We were dismayed by the October 23, 2009, letter from Shari Myers regarding our client, Kenneth Zimmermen. While we support the right of citizens to express their opinions, we are also mindful that our client is entitled to a fair trial before an impartial jury of his peers. Our complaint is not so much that Ms. Myers holds such a calumnious opinion. What distresses us is that you would be so irresponsible as to print it, at the risk of further prejudicing potential jurors in this matter.

We don't know upon what Ms. Myers bases her opinion. If she was a percipient witness to the events which led to the death of Mr. O'Sullivan, we would certainly like to interview her, or would suggest she contact the Amador County Sheriff's Office in order that she may be interviewed.

We would remind your readers that Mr. Zimmerman has entered pleas of "not guilty," and the case is now proceeding through the Amador County Superior Court toward an eventual trial. It will be up to a jury to decide whether Zimmerman acted in lawful self defense in this case, or otherwise. Mr. Zimmerman has been required to patiently await that trial to present his case. We respectfully ask your newspaper, and your readers, to eschew forming or expressing further opinions about his guilt or innocence in order that he may receive the fair trial he is entitled to.