Les Gosule can’t kiss his daughter anymore, so today, on the 13th anniversary of her disappearance and murder, he knelt down and kissed the stone engraved with her name.
Gosule visited his daughter’s memorial stone in the Garden of Peace in Boston after speaking to reporters about a habitual offender bill that he is pushing to finally get passed.
The bill, which would deny parole for those convicted of their third violent offense, is currently in a conference committee with the legislative session ending this month. The bill has been submitted multiple times over the past decade without success.
Gosule, whose 27-year-old daughter Melissa was raped and murdered after her car broke down, pleaded with legislators to move the bill forward.
“They can’t give me a straight answer, but they give me hugs, they give me handshakes,” said Gosule. “I’m getting some great hugs, but I’m not getting the bill.”
Joinging Gosule were officers from various police departments including Woburn Police Chief Robert Ferullo.
Woburn Officer Jack Maguire was killed Dec. 26, 2010 by a career criminal out on parole.
“I urge you to put the bill forward so my guys can go to work feeling safe,” Ferullo said.
Gosule said he believes the bill is being hung up as legislators in the conference committee try to work out differences on an aspect of the bill that includes mandatory minimum sentences for certain drug crimes.
Those who support the bill feel time is running out as there are about three weeks left in the legislative session.
“Enough time has gone by … that we need the bill,” Gosule said. “We can’t stop all crime, but we should be able to stop crime that’s habitual.”
