August 15, 2005
 

Raven Kazen, Director
Victim Services Division
8712 Shoal Creek Blvd Ste 265
PO Box 13401
Austin, Texas 78711-3401

 

Dear Raven Kazen,

        First and foremost I want you to know that I am not an expert on the legal system by any means.  I am writing this letter today because I feel very strongly about the situation that occurred on December 22, 1998 when Rickey Carter chose to drive drunk and consequently killed four innocent young ladies.  The devastating impact of his crime still exists to this day.

The phone call that I made to Mark and Liz Osina was not one of joy to let them know that I had just gotten engaged, but a phone call that may have been the hardest I will ever have to make.  The Osina’s are very special in my life.  In the summer of 1984, Mark and Liz Osina moved to Killeen, Texas where I was originally from.  Mark came to Killeen to be the head basketball coach at Ellison High School where I would be a junior point guard.  Not only did I gain a great coach, but I gained a friend with a beautiful wife Liz, and two lovely daughters; Emily and Lacey. 

This family did a lot for me and became friends with my family. Later on after my college playing days were complete, Mark allowed me to work for him as a student-assistant at Weatherford College, helping me in my career as a teacher and basketball coach.  This also allowed me the opportunity to be where I am today. 

To whoever makes these types of decisions regarding criminals, I cannot believe that this man responsible for the deaths of four beautiful young ladies can even be mentioned as a possible parole candidate.  He has definitely not paid his dues, nor will he ever be able to pay back what he took from all the families and friends involved. 

Please do what is correct, both morally and ethically.  Make Rickey Carter stay the course of at least 20 years, if not more.  Thanks for taking the time to listen to my story.

Sincerely,

 

Jason Hooten
Assistant Basketball Coach
Sam Houston State University