Question

"After murdering Colonel Felisbert, Procopio finds out that the colonel designated Procopio as the sole heir in his will. Guilt-ridden yet not confessing his crime, Procopio decides to accept the inheritance and to distribute it in small sums to different charities. Procopio says, “This was not merely scruple on my part, it was also the desire to redeem my crime by virtuous deeds; and it seemed the only way to recover my peace of mind and feel that accounts were straight.”

Based on the quote above:
Do you agree with Procopio’s decision? Does it justify his crime? Why or why not?

Answer 1

His crime is not justified. Colonial Felisbert, from the information given, was not Ill nor was he in any sort of imminent threat of death. Murdering him not only cut his life short, but would also have thrown his family into grief at the thought of such an abrupt death without being able to say goodbye.

Answer 2

It does not justify his crime because someone else will most likely be blamed for what he did and he needs to be punished.