To: Raven Kazen

I am writing to you in regards to the parole of Ricky Carter, the drunk driver who killed four teenage girls - Staci Lee, Mandi McWhorter, Lacey Osina, and Whitney Welch - on December 19, 1998.  I very strongly urge that Carter be denied parole.

In high school, I attended a presentation regarding this incident.  It was because of this that I became so strongly against drinking and driving.  I did not know these girls or any of their families, but they have a permanent place in my heart.  Letting this man out on parole is a gross injustice to them and their families.  If he is released now, it would mean that each of these girls’ entire lives was equivalent to less than a year and a half of his.  In my own personal opinion, 20 years is too short, but that was his sentence and he should serve it fully.  Letting this man out now sends the wrong message to both him and others who would engage in drinking and driving.

Again, I respectfully request that Carter be denied parole.  Please allow justice to be done by having him serve his full sentence.

Respectfully,

Benjamin L Ralston
North Richland Hills, TX