Warning: This article contains discussion of child abuse which some readers may find distressing
The son of the man who shot his abusive karate instructor on live television revealed his thoughts on the whole ordeal.
In March 1984, Jeffrey Doucet kidnapped 11-year-old student Jody Plauché after he spent a year 'grooming' his family to get close to him.
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The then-25-year-old abducted Plauché before taking him to a California motel for two weeks, where he repeatedly assaulted the 11-year-old.
However, once Doucet allowed him to chance to contact his mother, police arrived and arrested him, and he was scheduled to be trialled in Louisiana for his crimes.
But when the police marched him through Baton Rouge Airport in handcuffs, Jody's father Gary Plauché (disguised in a baseball cap and sunglasses) killed him with a point-blank bullet to the head.
The incident was captured on live television, with a police officer who recognised Gary shouting: "Why, Gary?! Why?!"
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Speaking about his feelings on what his father had done, Plauché revealed that he was maddened by the violent outcome.
"At first I was upset with what my father did because at age 11 – I just wanted Jeff to stop and not necessarily dead," he shared with The Sun.
His father was hailed as a hero for a lot of parents, which Jody revealing that he 'understood' why he did it.
"I think for a lot of people who have not been satisfied by the American justice system, my dad stands as a symbol of justice." he said. "My dad did what everybody says they would do, yet only few have done it. Plus, he didn't go to jail.
"That said, I cannot and will not condone his behaviour. I understand why he did what he did, but it is more important for a parent to be there to help support their child than put themselves in a place to be prosecuted."
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After being shot, Doucet was left in a coma before dying the following day.
Gary Plauché merely spent the weekend in jail before receiving a suspended manslaughter sentence, as well as probation and community service.
As for how his father's actions affected the pair's relationship, Jody. went on to claim things weren't so good for a while.
"It took a few months before things got back to normal. As far as regret, of course he regrets the whole thing happened but he never regretted his action," he said.
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"Being Catholic, I believe having taken a human life, his first thoughts were that he was going to hell... and he was okay with that. But the local priest washed his feet and gave his absolution and forgiveness from God, so I think that helped him mentally deal with the event."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence regarding the welfare of a child, contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000, 10am-8pm Monday to Friday. If you are a child seeking advice and support, call Childline for free on 0800 1111, 24/7.
Topics: Crime
Dan Seddon