Kayla Peter

2011-05-29T01:13:00.004-04:00

Susanna Goihman is Released after serving only 3 years and 9 months
for the death of 15 year old Kayla...so much for the value
of LIFE! Goihman deserved to rot in a jail cell!

As I see it
By John Scanlon

Man vs. dog: Punitive parity, please

Buster the dog didn't deserve to be set on fire for nipping a 12-year-old kid in the Mayfair family that owned him. But then Kayla Peter the human didn't deserve to be annihilated by Susanna Goihman, the boozed-up restaurant owner in the shiny Lexus who ran her down six years ago, left the 15-year-old kid for dead on an East Falls street, then played games for a couple months with cops who wanted to interrogate her.

John Fleet III was sentenced a week and a half ago to a prison term of two to seven years for trying to kill his dog. That's pretty comparable to the three-to-six that Goihman plea-bargained for killing Peter - an outcome even sweeter for Goihman considering that she did three years, nine months, and was freed from prison just last year to enjoy parole and a new life in Florida.

These vastly different scenarios emphasize one reality. Either it is indeed a dog's life, or a human's life is getting shockingly cheap. And you'd have to believe that Kayla Peter had a lot more potential in her life than this yappy little pit bull did in his.
Animal activists, as you'd expect, have been freaking out about the dog's injuries and Fleet's barbarity. Granted, he has no excuse for making a hot dog - that goes without saying - but the harsh sentence makes one thing apparent. He'd be in less of a pickle if he'd run somebody down and just kept driving.

That's because Pennsylvania's hit-and-run statute is so atrocious. Many states' are. Atrociously non-punitive, atrociously inconsistent, and atrociously rooted in some flawed thinking that running someone over - even if you're smashed - and hitting the accelerator to avoid prosecution isn't as egregious as shooting someone in the head and fleeing down the street to avoid the same thing.

Here in Pennsylvania, as established by the motor-vehicle code, if you're convicted of vehicular homicide while intoxicated, the mandatory sentence is just three to six years in state prison. If you're accused simply of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, the minimum sentence is a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

The laws, ironically and sadly, help make a very persuasive case for leaving your victim on the street and just getting the hell out of there. As the ensuing days go by, the police investigation is increasingly hampered. DUI pretty much becomes impossible to prove. Which leaves the token charge of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, a third-degree felony with broad sentencing guidelines that likely won't ever fulfill a surviving family's sense of justice.

So killing someone becomes one of those temporary inconveniences in life. Hey, it beats a murder charge and decades in a cell.

It's about time for state lawmakers to show unity and remedy this.

Susanna Goihman's case is notable for her stone-cold indifference, along with the fact that the case registers a "10" on the travesty scale, but it by no means is an isolated case.

Here in the Northeast, driver Michelle Johnson - a nurse, of all things - was in such a hurry to get to work at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Holmesburg that she blew through a red light on Rhawn Street and struck 15-year-old Marylee Otto on the evening of March 28, 2008. Johnson stopped . . . looked back . . . and drove to work. She went to work the next day, too. Marylee died in the hospital the night she was hit. A couple of tips soon led the cops to Johnson and her damaged SUV in the prison parking lot.

The seemingly unrepentant Johnson also had to endure one of those temporary inconveniences in life. The district attorney's office tinkered with charges of vehicular homicide or involuntary manslaughter, yet, in the end, Johnson signed the dotted line of a plea deal in October 2008.

Leaving the scene of a fatal accident. One to two years in prison, three years probation. Time does fly. Johnson has moved on with life, free for six months now. Marylee Otto's image is frozen in time on Facebook, the subject of mournful tribute pages created by streams of mournful friends.

And so it goes. Internet news sites abound with common stories of hit-and-run injustices, the killer sentenced to a year or two in prison, the victim's family typically sentenced to a life of deep sadness. It's not likely to change until people get as peeved as Diane Velikis.

The Luzerne, Pa., woman has led a determined awareness campaign and petition drive calling for law changes, an activism motivated by the shock and anguish of hearing a motorist sentenced to a year in jail for the hit-and-run death of her 45-year-old sister.

Yet even Velikis - who has assailed the "unjust travesty of punishment to the offender" in many of these cases - acknowledges that stoking legislative action may take some time.

The attention that has been directed to this whole issue has focused on a perceived loophole - specifically that a driver who stops to render aid to his victim, and is found to be drunk or high, faces a harsher sentence than the driver who flees and is apprehended at a later time.

It's sensible to get tougher with the driver who runs, but the shortcomings of Pennsylvania's law are more far-reaching than that. Sentencing guidelines demand an overhaul to more appropriately reflect the value of life and address the crimes or serious motor-vehicle infractions that become inherent parts of these tragic episodes.

