Letter to the editor: Please remember the victim

I am writing about the brutal beating and stabbing death of Joseph Williams (“Police charge suspect with killing 70-year-old found on train tracks in Scott,” Nov. 12, TribLIVE). A 70-year-old man, quietly living his life. The suspect in this crime, Vendell Nasir III, was literally found with blood on his hands, according to the criminal complaint.

The family told me why Joe was near the homeless camp: He went there regularly to bring food and surplus vegetables from his garden for those people. That makes the fact that he was beaten, stabbed and left to die by the railroad tracks even sadder.

I ask that the victim and his family get the respect they deserve. There is no motive or justification for this senseless killing. Please do not rationalize or excuse anyone’s actions, as so often happens.

Hopefully, justice will be served, but this will not bring Joe back. Those who knew and loved him will have to deal with the loss. Do not allow this story to be lost or covered up.

It is a tragedy. Mr. Williams will be missed.

Sheree Fallen

Bellaire, Mich.

Joe Williams was the brother of the writer’s sister-in-law.