"A death penalty journey from murder to solace," is the title of Tim Carpenter's latest Topeka Capital-Journal Political Runoff column. Here's the beginning:
Kristi Smith embraced adulthood by embarking on a powerful journey.
In a sense, her trip punctuated by anger, confusion and forgiveness continues to this day. The road she's traveled carries meaning for some Kansas legislators -- a clear minority -- struggling to make sense of the state's death penalty law.
Smith's quest wasn't a tour of the planet's most spectacular geography or a test of will against terrifying sports challenges.
The journey started with a 666-mile drive from Bloomington, Ind., to Wichita. It was March 1978. Smith was 18 years of age. Her mission was to locate her father, James Edwards. Sleuthing led to a relative's home.
Earlier coverage from Kansas begins at the link.
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