Hi Elizabeth, I do not believe the death penalty too harsh. However all means of evidence must be exhausted, DNA is an incredible means of determining an individuals guilt or innocense and is a proven science. You state that it is too harsh on the innocent bystander family members and for some I would concur but on the flip side of that same coin there are many who feel it has served society well in that there is where many family members derive closure with the knowledge that 1) this individual is gone and 2) will never kill again. When it is proven without a doubt that one murdered someone ( the deliberate lying in wait to take their life) they have lost their right to live among society. Why should the loved ones of the murdered victim have to be reminded that this person will invariable exhaust the penal system year after year with endless appeals and all at the taxpayers expense. For more than many feel it is not right that they be able to do this alongside the possibility that some judge, who did not use good judgement and forfieted the law by allowing for an early release. How many times have we seen this very senerio take place. Charles Manson it a perfect example as it is not only the family members of those he and his posse killed but all those family members thereafter that have to be reminded of what this monster did to their loved ones.And will also have to pay for their room and board for the duration of their lives. It’s astronomical what that one case alone has cost the taxpayers in the state of California and these family members not only show up for his parole hearings, they continualy have to show up in the hopes of stoping the rest of them from achieving freedom. An endless life interupted of having to seek justice. The real problem was the death penalty being overturned in the first place, as for these families their whole life has to revolve around seeking justice or rather the insuring of the set judgement is upheld. This we all know is truly a life interrupted and one that can never move forward. If the death penalty was enacted each and everytime that it was proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, guilt, I would gaurentee that we would see less and less of it as these criminals would see, we the people mean buisness and if you can’t respect the rights of others to life, you will in turn have that same right taken from you. I’ll totally agree with you with regard to our justice system being imperfect. However, it is not the law that fails it is those who loopty loop around the law, Our entire judicial system needs a revamping along with the best of lawyers and forensic testing afforded to those who can not afford it so as to prevent an innocent person being put to death.Granted that this crime has not been solved you can mark my words…It won’t be long. Have a good day. :)