I went to Kennebec County Superior Court on Aug. 2 to watch the sentencing of David Cook, who was convicted of murdering 17-month-old Matteo Hanson.

When this story was first reported, Cook said it was Matteo's little sister who pushed him down a flight of stairs. It took a different turn when the autopsy told when Matteo was murdered — by one blow that took his life. Cook had no one else to blame.

Cook's sentence ended up being 20 years, with all but six years suspended. Why not say 20 years and give 20 years? The prosecutor sounded more like a defense attorney; he offered up three similar cases and their sentencing.

I don't understand if it's the court system, prosecutors or judges who do not have the backbone to stand up and help save children against violence. If this was a case of class, people with money, would the outcome have been different?

All poor little Matteo had was 17 months. His sister is now three, and will be nine when Cook is eligible to be released form jail. How does one explain to her what happened to her brother and that she will never see him again?

How will she suffer as she grows older, missing her little brother?

Stephen Moreau, Lewiston