Frank Sinatra
Jilly's Killer
Here is a copy of the letter I sent:
Chuckawalla State Prison Re: Peyrotte, Jeffrey CDC# H89472 March 26, 2002
To whom it may concern:
Mr. Jilly Rizzo was a very close friend to my family and to me. It has come to my attention that the hearing for the person who caused his death is pending and I would like to add my thoughts to the process.
Mr. Rizzo was a wonderful man with a fine family. He was a fiercely loyal friend who gave much of himself to charitable causes and never asked for anything in return. To think that someone who so carelessly took his life away from all of us who loved him so much, might be set free, is too painful to bear.
My friend died in a horrific fire in a car because someone who was drunk was behind the wheel and speeding in another car. Mr. Peyrotte made a weapon of his car and used it to kill Mr. Rizzo.
Completely innocent, and on his birthday, Jilly Rizzo was hit, caught fire and roasted to death, all the while fully aware of what was happening to him. Yes, he choked and burned to death. We can only imagine the terror he must have experienced during those final, frantic, tragic moments. The images are still etched and still cause great stress for all of us, especially his children. The terrorists of 9/11 have nothing on Mr. Peyrotte. They used airplanes. He used his car.
In the name of justice, please consider this matter very carefully for Mr. Rizzo’s family and friends. Please use this case as an example so that others will not drive while drunk. Please make the punishment fit the crime of murder.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Nancy Sinatra
Posted by: Nancy | Apr 3, 2002 1:52 PM | 
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ELIZABETH says:
Apr 3, 2002 6:45 PM
Dear Nancy,
This is so awful. Jilly died in such a horrible way, and on his Birthday. I remember how your Dad dropped to his knees and wept when told about what had happened to Jilly.
First, Mr. Peyrotte was sentenced to 15 years to life, however, he has currently served less than ten years of that sentence. Second, Mr. Peyrotte has a history of previous drunk driving offenses. Third, is there any evidence that he did call 911, or did he leave the scene of the accident, period? Fourth, I cannot help but wonder why one of his daughters doesn't want him to be released. Fifth, how bizarre it must feel to have the awful coincidence of the name "Lambert", of all names, linked to Mr. Peyrotte. Sixth, I cannot help but wonder what Jilly and Frank would want for Mr. Peyrotte, since he has been described as being reformed. Seventh, being reformed can not guarantee that Mr.Peyrotte will not ever drink and drive and kill again. I believe in forgiveness, however, I also believe in a Person's right to drive on a road that is totally absent from drunk drivers.
Lynda51 says:
Apr 3, 2002 7:07 PM
Without sounding cliche', I think your letter was excellent! And I agree 100% in what you said!
ELIZABETH says:
Apr 3, 2002 7:15 PM
Dear Nancy,
I understand that You want Justice for the murder of Jilly. Mr. Peyrotte robbed Jilly of his Life because Mr. Peyrotte was driving drunk. Jilly suffered horribly, and died on his own Birthday. Jilly had no choices. Jilly had no opportunities. Jilly didn't have a chance to say goodbye to his Family and Friends. Everything was taken from Jilly that horrible May night in 1992. Mr. Peyrotte, on the other hand, still had his Life, his wife, and four children. He still had time to go to school and earn a masters degree and a doctoral degree. Everything was not taken from Mr. Peyrotte on that horrible May night in 1992. He has been able to speak to and visit with his Family and Friends. He had a choice that night. The choice was not to drink and drive. His choice to drink and drive resulted in the loss of a Life, not his own, but that of Jilly Rizzo.
ELIZABETH says:
Apr 3, 2002 7:26 PM
Dear Nancy,
What a wonderful photograph of Jilly. He has always been described as a warm and loving Person.
gerald says:
Apr 3, 2002 8:33 PM
Dear Nancy.
I agree completly with your letter. Justice must be done.
Cindy says:
Apr 4, 2002 11:39 AM
Dear Nancy,
Well said!
ELIZABETH says:
Apr 4, 2002 7:47 PM
Please ignore "Fourth..." in my first comment above. I misunderstood the April 3rd "Desert Sun" Report to state that one of Mr. Perrotte's Daughters was opposed to her Father's release from prison.
Mistie says:
Apr 28, 2002 7:03 PM
A very touching and truthfull letter well written and well said.
I hope his try for parole is denied.