Justice for a Good Man

Lester 'Porky' Mullins was a man well-loved by his family and friends.  He was a kind, generous, and loving man that knew no strangers.  Anyone with a connection to Porky knew that he was the first person to call should any problem arise, whether it be a simple flat tire or rebuilding a house that caught fire (a fellow church member's home burned in 2011).  He was a well-established automotive mechanic, avid motorcycle rider, and a contributor to several charity organizations.  Porky was many things to many people- a loving husband and father, a brother to the members of his church, a road captain of a charitable faith-based motorcycle ministry...

However, on October 15, 2011 at around 11:00am, Porky's life was tragically cut short.  According to the police crash report, Thomas Edward Burke of Castlewood, VA crossed the centerline on Route 71 in Russell County, VA and struck a rider on a motorcycle.  He then continued in the wrong lane and struck another rider before correcting on to the right side of the centerline.  Burke then crossed the centerline again, hitting and fatally wounding Lester 'Porky' Mullins before running off the left side of the road and striking a mobile home.  The police crash report indicates that Thomas Edward Burke was under the influence of alcohol and that his ability was impaired.  According to this same report, there were no skid marks or tire tracks to indicate that he tried to stop or slow down before hitting Lester Mullins.

Whenever a life is lost so abruptly and in such a fashion, it is usually the family and close friends that are most affected.  With Porky Mullins, it was not only those close to him that lost someone- the community as a whole lost a tremendous asset.  His life was dedicated to helping others.  Attached is a list of some of his active contributions to our community.  It is by no means a complete list, but a mere sampling of the work he has done to better the lives of others.

With this petition, we seek to ensure that justice is done for the life and tragic death of Lester 'Porky' Mullins.  We wish to show with this peition that the senseless death of a benevolent and beneficial member of our society should be punished to the full extent of the law.  Your signature on this document means that you agree that Thomas Edward Burke should be punished with the maximum sentence allowable by the Commonwealth of Virginia for the following charges:

- 18.2-36.1-  Involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence of alcohol

- 18.2-266-  Driving While Intoxicated- 1st Offense

- 42.6-301-  Driving while license suspended/revoked