Pubdate: Thu, 07 Jan 2010 Source: Toccoa Record, The (GA) Copyright: 2010 The Toccoa Record Contact: https://secure.townnews.com/thetoccoarecord.com/forms/letters.php Website: http://www.thetoccoarecord.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5073 Author: Robert F. Sullivan, M.D. (ret.) Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n1162/a02.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Jonathan+Ayers (Rev. Jonathan Ayers) GRAND JURY RULING LEAVES MANY QUESTIONS No law-abiding, taxpaying, God-fearing, American citizen of Franklin or Stephens counties should feel comfortable about the grand jury's conclusion to the Jonathan Ayers case last week. Could it be that every legal act was considered so that one of their own could be exonerated? Just what is "justifiable homicide" anyway? Did this term come from the "Kathryn Johnston" case in Atlanta or is it derived from "road rage" behavior? There are so many questions left here that there is not time nor space to write them, but suffice it to say, it is completely inhumane to now flush the case down a legal disposal. The public is entitled to more investigation and acceptable answers. I have no idea what Jonathan's business was with the young lady on the day of incident. However, it was totally out of character. I had only known him a few days in July when we were coincidentally involved in a missionary trip to Africa. In any case, if a dead man has no defense attorney, I don't mind testifying for the sake of the good people in his family, his church, and his community. He had been born and raised in Royston, attended Franklin County high school, had a couple of years in college and work, then was called to preach. He married Abby from Gainesville and became involved with Shoal Creek Baptist in Lavonia in 2008. He seemed to be very successful with religious conversion. I was impressed with his energy, charisma and charity. Abby was pregnant with their first child and they seemed to have a great future. He repeatedly talked to the Africans about what a great place America was, and how success was achievable by work and dedication. I have never been as shocked as when I was told about his death from a GSW inflicted by an under-cover drug agent. What a shame! Hopefully, his martyrdom will serve a purpose and his life will not be lost in vain. If the case is continued in any form, the citizenry should be sure (1) to have equal protection under the law and (2) the criminal justice system will be constantly monitored and corrected when indicated. Robert F. Sullivan, M.D. (ret.) Carnesville - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D