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June 5, 2009
The rest of his life
Posted: 05:04 PM ET
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If convicted, former state trooper Robert Higbee could spend at least 20 years behind bars.
If convicted, former state trooper Robert Higbee could spend at least 20 years behind bars.

Jami Floyd
CNN In Session Anchor

Sometimes bad things happen to good people. The death of Jacqueline and Christina Becker was a tragedy. But it was an accident, not a crime.

First there’s police procedure. Robert Higbee did exactly what he was trained to do as a state trooper. He saw someone doing 65 MPH in a 35 MPH zone. To pursue the speeder was his duty, not a choice. Moreover, New Jersey law specifically exempts police officers engaged in the pursuit of suspects from provisions of the vehicle code related to speed.

So that takes us to this particular trooper’s state of mind. Was he reckless?

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5 Comments
More about: 360° Radar •  Crime & Punishment •  Jami Floyd
5 Comments
RoseParvin   June 5th, 2009 6:07 pm ET

Was he not reckless? what is your evidence to that?The evidence to his recklessness exists already without the shadow of the doubt! Is that not our law?

steven   June 5th, 2009 6:19 pm ET

so if your in nj and get caught speeding they don't try to stop you? somethings not right here.

Tim Gibson   June 5th, 2009 7:15 pm ET

The first line says it all, "sometimes bad things happen to good people". In this case, it was a bad thing that this state trooper does not have the mental capacity to judge where he should or should not stop, as in stop sign, stop sign, stop sign.

To blaze through an intersection without regard to others and the lives around you is not only poor judgement, it should by all means be held in the same accountability standards as the rest of us.

Yes, it may have been his job to stop a car that is speeding, but not at the cost of human life. The point is, he is able to live, while those who died are not.

Christine, Minnesota   June 5th, 2009 7:40 pm ET

Horrific situation for everyone involved. However, this does prove that because he a man of the law he is not above the law. My prayers to the families of girls whose lives ended that tragic day.

Vickie Show Me State   June 8th, 2009 12:33 am ET

Aren't we suppose to have controll over our vehicle's at all times?

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