U.S. District Court Judge Fred Van Sickle is incompetent. Everything about the lackey cover-up of the killing of Otto Zehm is nerve racking. First, the good ol’ boy attitude of the police higher-ups, then their union with the attitude of an officer can do no wrong, and now Van Sickle, the last great hope of Thompson.

Change of venue, the omitting of evidence, and even though the Karl Thompson Jr. jury found him guilty, this judge wants to delay the sentencing for many months, and possibly order a new trial so that Thompson can stay at home (not in jail) for years to come.

Mind you, the taxpayers are footing the bill for all this; the judge, the prosecution attorneys, and Thompson’s lawyers, plus maybe a new trial in some far off land.

David Darlow

Spokane