I learned of this case shortly after my book on the Sacco and Vanzetti case was published. Although there are many distinctions between the two cases, it is easy to see parallels, notably the abiding faith in a jury that may not be as unbiased as we might hope, the ethnic stereotyping of a minority group, and the determination to proceed in spite of, and in fact, in defiance of public opinion.

While it is true that court must remain above public opinion, I hope you will reconsider whether the case against Jason Vassell might not resemble that of Sacco and Vanzetti in that a zealous prosecution might easily lead to an unjust conviction of someone with no criminal record and highly dubious guilt. In the end, as Oliver Cromwell said, “I beseech you in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken.”

Bruce Watson