6 sentenced in the death of Eddie Polec (March 20, 1996)

This from the Associated Press...

Lengthy Prison Sentences Given To 6 Who Beat a Boy to Death
AP
Published: Wednesday, March 20, 1996

Six young men who were convicted in the beating death of a
16-year-old on the steps of his church were given lengthy prison
terms today. The victim's father vowed to seek vengeance in the
afterlife.

"When I die, I want to be the first spirit you meet in the next
world," said John Polec, whose son Eddie died on the church steps
after a mob chased him down and beat him with baseball bats.

Judge Jane Cutler Greenspan sentenced Anthony Rienzi and Nick Pinero,
both 18, to the maximum 15- to 30-year terms for third-degree murder
and conspiracy. Thomas Crook, 19, received 14 1/2 to 30 years on the
same charges.

The three young men were convicted of beating Eddie Polec to death on
Nov. 12, 1994, after a fight between two rival groups in Northeast
Philadelphia. The verdicts were handed down on Feb. 5.

Dawan Alexander, 18, who was convicted of manslaughter for kicking
Eddie, received a prison term of 8 to 20 years, two years less than
the maximum, after Judge Greenspan said he was intelligent and showed
"some promise."

Carlo Johnson, 20 and Bou Khathavong, 18, who were convicted of
conspiracy, received the maximum sentences of 5 to 10 years.
Prosecutors said that Mr. Khathavong organized the rumble and that
Mr. Johnson provided the bats, although neither participated in the
actual beating.

Kevin Convey, 19, pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in exchange
for his testimony against the others. He was sentenced to 5 to 20
years in February.

Judge Greenspan said she had received thousands of personal letters
and petitions from the community asking her to hand out maximum
sentences. "I needed no encouragement from the communities for the
sentence I impose today," she said. "The jury in this case has shown
all the sympathy and mercy that these defendants deserve."

All six youths were charged with first-degree murder. Defense lawyers
argued that their clients never intended to kill anyone.

6 found guilt in the death of Eddie Polec

This from the Associated Press of February 6, 1996

http://bit.ly/bREhrl

I just married the most beautiful woman in the world

I just married the most beautiful woman in the world---I'm a lucky man :)

The most beautiful woman in the world has just said yes

The most beautiful woman in the world has just agreed to marry me---how lucky I am :)

I somehow knew this would happen from the first day we met (see my blog post of November 13, 1979)

More or less, the proposal took place at Bogart's in the Latham Hotel in Philadelphia.

Who is that girl?

We just hired a new secretary in the department.

Her name is Linda---and she's beautiful.

Just a bought a stereo at Sears

I just bought a stereo at Sears for $170.77.

It's my first large purchase.

Wow, is that Steve Van Buren big

I belong to the Knights of Columbus and got a call a few weeks ago from some guy about buying some life insurance.

My mother thought it would be a good idea, so I told him OK, and he said he would stop by on November 1st.

Around 4:30 there was a knock on the door.

I opened it and there was this normal looking guy---but next to him was a guy who had to be 6 foot 4, 300+ pounds, who looked like a mob enforcer.

He was introduced to me as Steve Van Buren, and when he shook my hand, it was at least twice the size of mine.

It took about 45 minutes to get signed up for the life insurance and both men left.

Sometime during the next week, I learned that Steve Van Buren was a Hall of Fame NFL Football player who had played for the Philadelphia Eagles.

I never got his autograph per se--but as my agent, he did sign the Life Insurance policy, and I have that.

By the way, according to this Website I was correct about his playing prowess, but not about his size. He's listed as 6 feet tall and 200, but he had the widest shoulders I've ever seen.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/V/VanBSt00.htm