[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 23]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31828]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    WAITING ON JUSTICE TO BE SERVED

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2007

  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, 13 years ago in Humble, Texas, 33-year-old 
Farah Fratta was murdered by a hit man, allegedly hired by her own 
husband, Robert Fratta. In 1994 Robert Fratta was sentenced to death 
row for his part in this murder-for-hire plan. Since their daughter's 
murder, Farah's parents, Lex and Betty Baquer have raised Farah's 
children. The Baquers recently learned that Robert Fratta was granted a 
new trial.
  This second chance frustrates and shocks the Baquers. In the second 
district of Texas, the community of Humble is troubled to learn that 
the Baquers and their grandchildren will have to relive another trial. 
The murder of a loved one is an exceptionally difficult experience yet 
too often, the victim's families are left alone to fight the criminal 
justice system. The Baquers have found support and strength through God 
and in their grandchildren. I want the Baquers to know they are not 
alone in their fight, we will continue to remember the legacy that 
Farah left behind.
  So, I stand here today to pay tribute to Betty and Lex Baquer. As a 
parent of 4 children and 5 grandchildren, I can think of nothing worse 
than to lose a child. I commend the Baquers for their determination and 
commitment to justice. As a former judge and prosecutor, I have 
witnessed how victims as well as their families are treated in the 
justice system. It's shameful! The first duty of government must be to 
make sure criminals who commit crimes pay for their acts of violence.
  Justice must be served.
  And that's just the way it is.

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