Before she is sentenced, Katherine Kealoha should admit to all she has done and request help to see if she suffers from a personality disorder — possibly something over which she has had little control. While having a mental health issue is no excuse, recognizing it as a component of her behavior is better than officers of the court simply labeling her as evil and calling her names.

Her attorneys and doctors should insist that the court examine her behavior impartially from a strictly clinical perspective, taking into account her actions were non-violent.

Doing that could result in just punishment and open the door to treatment, restitution, forgiveness and healing for all concerned.

Charles Kerr

Kalama Valley

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