Could tougher crime laws have prevented the Lester Street murders?

Many in the community are asking this question since finding out that accused killer Jessie Dotson was released from prison only six months before the Lester Street attacks. Dotson is accused of killing his brother, his brother's girlfriend, two other adults and two of his nephews. Their bodies were found inside a home at 722 Lester on March 3, 2008. Three other children were also hurt in the attacks; they are recovering at a local hospital.

Department of Corrections' records show Dotson was released from prison early; serving 13 of an 18-year sentence for second degree murder. Records show Dotson was also violent behind bars, and was denied parole three times before his release.

Eyewitness News Everywhere spoke with Linda Miller, a lobbyist for tougher crime laws, on Tuesday, March 12.  She and members of the Public Safety Coalition are pushing for tougher legislation in Nashville. The legislation would mean criminals would get longer sentences for certain crimes and it would be harder to get an early release.

"There are a number of people released on parole and they do fine. They make it in the community," Miller said. "Then there are some who should not be let out on parole."

Many say Jessie Dotson is one of those who should not have gotten out of prison. Police say, in 1994, Dotson admitted to shooting a man in the head. Dotson pleaded guilty, and received a shorter sentence.

If the legislation passes in Nashville:

• Prison sentences for second degree murder, rape, carjacking, and aggravated burglary involving a gun would be longer.
• The chance for parole on an aggravated robbery conviction would be eliminated.
• The penalties for felons caught with guns would be tougher.

This is the seventh year the Public Safety Coalition has presented the tougher crime laws to the legislature. Most bills of the nature are turned down because of funding, but in 2007 the "Crooks With Guns" bill passed. That bill cracked down on repeat aggravated robbery offenders.

Other bills included in the Public Safety Coalition's package:

• A "Street Terrorism" bill that would stiffen the penalties and sentences for crimes committed by three or more people, including home invasions, murder, carjacking and robbery.
• Another bill would add 32 assistant District Attorneys to counties around Tennessee. Crime experts say this would speed up trials and convictions.