Editor, Times-Union: To the editor of the Times-Union, from, if possible, "The Voice of Juan V. Placencia," deceased by murder, at Garrett (DeKalb Co.). This is in reference to your published article, page 8A, March 19.
Here is what Juan might say:
First, I wish to thank your newspaper for reminding the citizens in this area of the state of Indiana that my tried and confessed, pre-meditated murderer, Mr. David Leon Woods, still is incarcerated at the Indiana State Penitentiary, awaiting his execution now set for April 21.
My murder occurred in 1984, that's 15 years ago, yet even though Mr. Woods has exhausted all his state appeals, Indiana's Department of Corrections says Mr. Woods, in all probability, will yet receive another stay of execution by filing an appeal through the Federal Court system. The cost of holding Mr. Woods all these years runs about $35,000 per year, which would now total over $500,000, minus legal fees.
In just minutes, David Woods and his companion became my judge and executioner, and thus far, no funds have been returned to my estate to compensate the loss of my appeal that night to spare my life! My insurance provider and family paid my burial expenses and final taxes due Indiana and the Federal Governments. Indiana will pay for Mr. Woods' funeral whether he is executed or dies in prison! Mr. Woods and his companions premeditated my murder. Even though they knew that I was an elderly man (age-wise), I still possessed powerful strength and they would have to wait that night until I was asleep, and that it would take two of them to overpower me and another to drive the "get-away-car."
They entered my home through an unlocked door, pounced upon me (while I lay asleep in my reclining chair) like raging animals, slashing and stabbing me over 20 times, chasing me from room to room before my strength and life ended. I died like a man of honor, they killed me like low-down cowards! Before they left my property, they searched my lifeless body and ransacked every room, leaving with just a mere $174, plus a useless TV set. Their clothing was drenched with my innocent blood! I now cry out for justice!
My friends and family still suffer over the loss of my life in such a heinous manner. I was a man of honor, earning my livelihood by hard work. I was the father of 12 wonderful children. Two of my sons served in the U.S. Army: John Jr., 82nd Airborne Division, and Edward was with the 101st Airborne and was one of Indiana's highest decorated soldiers of the Vietnam War, a holder of the Silver Star of Valor. Four of my sons, John Jr., Eddie, Gene and Raymond, were Indiana Golden Glove champions. Raymond advanced to the national finals before losing his life in an auto accident in California. Why did Mr. Woods and his companions have to take my life just for my money? Their trial and evidence revealed that they were "high" on drugs the night of my murder and were desperate for money to purchase more drugs. So, Mr. Editor, may I say in conclusion, not all is lost for me. I was a Christian when I died. I now rest in sleep, awaiting my day of judgment and God's remembrance of me and grants me a new life to be among family and friends who have passed on before me. David Woods must face the same supreme judge one day, may my blood be washed clean from him!
Vio Condieos, Juan V. Placencia.
I was known by many as "Poncho."
Son-in-law Jim Walton and family
Pierceton.
Considerate Driver
Editor, Times-Union: I would like to share an experience of high principle and extreme professionalism that occurred to me this past March 20, 1999, at 2:30 a.m. in Warsaw.
While returning from Goshen, I entered U.S. 30E coming alongside a USF Holland tractor trailer. We traveled east, side by side, at 50 mph until the BP Oil intersection, then slowed down to 45 mph still side by side, still going east. We were the only two vehicles on the road.
Having cleared all the lights, we rolled through the last light east of town at the Shell station and started to move up to 55 mph. The road is curved a little to the left, a car was approaching at a high rate of speed. It is not exactly definable where lights are coming from, until the road straightens out (as I found out the next day on a re-run of this highway).
USF Holland and I are still side by side going east, accelerating to resume our speed. At an instant (defined as a flash of professional instinct observed by a driver at least 10 feet higher than I) he drove his rig over to the sloping berm on the right side not slowing his speed and flashing his lights.
Seeing this flash and the oncoming fast moving vehicle, now in my lane at the same instant, I had only one place to go - in the lane now made available to me on the right. USF Holland saw the oncoming hazard, chose to travel the berm, risking turnover and made way for me to avoid a head-on collision.
I owe my life to that USF Holland driver. He/she saw a pending problem and took direct action to avoid what could have been a tragic accident. Instinctive professionalism performed at the right time at the right place saved my life.
I say to the unknown driver, "thank you," my family thanks you. May you have many happy and safe miles on the road of life.
Albert McClelland, Warsaw
Aquatic Club From Tippy
Says Thanks Editor, Times-Union: The Tippecanoe Valley Aquatic Club would like to thank all of the local businesses for their generosity and support of our recent Swim-A-Thon. We would also like to thank Rabb-Kinetico for their donation of bottled water for our B.C. swim meet. We thank the community for their support of our fund-raising. It is greatly appreciated and allows us to continue helping our youth succeed. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Coach Doerscher for a great season.
