YOUR COMMENTS

I do not believe in the death penalty. I think it's a terrible violent thing. What these teens did however wasn't acceptable. Spader and Gribble should have a lifetime punishment in jail. Glover and Marks should have only about say 15 years but their lives are ruined. We all have to realize we're all children of god and feel compassion for these tortured souls. God bless you Jamie and her father. R.i.p. Kim Cates. We all pray for you.
- Kayley D., Amherst

To Jaime, and Mr Cates no words could discribe the sorrow I feel for you and your family. I will be praying for you for a very long time. You guys are in everyones's hearts, and as much as I am praying that you will heal fast, I am praying that these evil monsters get what is coming to them in this life, and in the afterlife. God bless you
- rebecca, west townsend, mass

to the officer who saved this young girl i give you praise for what you have done along with all of the other law enforcement, you deserve a medal of honor for sure keep up the good work jim
- jim, manchester

If this doesn't meet the criteria for the death penalty in NH, then the laws need to be strengthened, not negated.
- Mae, Plaistow

An amazing investigation to find the perpetrators so quickly, hats off to the Police all involved, and the AGs office in NH. Jamie, stay strong little girl. We all love you. Your mom is in heaven and she will forever love you and be by your side in spirit. You will see her again someday. And for your dad tell him that he is loved as well. You are his strength.
- Rick Silverman, Milford , NH

"HACKED TO DEATH" is what happened. Why should it be written any other way ? Americans apparently want their news wrapped in tissue with pretty ribbons. ...Generals ask for a "surge"..they don't say "WE NEED TO KILL MORE SOLDIERS" which is what they're doing.
Tell it like it is...leave the sugar coating for the engagement announcements.
- David Shippee, Belfast ME

The irony is Kevin Furlong will not regard himself as a hero.

Because he isn't.

He is merely a police officer who has prepared, probably his whole life, to be the best he can be when the time called.

And it did.

He was there to do his job.

So were each and every one of the responders, startinf from a 9-1-1 call, and investigators.

Who are, each and every one, traumatized deeply from this.

So are we all.

Not just this time, but time after time.

Those who have recognized how wide and deep this goes - you are correct and I commend your insight.

May we all heal, and go forward with the goal to make this a better world to live in.

Sergeant - salute. Those who understand most know. It happens, you deal with it.

Jaime, you did fight hard and made it - there is a reason for that. You will teach.

Father Cates - we are all with you. And hurt for you.
- RP, New Boston

The Mont Vernon, NH murder case does not meet the NH statutory criteria for capital punishment. If the killers had raped the girl's mother before butchering her with a machete, they would be eligible for hanging. If the mother had been a police officer, ditto. If the perps had committed a Federal drug crime at the murder scene, sure. And if they had been paid to do it, instead of doing it for fun, they could be executed.

Many comments in the papers decry this state of affairs. But the comments reveal something deeper, something we have lost at the level of public policy. That is, if you kill the mother and then try to kill a helpless little girl, WE SHOULD NOT SUFFER YOU TO LIVE. Executing these men may serve no immediate utilitarian purpose (I actually believe there is a utilitarian justification, as well, but never mind about that for now). Executing them, and quickly, is a sign of a healthy society. Every minute that we allow them to consume oxygen, never mind to bulk up in the NH State Prison gym while eating 4000 calories a day and enjoying cable television is a rebuke to ourselves as decent people.

The blood of this innocent woman cries out to us from the ground. Her daughter should not have to live in the same world as these four men. The voice of the common people, the voice of common sense, even of instinct, knows this perfectly well.

