Editorials

The state forensic lab's hard work at reducing its huge backlog of criminal cases, which has recently cut the pending cases by almost half, most likely means little to one Alexandria family.

That family deserves speedy justice. But it has been far too long in coming.

The lives of Alexandria's Clara Eva Birmingham and Henry Owen Birmingham ended on Oct. 29, 2002. The elderly couple died after being stabbed and beaten in their home, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors have accused Ellis Louis Mashburn Jr., the grandson of Clara Eva Birmingham, of killing the elderly couple. Mashburn pleaded guilty on Wednesday, but under Alabama law, because he could be sentenced to die, he must still be tried by a jury.

The story of violent death is tragic on many levels. A family member accused of killing a relative is wrenching.

The timing of the events, specifically the slow creep toward a trial, causes discomfort.

Less than six months after the Birmingham's deaths, a grand jury indicted Mashburn. Yet since March 2003 the accused has been waiting for a trial that is just now starting. The reason for the delay is the slow processing of evidence at the state lab, which is formally known as the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.

This is unacceptable. Appearances matter in law and order. And this delay looks awful. It looks to be another example where Alabama cannot pay for even the essentials. You can't get more essential for government than justice in wrongful death.

Recall that closure on the brutal deaths of an Alexandria couple has been a long time coming.

The prosecutors, defense attorneys, the jury and the judge have long been ready to perform their respective jobs.

The victims are due justice.

The accused is still due a fair trial.

The state and its historical shortcomings, despite recent progress at the state lab, sandbag us once more.