I have to comment on the article written about the release of Arthur Lee Stevenson. Needless to say, I was absolutely amazed and shocked. I did not know Mr. Stevenson, but I did know Holly Koerper since he was a patient of mine, and I got to know him well as a result.

I would like to point out why I am shocked at his killer’s release. Holly was the jailer at the time of his murder. He was a 71-year-old elderly gentleman who would not hurt a fly. He was not in the best of health, being a little overweight. Arthur Stevenson was a 23-year-old healthy young male. Physically, Holly was no match for Mr. Stevenson.

Holly Koerper was not just stabbed to death, he was slaughtered. Both arms were almost completely amputated; his neck was sliced; and he was next to being totally eviscerated. This was the worst hate crime that I was personally aware of during my 40 years of practicing medicine.

Stevenson is to be released after 36 years of incarceration at the age of 59. I have serious doubts about his rehabilitation. I am extremely sincere when I say justice has not been served and I wonder who the next victim will be.

Charles A. Marascalco, M.D.

Vicksburg