Squires needs rehabilitation not prison

Published Saturday, September 16, 2000

The DUI manslaughter sentence of 23 years in prison given to punish Suzanne Squires for the accidental death of her daughter is also a terrible punishment to her other two children. I am the grandmother of Casey and Kristin Squires. Since the accident, I have been trying to help my son, David, with their care. I can tell you the children have quickly forgotten their own injuries, but are scarred more every day they have to live without their mother. Suzanne was an excellent mother by my standards. She always did things for the children and with them.

The children need their mother. I try, but I cannot take their mother's place. The children pray every night that their mother will be able to get out of prison and come home. They pray for Renee Maxey. We would like to be able to take away Renee's pain. If Suzanne could she would. She wishes the severe injury had been hers and not Renee's. The past cannot be changed. However, each new day, the children continue without their mother, it becomes a more severe punishment for them. They do not understand.

I read and know of similar crimes in surrounding counties and other states which have received much lower sentences. Suzanne lives every day in deep remorse. Since the accident doctors have diagnosed her as bipolar. She needs rehabilitation not prison. The sentence was not only given to Suzanne, but also to the children. They don't need punishment. they need their mother.

Gail Squires

St. Augustine

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