According to the criminal complaint, shortly after 5:00 p.m. on June 17th, Joevone Jordan entered the the "Odds and Ends" candy store on 83rd and Silver Spring through a rear door. Johnson, armed with a 12 gauge shotgun, proceeded to try to rob the 77 year old store owner, Roland Haefner. During the course of the robbery, Jordan allegedly fired the shotgun at Haefner striking him once (or twice) in the chest. Haefner died at the scene.
Jordan was arrested the following evening after a search of his bedroom uncovered the murder weapon and clothing containing what appears to be blood. An acquaintance of Jordan's told authorities that Jordan said he warned "the old man" not to grab for Jordan's shotgun during the robbery.
Jordan has now been charged with first degree intentional homicide in connection with the brutal murder of Roland Haefner.
This story would be awful under any circumstances. If possible though, it's made even worse because of the victim's backstory.
Aftr he retired from Louis Allis, Roland Haefner opened up his candy store as a way to fill his time and offer a positive influence in the area. Despite being robbed several times over the years, Haefner refused to quit on either the store or the community. He was understandably beloved in the neighborhood.
And now, Mr. Haefner is dead. And Mr. Haefner is dead because a guy who was convicted of his first felony at the age of 17 decided to execute him while robbing a neighborhood candy store.
If convicted, Jordan will become the guest of the State for a long period of time. During his incarceration, taxpayers will provide Jordan with television, exercise opportunities, three meals a day and educational opportunities (should he wish to pursue them). Even if Jordan is sentenced to life in prison without the potential for parole, there's always the possibility that some progressively-minded legislators may turn him loose as part of the "Prison Overcrowding Relief Act of 2029".
Meanwhile, Roland Haefner is dead and his family and friends will deal with the aftermath of this horrendous crime for the rest of their lives.
Some people think the death penalty may deter monsters like Joevone Jordan from killing in the first place. I don't know whether that's true or not?
I do know though that society has a right to punish those among us who commit crimes. Life in prison (maybe) as a guest of the taxpayers just doesn't strike me as sufficient punishment for the murder of Roland Haefner. It's a simple matter of justice!
Tell me again why Wisconsin doesn't have the death penalty for crimes like this?
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