What DA Jenkins got right about probation sentence for S.F. stabbing

Regarding “DA Jenkins says victim ‘denied justice’ in probation for S.F. stabbing of 94-year-old” (Crime, SFChronicle.com, March 17): In apparent disregard for the safety of ordinary citizens, San Francisco Superior Judge Kay Tsenin sentenced Daniel Cauich to probation and participation in Intensive Supervision Court as an alternative to prison. The District Attorney’s Office requested 12 years in prison for this violent offender with a criminal history.

Cauich is mentally ill, and given the eroded state of public mental health services in California, few confinement alternatives exist for violent mentally ill offenders. Prison is currently the only effective means of confining such offenders and protecting the community. 

As District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said, “Not only was this victim denied justice, but all San Franciscans were left less safe today due to this reckless decision.” True.

Susan Fisch, San Francisco