Jury’s Not Guilty Verdict in McMartin Pre-School Case

The verdict is in. Not only was Peggy McMartin Buckey found innocent, but the other five female teachers who were originally prosecuted were dismissed because of “incredibly weak evidence.”

These innocent defendants have suffered greatly because of this modern-day witch hunt. It is fortunate that our legal system prevented their unjust conviction in view of the tremendous adverse publicity generated by the media.

I think that it is both just and reasonable that the City of Manhattan Beach and County of Los Angeles consider appropriating a substantial sum of money to compensate these defendants for their huge financial losses. They can never be compensated for the suffering which they have had to endure due to their prosecution.

As to Ray Buckey, a cloud of doubt still hangs over his head, but he has already suffered five years of jail and has not been convicted of any crime. The remaining charges against him should be promptly dismissed.

ALLAN M. MANNHEIM

Beverly Hills