Why doesn't the Legislature? Why don't the courts? That they do not know this is a symptom of something that is very seriously wrong.
- gokart-mozart, Concord

I am so proud of Police Sargent Furlong/
His bravery in rushing in to save Jamie/
probably saved her life. My God - this is
reminiscent of the Dartmouth Professors being murdered by TWO honor students from a small village in Vermont. We think of such heinous crimes as this being done by deranged Ted Bundy's / Charlie Manson types. NO place is safe / I feel sick. Thank you ALL Milford Police - you are special.
- Jude Moriarty, Claremont, NH

Prayers to Jaime for a speedy recovery, and to her entire family in dealing with their loss. Thank you and a job well done by the local and state police, dispatchers, and technicians for solving the crime so quickly. To the criminals, assuming you are found guilty by a jury, you should all be sentenced to death for your offense against this innocent family and society as a whole.

The lesson the rest of us need to take from this horrible incident is that this sort of violent crime can happen anywhere at all, and while police can help solve the crime, the courts can attempt to provide some measure of justice, and our community can help pick up the pieces, it is up to each of us to protect ourselves and our loved ones. If you don't have a firearm, for the safety of your family and property get one and get trained on how to use it properly. Rather four dead punks sitting in the doorway than a suffering child in the hospital and her poor mother violently killed.
- Keith Murphy, Manchester

I don't understand why capital murder has to have any conditions at all. If you kill someone, your life should be taken, period.
- Joe, Manchester NH

I am very proud of all those involved- Police, AG, Detectives, & whom ever I didn't mention that were there on the scene. It take a strong individual to go in and piece together the puzzle of such a horrific crime, especially when a young child is hurt. My family & church have been praying for the Cate's family will continue to do so. This heartbraking crime has shocked and saddened us all in N.H. Please everyone who is reading this: Always say I love you to those close to you when saying goodbye as you never know if it will be the last time you speak to them. God Bless you all
- Jessica W, Manchester

i now live in ohio, my daughter and my two grandchilderen live in Mont Vernon nh. not far from where this dasterdly crime took place.. i myself lived in Mont Vernon in the sixties and seventies..and remember it as a peacefull, neighbourly, and beautifull place..i can find no words for my horror at the evil of this crime..We MUST stand firm and not be afraid to punish those who perpetuate evil. for it has nothing to do with tolerance from those who do not committ EVIL. God forgive me, but these creatures deserve the death penalty so any possibility of parole is removed. hanging would be more appropriate, but we the people, have become too civilised for that. PITY
- ingridjacobs, 1705 dry creek road granvill oh.

Thank you Sgt. Furlong and all of the Law enforcement personnel who put their lives on the line every day. Thanks to all the emergency personnel that deal with trauma day in and day out.
- Bruce, Milford

I will never understand the pure evil that exists in this world. It is truly evil for four teenagers to kill an innocent unarmed woman in her bed and then also attack and brutalize and try to kill a little girl. They are cowards. They deserve to die a very painful death and then live in hell. Stay strong little girl. We all love you. Your mom is in heaven and she will forever love you and be by your side in spirit. You will see her again someday. And for your dad tell him that he is loved as well. You are his strength.
- Rick, Hollis, NH

As many have said before me, thank you sgt. for your dedication and bravery. Thanks go out to all involved. Chief nice job. When a real life and death situation appears, it seperates the leaders from the want to be's. You used incredible judgement under incredible circumstances. Kudos
As for the rest involved, especially the dispatcher who took the call, I hope you can someday recover from this tragic event.
Jamie, my family and I pray for you and your dad, every day since these monster's broke into your home, and we will continue to everyday. Please know your mom watches over you now. She will always be with you. GOD bless!!!
- john, Manchester

To the Cates Family,

From our family to yours, May the Lord strengthen each and everyone of you, family friends, and Jamie, God bless you and your dad for this journey ahead of you.
_____________________________________
For those who did this tragedy to this family, May you pay dearly for this, This type of crime deserves death to all 4 of you.
- Faye, New Hampshire

Sgt. Furlough, I dont know you, but I am so incredibly proud of you. Your heroic actions saved the life of little Jamie. You are truly a guardian angel...

I am having such a difficult time understanding this whole horrific ordeal, and my heart is weeping thinking about Jamie and her Dad. These 4 young men will never ever be forgiven for this unspeakable crime and will someday have to answer to their maker.

