It Does Send a Message

Saudi authorities beheaded and crucified a man convicted of brutally slaying an 11-year-old boy and his father, the Interior Ministry announced. According to Friday's statement from the ministry, Ahmed al-Anzi molested the boy and then strangled him to death. He then fatally stabbed the boy's father when the man came looking for his son.

Crucifying the headless body in a public place is a way to set an example, according to the kingdom's strict interpretation of Islam. Normally those convicted of rape, murder and drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia are just beheaded.

I feel there are certain crimes that cry out to God for vengeance. Child molestation is one of them. Sometimes a gentle reminder, like an obituary, is not enough.

Some days I am less tolerant and benevolent than others.

A San Jose, California, Superior Court jury recommended the death sentence for Davis on August 5, 1996. After the verdict was read, Davis stood and made an obscene finger gesture at the courtroom with both hands. Later, at his formal sentencing, Davis read a statement claiming that Klaas had said to Davis, "Just don’t do me like my dad," just before Davis killed her, implying that Klaas's father was a child molester. Klaas's father reacted angrily and left the courtroom to avoid causing further commotion. Judge Thomas C. Hastings proceeded with the formality of the death sentence, saying "Mr. Davis, this is always a traumatic and emotional decision for a judge. You made it very easy today by your conduct."