There are a few lawmakers who have started to get the message. State Rep. Dave Reed, a Republican from Indiana County, and Rep. Phyllis Mundy, a Democrat from Kingston, have directed their attention to closing the code loophole - specifically, a more punitive sentence for a driver who flees and leaves the victim behind, ostensibly to avoid a DUI prosecution. Both lawmakers have introduced respective bills in an attempt to amend the law.

Closer to home, state Sen. Mike Stack (D-5th dist.) hosted a Senate Transportation Committee hearing at Nazareth Hospital a year ago - with testimony from prosecutors, police and victims' families - to better understand the depth of the issue. The session yielded several bills by Stack and other colleagues that sought to give more bite to existing laws and stiffen minimum sentences.

On the surface, all of these legislative initiatives deserve plaudits. Below it, however, is a concern that the lack of one cohesive bill - one that both parties will get behind with uncommon non-partisan zeal - will simply leave us with a collection of fragmented bills that crumble under the weight of politics and, ultimately, just fade away because of legislative inaction.

It comes down to this. Something's amiss when hurting a dog can get you a longer prison stint than running over a person. Maybe we should start using those cruelty laws.

John Scanlon is editor of the Northeast Times. He can be contacted at jscanlon@bsmphilly.com or 215-354-3030.

2011-05-29T00:42:00.002-04:00

Goihman's House for Sale

2005-09-25T18:45:00.000-04:00

Elfant Wissahickon
Property Details for Listing # 4593897
Philadelphia - East Falls, PA 19129
Price: $495,000
Bedrooms: 5
Full Baths:3
Type:Residential
School District: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia East Falls

KAYLA Shirts are in

2005-09-18T20:26:00.000-04:00

The Kayla Shirts are in and will be brought to Queen and Henry, Monday the 19th (tomorrow) at Kayla's vigil 7:00 p.m.. Additional shirts can be ordered here. Sizes are: adult small, adult medium, adult large ($12.00 per shirt) adult xl, adult xxl ($15.00 per shirt)

Hello Mr. Delbello

2005-09-17T14:53:00.000-04:00

According to the Philadelphia Daily News, "Delbello enjoyed a Father's Day dinner...at his restaurant with his wife and two small children. After his family left the restaurant...Goihman joined Delbello there. The two eventually drove to Goihman's East Falls house... After the visit to Goihman's home, Goihman took Delbello back to his restaurant...It was after this drive that Goihman allegedly struck Peter...

Susanna Violates January Probation

2005-09-14T20:27:00.000-04:00

"Kayla's Shoes" by Jill Porter

2005-09-14T20:25:00.000-04:00

Memorial Concert

2005-09-12T18:49:00.000-04:00

I am Terry Marvasso, one of the parents who organized the concert. We made $4,278.00 in total. Great Night!!! However, 2 pieces of equipment worth over $2,500.00 was stolen. These are a Marcus Miller Fender Jazz Bass and a 1981 Gibson SG Custom Supreme Showcase Edition guitar. Please put the word out. We want these back NO QUESTIONS ASKED. There is a reward.

The Kayla-Katrina Connection

2005-09-02T12:59:00.000-04:00

Does anyone out there know if MCP (Medical College of Pennsylvania) is empty? If so, please consider this: Can we place victims of Katrina there? We are sloganed "The City of Brotherly Love." Yes, we can send our money, and yes we can send supplies, and yes we can send humanitarian help to New Orleans and Mississippi, cities of devastation. But wouldn't it be a wonderful move on the part of the city of Philadelphia to bring victims here. Imagine if you will: MCP could be a REAL PLACE for us to help these REAL PEOPLE. We, as a city and as citizens would know these victims specific needs as families, and meet those needs. I called Govorner Rendell's Office, since this is his hometown and put the idea past some of the volunteers there, who are specifically in place to help the victims of Katrina. Now those of you who know me, know that these days I am obsessed with JUSTICE FOR KAYLA, but, the vast scope and suffering of the people effected by Katrina must affect our sense of humanity...outherwise we have lost our humanity.

HARDBALL BLOG Established thanks to KAYLA

2005-09-01T12:44:00.000-04:00

Please visit and keep us in mind for other families whose lives have been changed as a result of vehicular homicide.

Preliminary Hearing Postponed until SEPT. 13th

2005-09-01T08:43:00.000-04:00

Please Help Dayna & Damon

2005-08-30T16:34:00.000-04:00

On April 24, 2005, 23 year old, and 6 months pregant, Dayna Sperring and her unborn son Damon were killed by a vehicle on Rt 422. Dayna's Aunt, Randi, and her family, were among the 200 who stood at Queen & Henry for the 28 days of "HONK FOR KAYLA." They helped Kayla out...now let's return the favor...double click the BLOG title above "Please Help Dayna & Damon" and you will be taken directly to the BLOG.

COURT for KAYLA

2005-08-29T10:58:00.000-04:00

NeuvoManayunk

2005-08-24T15:48:00.000-04:00

When is enough...enough?

