OXFORD, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan’s criminal justice system found itself in the hot seat yet again recently, this time following a deadly Christmas Eve shooting in northern Oakland County. Sheriff Michael Bouchard didn’t mince words as he lambasted the system for failing to keep repeat offenders behind bars. He said that people who have a violent history or commit a violent act, or are carrying or using a weapon illegally “need serious penalties.”

The tragic incident that led to his statement involved a suspect with a history of violence – someone who, by Bouchard’s account, should never have been out on the streets in the first place. The Sheriff said the criminal justice system had “run off the rails again.”

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This came after a Flint man, 29-year-old Malik Letroy Webb, a convicted felon out on parole, allegedly shot and killed Dr. Barbara Wolf after she stopped to help him when his car went into a ditch after striking a pole twice. Fox 2 Detroit reported that her daughter was also shot when calling 9-1-1. Another man also shot in the arm when he stopped to help and Webb allegedly tried to carjack him – and a woman was held at gunpoint when Webb allegedly tried to carjack her.

Sheriff Bouchard said, “This violent and heinous act is tragic on every level. This is yet another case where a convicted felon with prior weapons charges was allowed back into the community to harm others. This senseless murder could have been prevented.”

Judges, juries, and revolving doors.

Bouchard didn’t stop at general criticisms. He highlighted a growing pattern where criminals with violent records are given what amounts to judicial slap-on-the-wrist sentences, only to return to society and wreak havoc. His message to policymakers? Quit fiddling with reforms that turn the justice system into a revolving door and make real reforms to keep criminals behind bars and Michiganders safe.

Revolving door justice: when public safety takes a backseat.

While some might argue that criminal justice reform is designed to address systemic inequities, Bouchard made it clear that this isn’t about fairness – it’s about public safety. The sheriff’s plea for accountability have been echoed by law enforcement officials statewide, who are tired of putting their lives on the line to arrest criminals only to see them back on the streets before the ink on their reports has dried.

Webb had previously been charged with seven weapons offenses over a nine-year period and had been paroled in July. Bouchard said, “Had they not made that choice to let him out, he wouldn’t be in a position to shoot people on Christmas Eve.”

Coal for the courts.

Sheriff Bouchard’s critique comes with a demand for change. Whether Michigan’s lawmakers and judges will take note remains to be seen. Until then, residents might want to reconsider adding “public safety” to their Christmas wish lists for this new year.