THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 22, 1996 TAG: 9603220024
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
I was completely surprised to read the derogatory comments about Virginia Beach Deputy Chief Prosecutor Albert Alberi.
On March 6, 1995, my son was senselessly murdered. During these long heart-wrenching days that followed, our family had numerous unanswered questions as to ``Why?'' We were exposed to Virginia's Juvenile/Circuit Court system: the arresting/investigating officer, victim-witness assistance office, the commonwealth attorney's office and even state legislators.
Each entity had its vital purpose, but the most crucial to my family and me was the commonwealth's attorney's office and Albert Alberi. He was there to answer all our questions and did so honestly and professionally. He kept us informed in layman terms, and we never had to guess what was next. He showed compassion and excellent judgment in prosecuting the cases that followed and sensitivity to those most affected.
When Kelly Dara was released in May 19, 1995, in the Juvenile Court, it was shocking and almost unbearable; but we knew that it wasn't because of any act of negligence, that any system is prone to lapses, for whatever reason. Mr. Alberi intelligently and with decisiveness, firmness, patience and tact brought justice for the state, and my son.
I have seen Mr. Alberi seek the truth in court, and his conduct was above reproach. He instinctively and inherently made the right decisions involving all aspects of the case prior to trial.
The qualities of undisputed integrity, judicial temperament, common sense, compassion, decisiveness, firmness, humility, open-mindedness, patience, tact and understanding are what my family and I witnessed. It's very unfortunate and a loss to Virginians that Mr. Alberi decided to withdraw from consideration for judgeship. He has proved himself in so many ways.
JOSEPH G. GARCIA
Virginia Beach, March 7, 1996 by CNB