“JUSTICE FOR KAYLA”

As a 5th generation "Yunker" I have a passionate love for Manayunk (which by the way is a Lenipi Indian word meaning "Where we gather to drink" or "watering hole"). The Lenipi Indians didn't get into vehicles, after having too much to drink at "the watering hole"...ending their nights in death.

NeuvoManayunk has no resemblance to the Manayunk I grew up in and love. These days my memories of Manayunk are far better than the reality of Main Street. I owned a business in the 80's at Main St. and Levering where I designed many of the business images for the Renaissance of Manayunk. At the first Manayunk Arts Festival I won "Best of Show" for my Main Street, Manayunk watercolor.

In 1981 I painted the mural on the wall at the Green Lane Bridge that proclaims to people "Our way of living together in Manayunk is a strong but delicate fabric. Let us not tear it asunder. For no one knows, once it is destroyed, if its protective warmth will ever be found again".

The deaths of Kayla Peter and Jena McClelland are the end result of NeuvoManayunk, Philadelphia's chick Main Street! Do the bartenders of NeuvoManayunk ever say to party patrons "enough is enough". Do they ever refuse to serve. Is there a point at which, legally, they are obligated to not serve? The words of the painted mural have faded, perhaps our moral obligation has as well.

Susanna Goihman, according to her lawyer, Brian McGonigle "Would not knowingly hit a child..." No kidding Brian, after reportedly consuming five martinis on an empty stomach, and who knows how many at dinner, with her restaurant owner friend, it’s surpassing Susanna Goihman could find her car, let alone drive it!

The employees, owners and staff of the bars and restaurants Susanna Goihman patronized on June 19th need to do the right thing. Jena McClelland, dead on Christmas Eve 2001, in an auto accident, after being served and consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. Where was she served? Main Street, Manayunk. Kayla Peter, killed on Father's Day 2005, by a driver who was served and consumed a substantial amount of alcohol. Where? Main Street, Manayunk. "The Drinking Hole."

The delicate fabric has begun to tear with the deaths of Jena and Kayla.

Signs of Intoxication

You might find this of interest from way back in 1996. I wondered during the 28 days of "Honk For Kayla" why Mr. Nutter, though I sent him an e-mail inviting him to do so, never came to the corner of Queen & Henry. I can't wait to find out who the restaurant owner was who went to dinner that night with Susanna Goihman. I wonder if it was anyone mentioned in this article from the past? Hummmmm

The Main Drag: Want A Liquor License in Manayunk, sign up here says the MDC

Goihman wears MICKEY MOUSE shirt when surrendering

2005-08-22T14:00:00.000-04:00

MICKEY is the Mascot of John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School, the high school Kayla attended. How dare she!

PHASE 3 COMMUNICATION FOR KAYLA

2005-08-22T03:10:00.000-04:00

Is the DA giving 'G' time to flee?

ARREST WARRANT

2005-08-18T18:04:00.000-04:00

Channel 10 6 PM Breaking News..An arrest is being prepared against Susanna Goihman in the hit and run death of Kayla Peter!!!!!!!!!!

Susanna In Miami

2005-08-18T07:45:00.000-04:00

In a telephone interview yesterday, Goihman, 42, said she was staying near her parents, who live near Miami, and did not know if she would attend the Aug. 31 settlement

Gracie Sez

2005-08-15T17:13:00.000-04:00

Below is the context of the hand written sign posted inside the front window of AZAFRAN by an employee...those same employees posted the sign on the left.

12 August 2005

The staff of Azafran was informed last night that as of 28 August, the restaurant will permanently close its doors.

It is our understanding that the sale has been in negotiations for more than six months, but, regardless of the circumstances, it will be happening nontheless.

Just 3 days later (August 15) in The Philadelphia Inquirer it was reported that, "no one there (AZAFRAN staff) knew whether or when the restaurant was closing"

2 MONTHS

2005-08-15T03:32:00.000-04:00

This Friday, August 19...how shall we make the day special? The "Remembering Kayla" DVD has been updated. If you would like to view it on the big screen at Queen & Henry please let me know. Bring candles too...Also if anyone has any other ideas let us know. Push "comments" button below and tell us your ideas. Also please post as "other" leave your name and e-mail.
Thanks, Donna

HONK FOR KAYLA

2005-08-11T22:27:00.000-04:00

27 Days for Kayla

KAYLA

2005-08-11T22:03:00.000-04:00

Kayla took this picture of herself, useing a cell phone, just an hour and a half before she was killed.

ALL LIFE HAS VALUE

2005-08-11T15:19:00.000-04:00

All life has value.

AZAFRAN

2005-08-09T14:37:00.000-04:00

As HONK FOR KAYLA ends...

the END OF AZAFRAN BEGINS !

GRAND JURY

2005-08-04T12:55:00.000-04:00

On August 3, 2005 a Grand Jury was empanneled to investigate the hit and run death of Kayla Peter.