Regarding the article “Jury finds Rahmael Holt guilty of killing New Kensington police Officer Brian Shaw”: There is no other instinct stronger than the will to live. A murderer is fully aware of this fact as he commits the act.

If the murderer were to be confronted with immediate death, he would beg for his life. He would say anything or do anything to assure his survival. Should any option providing survival be offered to the murderer, he would be greatly relieved.

Any survival option leaves the murderer with the realization that he can get away with murder. Threatening these sick minds with simple incarceration is useless. The fear of death is far greater than the fear of restraint or confinement.

Shaw went through unimaginable fear. So should his killer.

Peter G. Ankney

Ann Arbor, Mich.

The writer is a Lower Burrell native.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)