May god bless you Jamie and Mr. Cates.
Please know that we will stand strong by you and support you in days to come.
- Lori, Tilton, NH

We never know who are hero's are until we are put to the test...thank God for those who rescued and brought the accused to justice...WHY NOT THE DEATH PENALTY?
- george beauregard, Peterborough

Renee from Jaffrey is spot on.

Thank you, MACC-Base, for taking the call.
- Nemi, Keene

Sgt Furlong is exactly what we need more of in this state...to server and PROTECT is what he did.Excellent job and you are a hero,it took great courage and you showed no regard for your own safety.Thank you from all of us.Jamie may god be with you and your dad.
- bill, seabrook

What kind of unsympathic and uneducated people do you have writing stories for this newspaper that she couldn't think of a more tactful term to use rather than ". . . hacked to death . . ." The news correspondents for this newspaper need to purchase a thesaurus and a book on ethics so they can learn how to write stories with more tact and respect for victims of such horrific nature.
- Phyllis, Hillsborough, NH

You use the phrase "hacked to death"

Could you have chosen a more sensational term?

I cannot believe that choice of wording made it past editors. Not impressive, UL .. not impressive at all. Insensitive and tasteless... yes.
- Sharon Wilson, Manchester NH

Thank you, for all the great work all of you did in everything about this horrible crime. For the heroism, the concentration to details immediately and the quick apprehension of these awful awful people. I only wish the UL would follow your example in the area of respect for the case and family. My heart bleeds for this family and they will remain in my prayers for a long time.
- TM, Manchester

I think it is very inappropriate for the Union Leader to put that the mother was "hacked to death" in the lead of this news story. I think the Caites family deserves a little more respect when describing what happened to this poor woman. Once again, Union Leader, you have shown you care more about selling papers to bottom feeders than reporting straight news.
- Mary, Pembroke

Those guys should get the death penalty. In New Hampshire it is hanging and the last one was in 1948 or so.

Jamie, I am so sorry about your mom and the injuries. Hang in there girl.

Sgt., I hope your shoulder heals soon. Good work.
- JT, Manchester

Awesome Police work all the way around, to quickly remove these thugs from the street. My brother is a Police officer in NH so I am always proud of our officers here in the state, but the actions in this case elevate my pride. Excellent work Ladies and Gentlemen. You saved a life all while insuring that the murderers were removed from society, and lets all hope they never return.
- Dave Garrett, Manchester

Too often we hear negative press about the police. Sgt Furlong, by report, apparently knowing little about what happened showed complete disregard for his own personal safety, injured himself in the process soley for the purpose of trying to save a little girl. He had no idea what might have been waiting for him behind that door. For that, he is a true hero. As a mom, his actions move me to tears.
- Jennifer, Amherst

Jamie Cates should forever be held in our thoughts for the bravery she displayed and watched over for the horror she witnessed and endured.
Sgt. Furlong I hope your shoulder and spirits heal after seeing such a terrible scene.
- Jeff Bundy, Indianapolis IN

I am in agreement 100% with Elizabeth from Derry. The more information that is released the sicker I feel. I see no regret or remorse on any of the faces of these young men. I cannot imagine the shock and shame their family is going through. Simply unbelieveable.
- KBL, Greenfield

"Kevin deserves to be recognized and commended for what he did that day," Aspinwall said yesterday.

Indeed he does, as does all law enforcement involved in bringing these heartless killers to justice so swiftly.
- Ditmar, Hollis

Absolutely, the officers and EMS personnel deserve accolades, but why have we heard no mention of the heroes on the other end of the phone and radio? Let's not forget the dispatchers (the actual first responders), the ones who had to hear that poor little girl and reassure her that help was on the way. They are way too often overlooked and under-appreciated!
- Renee Holman, Jaffrey

Thank-you to law enforcement, crime scene techs, and to all involved in the swift apprehension of these savages. May Jamie & Mr. Cates know that they are in sooo many peoples' thoughts and prayers, and somehow find the strength to recover from this horrific tragedy someday.
- Brenna, Portsmouth

