Comments on: Thompson Gets Life Sentence In Cheryl Cain Murder; ‘Closure’ For Family

By: Lugal

Lugal — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 03:30:40 +0000

FYI, there is no such thing as “parole” in the State of Florida, there hasn’t been since the early 80’s. Florida requires that all offenders serve a minimum-mandatory 85% of their prison sentence.

When parole was abolished it first applied to all non-capital offenses. Capital felonies resulting in a life sentence (instead of the death penalty) remained eligible for parole but only after serving a mandatory 25-years. In 1995, law was passed eliminating parole for all capital offenses as well.

In Florida, a life sentence = a life sentence.

The only ‘early release’ mechanism in FL’s sentencing practices is gaintime. (Gaintime is a system allowing the offender to earn monthly awards of incentive gain-time, or credit for time served, based upon strict criteria such as exemplary behavior and graduation from voluntary rehabilitating programs.) However, 85% is the minimum, meaning the inmate is prohibited from earning any more than 15% gaintime.

I hope this information provides comfort to the family.

I also hope it gives some insight to those yelling from their soapboxes about Florida’s criminal justice system. First, shame on you. Unless you are educated and speak of facts, it is simply irresponsible to even insinuate to the family they may have to worry that this young man will walk out of prison on parole one day. Second, it is our responsibility as citizens to educate ourselves and if we don’t like what we discover, to seek change, ourselves. The Legislature doesn’t sit around reading comments on local news websites looking for good ideas on law making policy. If you think you have better ideas for how things should be done, focus your energy somewhere productive. Write your State Representatives, join an advocacy group, volunteer. Arguing with strangers on-line never has and never will accomplish anything.

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 21:19:06 +0000

I knew both Scott and Cheryl personally and they were both very nice ppl. What the hell happened to Scott along the way I’ll never know, drugs most likely but its sad that Scott did this to Cheryl. She did not deserve what happened to her.but he does deserve whats coming to him. For the family and parents of Cheryl my heart goes out to you, you are good ppl and didnt deserve this. May God bless you and may Cheryl RIP

By: CainCousinTampa

CainCousinTampa — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 06:30:39 +0000

Danny and Peggy, I’m so sorry for your loss and my heart weeps with you. However, it also rejoices in that finally, there was justice served and the Lord made sure of that. There’s one more angel up in Heaven and I pray with all that is in me that the Lord gives you peace and comfort. Dave let me know about the verdict and I just want you to know that I love y’all and will keep you in my prayers.==Ginny

By: STUPID!

STUPID! — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:54:15 +0000

I AM SICK OF THE “LIFE SENTENCES” FOR THESE SORRY BUTT MURDERERS! STOP WASTING OUR MONEY AND BRING OUR KIDS HOME THAT ARE FIGHTING OVERSEAS AND TAKE ALL THOSE ROTTEN BEHIND CRIMINALS THAT ALREADY ARE GOING TO DIE IN JAIL AND MAKE THEM FIGHT AND GET KILLED OVER IN AFGHANISTAN! IT ONLY MAKES SINCE. THEY WILL DIE ANYWAYS SO WHY NOT LET THEM GET KILLED AND SAVE SOME MONEY SINCE THEY SAY THEY ARE ALWAYS BROKE ANYWAYS. LIFE IN PRISON=FIGHT TILL DEATH OVERSEAS! THINK ABOUT IT. AND STOP WASTING YOUR BREATH (JUDGES) GIVING LIFE SENTENCES WHEN YOU KNOW THEY WILL GET PAROLE IN 10 YEARS AND GET OUT!!! SICK OF IT ALL!

By: Bama Boy

Bama Boy — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:55:09 +0000

Judgenot……..

Where was his witnesses, aliby and all of his support…………He had five people supporting him in that courtroom. Cheryl can never tell us what happened that night but Scott Thompson can……..and wonder why he did not take the stand?Cause he is guilty. Also answer one question? Why could he not take the stand?

By: justsomebody

justsomebody — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:12:40 +0000

to judgenot, you must be one of those people who only hear what you want to hear. he was not convicted just by the sweat found in her car, there was also dna found on the dumpster and the body. lets also not forget that her wallet was found under this morons bed. guilty guilty guilty. i wish the family could have gotten their own justice. sorry for all the pain caused to the cain family

By: DAD

DAD — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:02:56 +0000

Judgenot I was there in the court room and there was a lot of more then sweat. how about her wallet hid under his bed to start that he admits putting there. how abow the DNA on the light switch in the car 1 out of 250 million stronger then hers on her car that he swore he has never drove . The jury was sure and so am I ..hate it for his family they have done nothing wrong but you must pay for what you do .I didnt judge him I let the court do that.

By: JUDGENOT

JUDGENOT — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:47:11 +0000

To BAMA BOY!
FIRST OFF>>> Nobody knows what happened that night but God, Scott & Cheryl. And believe me at this point I believe that Scott would have confessed if it was legit. I was speaking on behalf of everyone involved in the situation. So you need to relax. I have no problem with Judgement what so ever. If the judgement is accurate and beyond a doubt. Just because his sweat was found in her car does not mean he murdered anyone!!!!!!! THAT IS THE POINT I AM TRYING TO MAKE!

By: Bama Boy

Bama Boy — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:23:34 +0000

To Judegenot.

Judgement has come. Scott Thompson (Murderer) is guilty. Found in judgement of Murder! No one has to judge Scott, God will. Yes God can forgive but it is God who says Thou Shalt Not Kill. So if you have an issue with judgement you address that with God. I dont know to many nice people who committ murder!! If being nice is murdering somebody and throwing them away like trash than count me out on being nice!! And Scotts mother can visit him anytime she wasnts to in prision! Before God can bless Scott he needs to man up and confess!!

By: sharon cain

sharon cain — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:50:13 +0000

Cheryl was a cousin, a beautiful lady. Heartfelt condolences to familly. Justice was served. May he rot in jail.