This is about charges the Lake County District Attorney filed against Charlton Bruff for the arson that occurred on March 1, 2006, and the following death on March 3 of Julie Gilbertson, a disabled nurse from Lucerne, and a good friend of mine and of many individuals in the small communities of Lake County.
I think is appropriate at this time during the National Week of the Health Care Worker to bring attention to the need of the community to stand up in whatever way they can for Julie”s life and the cruel way in which it was taken.
It seems the department has dropped the ball in this investigation. The family”s understanding about this trial is that the D.A. cannot prove Bruff had the “intent to kill.” The trial is currently scheduled for May 15, and to the best of my knowledge, a time when the attorney assigned to the case is scheduled to try another murder trial.
We were told that Bruff may get manslaughter or be freed with a not guilty verdict because of certain mysterious “issues.” We don”t know what those are.
Julie”s family and friends will not rest until there is justice for Julie. She was the ultimate good Samaritan to everyone she encountered, and her kindness was mistaken for weakness that night.
Lake County was given the advantage of my friend”s expertise and care as a nurse for many years. I hope the community finds this case as important as any other life saver in the community — like one of your own firefighters or police officers — many of whom Julie nursed during her career.
I understand that Lake County D.A. has a small staff and budget, and that they probably have more work than they can handle. At the same time, it is beyond me how this situation is not a case of “lying in wait.”
Rita Swanson
Willow Creek
