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Shooting suspect riles readers

The Madera Tribune received the following comments online about articles and local happenings. Tackle box shooting

Amritaj Singh Athwal now faces capital murder charges for allegedly killing a Madera store clerk. That means if he is found guilty, he will either face a life sentence without parole, or death, according to KFSN News.

“Diane Rutschow” wrote, “Imagine the shock of learning your loved one was shot and killed!”

“Cindy Chidlaw Diaz” wrote, “He’s a killer plain and simple. Death penalty.” Additional charges filed against suspect

A press release from the Madera county District Attorney’s office said Madera County District Attorney David A. Linn has filed additional special allegations against defendant Amritraj Singh Athwal for the Nov. 13 murder of Tackle Box store clerk Dharampreet Singh Jassar in Madera.

“Lisa Weber-Boyd” wrote, “A life for a life.”

“Cindy Chidlaw Diaz” wrote, “Hang him. Really for cigarettes you kill say goodbye to your life.”

“Diane Rutschow” wrote, “Imagine the shock of learning your loved one was shot and killed!” Random shootings

Drivers on the west side of State Route 99 in Fresno and Madera counties were on alert through the weekend as a random string of shootings occurred.

“Gloria Molina” wrote, “Safe travels everyone.”

“Ana Elizabeth Rodriguez” wrote, “wtf??”

“Anitra Elizabeth Byrum” responded, “I know. On my road after the shooting at tackle box a stolen car was caught on fire too then they found the suspect on 145 and McKinley. Too close to home.” City council meeting

The Madera City Council voted to appoint Council Member Jose Rodriguez as mayor pro tempore Wednesday night. The council also passed the city’s new marijuana-growing ordinance to bring Madera into compliance with Proposition 64, which will legalize the recreational use of marijuana in California starting Jan. 1.

“Jack Porter” wrote, “Dear Tribune. It’s not a secret meeting. It’s a closed session meeting. We know what they talked about because it’s on the agenda. We know if they did anything because they have to report their actions in the open meeting. Calling it a secret meeting is irresponsible journalism.”

“April Molina” wrote, “Does this mean that it’s “possible” they were meeting about current overpaid employees?”

“Sam Uhler” wrote, “The harder you make it for users to grow their own, the stronger the Gangs and Cartels become.”

“Cindy Chidlaw Diaz” wrote, “You will be sorry marijuana is nothing but problems!!!!” Rants and raves

Rave — The Madera County Food Bank planned to host a Christmas Box Sign Up event for residents of Madera. “Jane Williams” wrote, “I’ll be there.”

Rant — Wisconsin is moving forward with a plan to begin drug testing able-bodied adults who apply for food stamps. In response to a comment thinking a majority of Californians would fail the test, should it be implemented in the state, “Cindy Chidlaw Diaz” wrote, “Yep u got that right.”

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To chime in online, visit our website (www.maderatribune.com) or find us on Twitter (@MadTrib) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/maderatribune). Ben Falcon is moderator of this online feature.

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