Alleged murderer is a primary example for reviewing the current system
The state House Judiciary Committee today heard testimony from Rep. Mario J. Civera, Jr. (R-Upper Darby) during a hearing on the issue of paroling repeat violent offenders. Civera, who has continually held public safety among his top legislative priorities, chose to speak before the committee in response to the recent murder of Upper Darby resident Hoa Pham and the related violent attack against Pham’s wife.
“When I first heard the details of the attack on Mr. Pham and his wife, I was horrified – not only for the victims and their family, but also for the entire community,” Civera said. “However, upon learning that the alleged perpetrator was a career criminal with a history of violence, my feelings changed to anger and frustration.”
The November 2008 attack on the Upper Darby family has been among the most highly publicized local crimes in recent history. According to police, the man behind this crime is 37-year-old Jermaine Burgess of Upper Darby – a life-long offender with a lengthy rap sheet dating back to his teens.
While the circumstances of the attack on the Pham family were certainly enough to garner attention and serious concern, it has been the in-depth review of Burgess’ background and his alleged ties to other crimes that have Civera and many others calling for a review and reform of the state’s existing parole system.
“If there was ever an example for reforming Pennsylvania’s probation and parole system, Jermaine Burgess is it,” Civera said.
Since his arrest in Philadelphia for an alleged car-jacking in December, Burgess has been charged in the Pham murder and assault as well as the murder of an 81-year-old Ridley Township woman. These incidents took place only a few weeks apart.
“When you look at this man’s background and his penchant for violence, it is inconceivable to think that he was walking our streets and not behind bars,” Civera said.
“We have to look at the current system’s deficiencies and learn from them. Moreover, we need to determine how a career criminal like Burgess slips through the cracks and respond by doing everything in our power to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
In addition to a full review of the probation and parole system, Civera believes the state should focus on the manner in which it punishes individuals convicted of non-violent offenses and its existing sentencing guidelines for repeat violent offenders.
As part of Civera’s testimony today, he made note of an article in yesterday’s Philadelphia Daily News that indicated Jermaine Burgess may also be linked to another pair of local murders, both involving victims from Civera’s community. The front-page article included a photo of Burgess and the headline, Face of a serial killer?
“I was in the middle of preparing my comments for today’s hearing when I saw the Daily News headline with Burgess’ picture,” Civera said. “Reading through that article was almost enough to make me sick.
“At this point, I am just glad the police have this guy behind bars.”
Rep. Mario J. Civera, Jr.
164th District
House Appropriations Committee, Chairman
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(610) 853-4115
(717) 787-3850
www.MarioCivera.com
Contact: Todd Brysiak
Communications Coordinator
(717) 787-1711