Wrongful Imprisonment

In response to “Judge Apologizes, Frees 2 Men in 1973 Murder,” March 26:

I am a strong supporter of law enforcement and a proponent of stiffer penalties for habitual criminals. I am frustrated by our legal system’s ineffectiveness at dealing with some of our more annoying crime problems, particularly those which involve gang activity. However, I am truly disgusted by the apparent framing of Clarence Chance and Benny Powell by the Los Angeles Police Department.

I use the term “apparent” because Chief Daryl Gates has publicly stated that he believes the conviction was proper. If that is true, then he must know something that has not yet appeared in print. I am certainly curious to know what information might offset the weight of the assertions of impropriety I have read, and I welcome anything Gates has to say about the matter.

CARY A. PETZEL, Pasadena