Let the Healing Begin

"At some point, the criminal justice system is going to need to explain why this person was out on the street. We owe this to the victims and citizens of the community who lived in terror for days."

This quote is from SLED Chief Reggie Lloyd.

And to me, it was the quote of the night outside the Cherokee County, South Carolina Sheriff's Office.

The horrendous crime spree in Cherokee County that claimed five lives had its roots in the criminal justice system. That system is to blame for 42-year-old Patrick Tracy Burris being on the street to commit his crimes that we came to know as the Cherokee County serial killings.

As Chief Lloyd and Cherokee County Sheriff Bill Blanton pointed out emphatically at Monday night's news conference, Burris was a habitual offender with a 25-page rap sheet listing charges that included robbery, traffic violations, weapons charges, forgery and stolen goods. And his life of crime spanned North Carolina, Florida, Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland.

Even after all this, somehow Burris was set free and found his way to Cherokee County.

He never should have had that chance.

I hope Chief Lloyd and other law enforcers are able to pin down where the criminal justice system failed and allowed five innocent people to die. We law-abiding citizens deserve to live in peace and without fear.

The crime spree ended with Burris being shot to death early Monday morning by police in Gaston County, North Carolina after he shot an officer who was trying to arrest him on an outstanding warrant.

In that moment, countless prayers for the Cherokee serial killings to come to an end were answered.

People of God love peace, but they also love justice.

I believe the community would have preferred Burris stand trial for his crimes and face the court system's punishment.

He avoided that.

But he won't avoid God's punishment.

Many of you have written to me on Facebook with your reaction to Monday's events. Here is some of what you wrote:

Diana Salinas: "Thank God for our NC and SC law enforcement officers."

Diane Fowler: ""I am so glad. I have been praying for this for a long time. God does answer prayers."

Jeff Tiller: ""Prayers go out to the families of the victims. May God Bless. Also our justice system is not only to blame, it's the scummy defense attorneys who defend these criminals."

Kimberly Williams Shell: ""I just can't understand why someone with a long rap sheet was back in society; so sad for the victims and families but so thankful he was brought to justice. Even in horror situations, God is still in control."

Deirdre Clerk-Reid: "I pray for the families for their loss."

Candi Fowler: "We can all relax now that it is over. We really have a good police force, and alot of thanks need to be given to them, and all prayers are with all the families that have lost a loved one through this terror. Just turn to God. He will help you through this. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you all."

May the healing of our beloved community begin.