Let ‘em loose Larry scores again

What is a life worth, and what is an accident?

These two questions were entwined with the sentencing of Matthew Oropeza, 25, to 2-5 years in jail for killing Drew Justice, 38, in January 2019. I wrote about the case at the time.

Oropeza broke down at his sentencing, all contrite. 

Shakespeare wrote that the quality of mercy is not strained, but there are a few things about this case you should know.

In January 2019 Oropeza was walking his two dogs, illegally off leash, in a South Philly park. As he walked his small dog, Justice called over to Oropeza that he should have his two dogs on leashes.

Oropeza got in Justice’s face, words were exchanged and Oropeza punched Justice, knocking him down and killing him.

An accident.

Except that he had a verbal confrontation four days earlier in the same park with someone else who complained about his unleashed dogs.

So Oropeza is revealed as an arrogant jerk who feels the rules don’t apply to him and his dogs.

Add to that two earlier arrests for fighting, in 2013 and 2016. In addition to arrogant, we have an aggressive hothead too quick to go to violence.

As is his custom, D.A. Larry Krasner went light, and charged Oropeza with involuntary manslaughter, which carries a maximum penalty of five years. I argued at the time that murder in the third degree would fit the crime, and carry a penalty of up to 20 years.

In court, Oropeza said he was contrite, and called himself “a lover, not a fighter,” despite evidence to the contrary.

Like me, Common Pleas Judge Glenn Bronson questioned let ‘em loose Larry’s charge. “This behavior in my opinion is not typical of that charge,” Bronson said, noting the earlier threat.

“That really just shows a sense of entitlement, antisocial, aggressive behavior of someone who could not take the fact that someone had the temerity to ask him to abide by the law,” Bronson said.

Precisely.

Oropeza pleaded guilty and as part of that deal Krasner dropped charges of making terroristic threats, simple assault, and reckless endangerment.

In Pennsylvania, you become eligible for parole after your minimum sentence has been served.

Oropeza can be out as soon as 2022, while Justice is dead forever.

Thanks, Larry Krasner.