Trooper Butterfield deserves justice to the fullest extent

OUR VIEW.

Last week was a tough one for our community. The death of Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield was a senseless act by a coward who deserves to be put in prison the rest of his life.

Naturally, investigators must make sure they have a solid case against the suspects. This is now a priority. However, justice must be swift in this case. Currently, another alleged cop shooter is sitting in the Mason County Jail. It has been 15 months since Ludington Police Sgt. David Maltbie was shot.

The man accused of that shooting still has not had his day in court because the court is waiting for the defense to issue a report on whether or not the man is mentally competent to stand trial and whether there was criminal intent, even though a court appointed expert already proved affirmative on both points.

The case of the suspects who are involved in the death of Trooper Butterfield must move faster. People are angry and scared – and rightfully so. It is the hope of this news service that plea deals giving less than the maximum sentences are not made in this case. Trooper Butterfield and all area police deserve justice be served to the highest extent of the law.