Great work to Sgt. Furlong! My prayers are with Jaime and family. Great work to all law enforcement and everyone who helped out. Most criminals are dumb, as in this case, so it is great to have these four off the streets. I left my home state to move to NH some time ago to live in a more peaceful place. This case brings back to mind that you can never be too diligent in keeping your family safe.
- Joel, New Boston

Great work to Sgt. Furlong! My prayers are with Jaime and family. Great work to all law enforcement and everyone who helped out. Most criminals are dumb, as in this case, so it is great to have these four off the streets. I left my home state to move to NH some time ago to live in a more peaceful place. This case brings back to mind that you can never be too diligent in keeping your family safe.
- Joel, New Boston

Aside from my obvious sympathy for the Cates family, I feel most sorry next for the group of people selected to sit and listen to these terrible events being told and retold in court. Having been a juror in a murder trial myself (State v. Gotsch), I can only say that becoming witnesses to the crime scene photos, interviews and testimony during the proceedings is a weeks long roller-coaster through a world normally best left unseen. When you read about the emotional reactions of the Police to crimes like this, remember that 12-14 of us will also be exposed to it as jurors. I don't envy them.
- Tom, Londonderry

Yes, Sgt. Kevin Furlong is a hero, job well done. But lets not forget the real hero here, and that is Jamie Cates, who had the strength and courage to call 911 after such a horrific experience. Get well soon.
- Frank, Gilford

God bless Sgt. Furlong and the rest of the police who handled this terrible situation. Thank you all for nabbing these scum and for saving the life of Jaime Cates.

Those of you who keep referring to the murdering scum as "teens" should knock it off. They are NOT teens, they are young men. When you infantilize them by pretending that they are teenagers you help excuse their behavior away.

They are young men who were full cognizant of what they were doing and they need to stand trial as young men not as "teens." So please refer to them properly.
- Bob Smith, Milford

It is amazing how quickly this case was resolved. Great work.
- Mike, Mont Vernon

my prays are with the family and the safe and healthy return of the little girl involed...and lots of love and prays for the ploice and everyone else that has been there all week working on this case...my god be with u all
- tausha, exeter nh

Sgt Furlong = HERO

Thank you
- Jim, Bedford

A special thank you to everyone involved with apprehending these monsters so fast.
May Kim rest in peace, and may God Bless Jamie and her Dad. You are in my Prayers.
- Corrine, Epsom NH

This story is more amazing and disturbing each day. The heroism of Jaime Cates and Sgt. Furlong is heartwrenching and yet powerful. The other side of this horrific drama are these seemingly purely cold hearted selfish awful children that even when convicted will still see their families, have warm safe beds to sleep in, cable tv, three meals a day, medical care and be entitled to an education.
Good Lord, how can that be considered justice??
Its just so darned sad. The deepness of the rippling effect these boys have caused is unimaginable. I don't know any of the accused, the victims or even anyone in Mont Vernon but it has affected me greatly and changed my opinion of the death penalty requirements in this state.
- Elizabeth, Derry

Sgt. Furlong is a true hero. He risked his life to save Jamie and succeeded. Thank you Sgt.
- John Bachman, Amherst

Thank you to all the rescue personnel and investigators who give their all to this case, and who will continue re-living it for a long time to come.

There is a lot being said about Mont Vernon's small size -- and New Hampshire's, for that matter -- but this brutal crime been handled swiftly and professionally.

UL, I appreciate an article that describes the personal experience of those working this case.
- Melissa, Milford

My hat is off to all who were involved in getting these heartless individuals off the street. Thank you for the hard, and often thankless, work.

On another note, I'm somewhat surprised that murder during the commission of a robbery or home invasion is not capital murder.
- Alan, Haverhill

Such a contrast in human character . The horror inflicted by the murderous cowardly acts of the teens pales beside the selfless acts of the heroes who rushed in to help the mother and child. Love and prayers to all. Comfort and healing to Jamie and her Dad.
- Deb, Pelham