Oct 17, 2023 3 min read

Record of success speaks for itself

I feel compelled to respond to the letter in the Sept. 26 edition from Washington County’s former district attorney, Steven Toprani, on behalf of his longtime friend, District Attorney Jason Walsh.

I’ll note that I worked in Toprani’s office when I was a law student at the University of Pittsburgh, and he allowed me to handle cases in court on behalf of his office. Not only was my work praised by Toprani, he also served as a professional reference for several years thereafter.

That said, this letter is also relevant considering the recent court filings by three defense attorneys accusing Walsh of seeking the death penalty at an alarming rate to boost his campaign, a position to which he has yet to be elected. Even though their extraordinary request to remove Walsh’s office from the case was denied, the facts contained in their filings should be a cause of concern. As a preface, I’m not against the death penalty and am currently working on a capital case in Somerset County where I serve as a deputy district attorney.

To seek the death penalty against an accused individual, a district attorney must prove not only first-degree murder, which is premeditated with a specific intent to kill, but also at least one aggravating circumstance beyond a reasonable doubt. The death penalty is reserved for the most heinous first-degree murders, and if there’s any question that the evidence doesn’t rise to that level, the district attorney can’t seek it ethically. It’s not meant for cases where the cause or manner of death of the alleged victim is unknown or for individuals who can’t be placed at the crime scene. This is dangerous, unethical, a waste of tax dollars, and worst of all, a façade to appear “tough on crime” to win an election.

By way of further response to Toprani’s attacks on my background and ability to serve as district attorney, it’s true that I’ve worked in three different counties. I took advantage of those opportunities and saw much success due to tireless preparation and positive collaboration with law enforcement. I’ve secured convictions in 90% of the more than 50 cases I’ve tried before juries, many of which were violent felonies. I’ve assisted with office administration, major investigations, and charging decisions in high profile cases.

I’m proud of the work I’ve done, both as a prosecutor and court-appointed counsel for abused and neglected children in Washington County. Being a voice for children and crime victims is an awesome responsibility, and I’m honored to be entrusted with it. My reputation is that of a fierce advocate, and my record of success speaks for itself.

Christina DeMarco-Breeden

Washington

Christina DeMarco-Breeden is the Democratic candidate for Washington County district attorney.