[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 97 (Friday, July 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        JUSTICE FOR LAURA CERNA

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 1, 2011

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as a former prosecutor and judge in 
Texas for 30 years, and now as the founder and co-chair of the 
Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus, I have heard and seen the gamut 
of crimes against individuals, families and property. But I have also, 
unfortunately, heard and seen far too many cases of justice denied.
  I hope that this will not be the case in the prosecution of Laura 
Cerna's murderer Antonio Gordillo.
  Laura Cerna was an American mother living her dream in Spain teaching 
English when she became the victim of a brutal murder, her body 
mutilated and thrown into a river. Her son was left without his mother 
and her grieving family without their daughter and sister.
  Spanish authorities have a suspect, Antonio Gordillo, in custody and 
are currently charging him with ``Basic Homicide.'' This charge comes 
with a penalty of only 10-15 years in prison.
  I am calling on Spain to ensure that justice is served and to 
prosecute Antonio Gordillo to the fullest extent permitted by Spanish 
law.
  Laura Cerna's family deserves to know that her murderer is behind 
bars for a very long time, unable to harm others. Americans need to 
know that they will be safe when travelling to Spain and that 
authorities will do all that they can to pursue justice, not just for 
their own citizens but for those visiting from abroad as well.
  Laura Cerna was not ``just some foreigner'' as her murderer described 
her, but a mother, daughter, sister, teacher, and friend. Antonio 
Gordillo must be brought to justice and receive the maximum penalty for 
his heinous crime.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________