6:00 Samantha Runnion Press Conference... Live thread.

[Partisan Hack]

The Sherriff just said that he is 100% certain that Alejandro Avila is the man that kidnapped, raped, and murdered Samantha.

[Utah Girl]

Wow. But the sketch does fit Avila to a T.

[veronica]

The 911 call was so chilling. But the 911 caller expressed the horror and outrage we all feel. Bravo to the cops and the good folks who turned this monster in.

[anniegetyourgun]

Whoever did it must be taken out so that he will never harm another again.

[Slyfox]

Can they do a rush job on DNA? Just curious. I heard it took several weeks to complete.

[rintense]

Cops said they are '100% certain' Avila is the man. They must have lab results back. Also, Avila had scratches all over his legs, which are consistent with a child kicking and scraping him.

[OldFriend]

The ripple effect of this evil deed will be with us for a long time. Little children will be afraid and parents will be reluctant to allow their children outside to play alone.

Justice must be swift and terrible or there will be no justice at all. Damn the murderer to hell......for all eternity.

[Partisan Hack]

How about they release the 911 call from the Smart case?

[Genesis defender]

I couldn't keep from shedding tears while listening to that 911 call. Just looking at my two year-old son while that call was aired was too much.

[rintense]

I started crying too... how horrible for that young man.

[Joe 6-pack]

With all deference to our founders, I can see no punishment for such a horrendous crime which could be considered, "Cruel or unusual."

[Just another Joe]

That's an awfully strong statement unless they have indisputable proof.
I would be really interested in what proof they have.

[Utah Girl]

Yes, I think of the innocent childhood I had, my parents warned me about taking candy from strangers, but now parents have to tell their children so much more. Very sad to take away some of the innocence of childhood, but I would rather have my children safe than have them have to endure what poor little Samantha went through.

As far as justice goes, he'd better pay for his deeds with his life. And every time I hear of a child molestation or murder, I think of Matthew 18:6, which says that it is better that a millstone be wrapped around ones' neck than to harm a child.

[Partisan Hack]

That's an awfully strong statement unless they have indisputable proof.

To top it off, he said it TWICE! I've never heard ANY member of law enforcement speak with such certainty.

[tall_tex]

I am sure that you will, although I doubt that you will accept it. Hooah

[HarryArmpitch]

Did the crime occur in that glorious bastion of unfettered socialism - California? If Avila is found "guilty beyond a reasonable doubt"...won't he receive "life in prison", ie., 7 years?

If all the above is true, then any logical person should assume that California is THE PLACE to commit mayhem.

[Vidalia]

For whomever does this perversion...

[Genesis defender]

I couldn't agree more. Avila had better pray that he be kept in solitary confinement while in police custody and (if convicted) while in prison. Inmates don't take kindly to child molesters, esp. little kids.

[umgud]

I am sad that little Samantha is gone, but very glad they caught him before he struck again. And he would have struck again. I suspect they have the goods on him and this will stick.

[tell me]

If this case doesn't gain support for the death penalty, I don't know what will. Not even a prison guard should have to deal with the evil who killed Samantha.