An 11-year-old girl was raped on her way home from school recently. The Philadelphia girl was approached by a man who threatened her, claiming he had a gun. He took her against her will to a nearby back yard.
A day after police handed out photos of the suspected individual, Jose Carrasquillo. He was spotted on the street by outraged neighbors. They continually beat him where he stood until police arrived.
His injuries were not severe and he was released from the hospital into police custody. Officials stated later that Carrasquillo has also been linked to several past sexual assaults. His assailants were not charged with assault, but were awarded money for the "capture" of Carrasquillo.
I am not arguing the issue of rape here. Everyone can agree that rape is by every connotation a bad thing. Most people would want to beat a rapist if they ever had the chance, the rest would likely supply a nearby stick or at least look in the other direction.
My question is whether vigilantism should be rewarded with money: I believe that it shouldn't.
In this case, the rape of the 11-year-old girl, I can safely assume the men's motives were not financial. No one can say they would have full control over their emotions in that situation. Personally, if I were the brother or father of the girl, I would be the one paying
whatever I could to have ten minutes alone with the man.
The only thing a financial reward would do is fuel the flames. When you create the mixture of empathy towards victims, hate towards the assailant and the allure of money, you're left with a dangerous combination. It is dangerous for the vigilantes who put themselves is harm's way, and it is dangerous for the suspected criminal who is likely to be seriously injured or even murdered.
Would the murder of rapists such as Jose Carrasquillo be such a bad thing?
It really depends on your faith in the justice system. Just keep in mind that vigilantism can range from civilian punishment towards drug dealers and rapists to common thieves and criminals.
Really, in the end, I guess that vigilantism in cases as rape and murder are rewards in and of themselves.
