The Text of Hubbard's Comments - Los Angeles Times
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The Text of Hubbard’s Comments

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<i> The full text of Henry Hubbard Jr.'s comments in court Monday, addressing his victims in person for the first time:</i>

“I would like to thank Your Honor for the opportunity and time to address the court and those present today. I am fully aware that a number of people are here to get the answers to why the horrible crimes of last summer occurred. The expressions of shock and disbelief have echoed throughout the community for the last year. I have no single explanation for why I was involved in the criminal misconduct that has been addressed by this court.

“I would like nothing better than to be able to provide a logical and truthful answer to why. I only wish the answer were as simple as the question. I am only beginning to understand the complexity of flaws in my personality that led up to the horrendous acts of last summer.

“I have no excuses to give you, as the acts are unexcusable. It has always been important to me to get along with everyone as best as I could. I had never harmed or purposely wronged another human being prior to my actions last summer. One reason for my entering law enforcement was the hope of being able to better the community or at least help resolve some of the many problems of the community.

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“I have learned with the assistance of a psychologist that I have had since my arrest that I was totally unprepared and ill-equipped to deal with the stressors that faced me prior to and during my assaultive behavior. I have also learned that a number of incidents from my childhood came into play as well. Believe me, these are things that I previously was unaware of.

“During the commission of the crimes, I lost touch with my emotions and with reality. The lawlessness involved went against every moralistic and humanistic value that I possessed as a caring and law-abiding member of society.

“To the victims, I am very sorry for the horror, emotional and physical suffering that I brought into your life and the lives of those who know you and care for you. I am able to understand the anger and rage that you feel toward me. I deeply regret that I am responsible for causing such pain and devastation to the lives of so many individuals. I realize that you may never be able to forgive me, but I hope and pray that each and every one of you will fully recover from the pain and anguish that I have brought into your lives.

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“At my request, I stand here alone without the presence of my family members. I feel they too are victims of my crimes and have already suffered greatly. I see no reason to put them through the finale of this ordeal, just as I saw no reason to put the victims through the stress and pain of a trial. I committed the crimes alone, and so today I stand here alone to face my punishment.

“I request of the court that consideration be given to the many years past in which I acted as a contributing, productive member of society. I also ask for consideration in my ability to change and sincere desire to do so, which is exemplified by my previous participation in therapy. With this, I thank the court for its time, and I stand ready for my punishment.â€

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