Legal Issue
The case of Paul Bernardo and Karla Holmolka sent shock waves through Canada. People were disgusted by their crimes. There were many legal issues. The main legal issue in this case is the conviction of first- degree murder which Paul Bernardo was arrested and guilty for. He was guilty of all counts of first- degree murder. He raped and murdered many girls including Tammy Homolka, Kristen French, and Leslie Mahaffy. Paul Bernardo drugged Tammy Homolka with animal tranquilizers that Karla Homolka stole from her work. Both, Paul and Karla, raped Tammy while she was unconscious. Tammy choked on her own vomit. Lucky for Paul, her death was ruled an accident. Bernardo told police that he tried to save her, but failed. Bernardo kidnapped 14-year-old Leslie Mahaffy from outside her home. He raped and murdered her. Paul cut up Leslie's body with a saw, encased the body parts in cement, and together he and Karla dumped them into Lake Gibson, near St. Cathrines. Fortunately the cement pieces were discovered when water levels were low. Paul Bernardo raped another girl who was leaving her school. Unlike the other girls, she was able to give police a description of Paul. Another murder Paul committed was to Kristen French. Paul Bernardo kidnapped Kristen French from a church parking lot. Bernardo choked her with cords. After raping and killing her, they left her naked body in a forest with her hair cut off. This was the last victim. In the end, Bernardo was found guilty of all counts against him, including two counts of first-degree murder for killing French and Mahaffy. The second legal issue was referred to 'as the deal with the devil'. Karla testifies as a witness for the Crown against Paul Bernardo in exchange for a 12 year prison sentence.
My Opinion
In the case of Paul Bernardo, justice was served. There was overwhelming evidence to show that he was guilty of all the charges he was arrested for. However, Karla Holmoka did not get what she deserved. Unlike how she was trying to be portrayed, I believe she was a willing participant in the evil things she did with Bernardo. Videotapes of the crime showed that she was just as responsible as Bernardo in the crimes. The courts were too quick to make a deal with her before they had all the evidence. Her plea bargain outraged the public. Today she is a free women - enjoying life with her new husband and children. Disgraceful.