**Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón faces backlash following the murder of a woman months after his office allowed her alleged killer to avoid prison time through a mental health diversion program. Critics insist Gascón’s soft stance on crime is endangering public safety.**
Stefen Sutherland, a 31-year-old man accused of attempted murder, was diverted from prison to a court-ordered mental health treatment program by LA District Attorney George Gascón’s office. Months later, Sutherland allegedly murdered Jennifer Gomez over a noise complaint, shooting her 19 times.
Back in November 2020, law enforcement sources say Sutherland slashed a construction worker’s neck after a noise complaint. He was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, but Gascón’s office chose the mental health diversion instead of prison time. This decision ignored a probation official’s suggestion of prison to prevent further violence.
Gascón’s office issued a statement defending their handling of Sutherland’s case. They reiterated that Sutherland met the specific eligibility criteria for mental health diversion and had been deemed suitable for community treatment, adding that he had participated in the treatment program without issue for nearly two years. Gascón’s office offered condolences to the victim and her loved ones, expressing sadness over the recent allegations.
Critics have consistently taken aim at Gascón for prioritizing the reduction of imprisonment over public safety. Despite facing two recall attempts, Gascón remains in office and continues to face criticism for his perceived leniency on crime.
Now charged with Jennifer Gomez’s murder, Sutherland is being held on a $2 million bail and is scheduled to appear in court on June 12. In the meantime, Gomez’s family has set up a GoFundMe account to raise funds for her funeral costs.
This incident has reignited the debate surrounding soft-on-crime policies and their potential consequences. With Gascón remaining in office and continuing to make decisions that prioritize reducing imprisonment, critics argue that it’s only a matter of time before similar tragedies occur.
**The tragic case of Jennifer Gomez highlights the dangers of District Attorney George Gascón’s leniency and raises concerns about soft-on-crime policies. It is imperative that the public remains vigilant about how the justice system operates and consistently pressures elected officials to prioritize public safety.**
