Shop and Run

In the local section of the paper today there’s a headline that reads “Third-striker sentenced to life for stealing groceries.” In a typical Bako ‘we don’t put up with any crap around here’ move Judge Kenneth Twisselman sentenced 50-year old Mark McKenzie to 25 years to life under the three strikes law. McKenzie’s former strikes happened back in the 80’s and one of them involves getting “lewd” with a minor. (ewww!) Since 1988 McKenzie has managed to stay out of trouble until recently.

Back in 2003 McKenzie decided to do a little grocery shopping so he went to a market in Mojave and filled up his cart. I don’t know if the lines were too long and he was in a hurry or what but after loading up his basket McKenzie headed out the door and straight to his car. A woman inside the car hopped out the two proceeded to shovel the goods into the trunk. (Picture it! People in line are looking at each other with wide eyes going ‘What the…?”)

It sounds like McKenzie didn’t waste too much time planning out the crime cuz he was caught right away and the groceries were returned. The ice cream had not even begun to melt. That’s how quickly he was caught.

I’m not sure where I fall on the argument that he may be stupid but he’s not dangerous. I mean allowing someone THAT dumb to wander around could be seen as a public health hazard. Then again, it does seem a crazy to lock someone up for the rest of his life for unsuccessfully attempting to steal. There are murderers that get less time.

Still, prison just might be the perfect place for McKenzie. He’ll get three square meals a day and never have to go to the grocery store again.