them out), Judge William Mays in Quincy Illinois appears less than steadfast in his approach of the “game.” Mays had Lamar Coulter, 21, in his courtroom and a compelling record of what appeared two knock out crimes. Nevertheless, Mays let Coulter go without prison time — giving him probation instead.

Coulter was arrested after two separate incidents on June 27th of a 37-year-old man and two 18-year-old men who said that they were suddenly punched by a man who fled the scene in a car. Police arrested Coulter and Calvin L. Snell for robbery and the three men were taken to a hospital.

Even if one believes that this was not the knock out game, these were three assaults allegedly committed by Coulter and his friend. Even with no felony record, that is a pattern of violent acts that would seem to require something other than 24 months probation and 270 days in jail. The prosecutors had asked for four years in prison. With day-for-day good time credit, Coulter could be out in 90 days. Coulter was also ordered to pay $14,796 in restitution to the victims.

Coulter was apparently visiting Quincy with Snell, who was about to attend Quincy University (and seemed to celebrate his higher education by victimizing random people). Snell was expelled and he is scheduled to be sentenced next month.

This strikes me as a rather light sentence for violent acts even for a first offender.

What do you think?