Robin's body was never recovered. Richardson and two others face the death penalty while their companion will serve life. But Richardson's case raises particular problems in a state which is considering legislation to ban the execution of the mentally disabled. Prosecutors deny, however, that Richardson would meet the agreed definition. His age is also a matter of concern.
Juvenile executions are particularly worrisome.
If a child deviates from the norm, this is how we punish them - we kill them. Amnesty International USA said in its report that US laws protecting women inmates against abuse were so weak that a prisoner was often held responsible for her attackers' behaviour.