On January 16, 2020, a precious lady named Sherry Ingold, age 58, was working on her job as a rural postal worker. It was a regular day. Then everything changed. She had a face-to-face encounter with Roland Mitchell Dampeer. Dampeer had just left a local grocery store where he attempted to kidnap two different women.
Dampeer confronted Sherry Ingold and, without any provocation, he made her get out of her vehicle, pulled her head back by her ponytail, and put the gun under her chin and pulled the trigger. The bullet exited the top of her head. He shot to kill. After shooting her, he attempted to flee the scene until law enforcement shot him in the leg.
Sherry was transferred to UMC in Jackson. Her husband, children, best friend, and the entire community rallied behind her as she fought heroically for her life. Eight days later, she died. Her life was over, and everyone that knew and loved her had their lives change forever. She had planned to retire in a few months.
After numerous delays, a hearing was finally held in March 2022. The family finally had hope that justice would be served. However, a competency hearing revealed Dampeer had Schizophrenia. Dampeer is entering a plea of Not Guilty based on insanity. He claims he had been off of his medication when the attack occurred.
This will be his defense, even though he was a standout college football player, majored in Psychology, and worked within the prison system, proving he can function in society. I'm not doubting that he may be mentally ill. But his illness (that can be controlled) should not keep him from being tried in court.
How can the professionals be sure he was suffering from Schizophrenia on January 16, 2020, when according to the Star-Herald newspaper, his first evaluation was nine months later on September 29,2020?
Why is he exempt from a jury trial of peers? It was reported the attorneys don't believe they can win the case. This is certainly true if the case is never tried.
If he took himself off of his medicine, he is guilty. He is well aware of the purpose of his medication. Why should he not be held responsible for his actions? If he isn't held accountable today, how many will be in danger when he stops his medicine again?
It seems like our court system has changed over the past few years. The offender appears to be more significant and has more rights than the victim.
Not preparing a defense for Sherry is wrong. How is this case different from a drunk driver, probably an alcoholic, killing an innocent pedestrian and being tried for the crime? Alcoholism is also a disease.
I have so many questions to be probed. Such as: How long has he known he suffers from Schizophrenia? How often does he not take his medication? How has he reacted in the past when he is off his medication?
I'm with the family and friends on this. I believe he should be tried through the court system. Sherry's memory should be respected enough to do some type of investigation and go through the court system. With no trial the victim has no voice.
Sherry deserves justice and her beautiful family, friend/s, and community deserve it too.
#justicefor sherry #Sherryingold #murderedheneedstopay #postalworkermurdered #judithbpinkardblog #Schizophrenia #Dampeer #givethevictimavoice
