[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 72 (Monday, June 12, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO THE LATE FRED CAPPS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED WHITFIELD

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 12, 2000

  Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise with sadness and regret to call to 
the attention of the Members of Congress and the Nation the tragic 
murder of the Honorable Fred Capps of Burkesville, Kentucky.
  Fred was a friend of justice, a dedicated and respected public 
official, and a personal friend. He served with distinction and 
diligence as Commonwealth's Attorney for Cumberland, Monroe, Adair and 
Casey counties in the southeastern tip of the First Congressional 
District from 1994 until his death on June 5, 2000. He was murdered in 
his home shortly after dawn by a gunman who was scheduled to be 
prosecuted by Mr. Capps later that day.
  Heroically defending himself, his home and family, Fred was able to 
arm himself as the intruder shot his way into the Capps' home. Though 
severely wounded, Fred was able to return fire, mortally wounding the 
intruder, probably saving the lives of his wife and two children, who 
were at home during the shooting.
  Fred Capps was an honest, hard-working prosecutor who brought honor 
to America's criminal justice system. His public contributions mirrored 
the way he lived his private life. He was dedicated to his wife 
Catherine and children John Steven and Lynda, to the law, and to his 
community. This tragedy reminds us again of the debt we owe to Fred 
Capps and his colleagues, whose commitment to law and order exposes 
them to the constant possibility of vengeance and violence. They 
deserve our support, our appreciation, and our prayers.

                          ____________________