Feb. 25, 2015, was a sad anniversary.

One year ago two young local, unemployed men chose to rob LaPlace Feed Store, and in the process attempted to murder Connie Finckbeiner with a gunshot to the face. Probably believing that she was nearly dead, they elected to murder her husband, Steve Finckbeiner, by shooting him three times in the head and chest.

These two men sit today in jail. Very little progress has been made toward having them pay for their crimes, though your taxes and mine are paying for their incarceration, their numerous attorneys and for all the motions that are filed to extend this judicial process as the family prays for justice.

I’ve known Connie and Steve for more than 40 years. They celebrated their 38th anniversary weeks before Steve was murdered. Their kids grew up and worked in the store. They were a tight, loving family who worked very hard to make the store succeed for over 28 years, even when they weren’t supported by some in the local business community.

My dad, Dominick Milioto, who moved to LaPlace as a tot in about 1907, encouraged Connie and Steve to bring a feed store to LaPlace for the local farming community.

But one year ago — these two young men who had never worked hard for anything and who obviously didn’t understand the importance of a loving, supportive family changed many lives — not just their own.

At least one of the two young men had been receiving SSI or welfare since he was a tot, never had parents who supported him academically, so he grew up undereducated and unemployed.

But our taxes helped to keep these two young men low enough on the ladder that they could “survive” without working or getting an education.

Because this matter isn’t a part of your everyday life, you may think little of the effect this has had on the family and their friends. But the Finckbeiners are just like you and me.

They had a normal life; they laughed together, they cried together, they were always there for each other and they extended this caring to their friends and patrons.

Connie and Steve were experts at what they did. Their knowledge was extensive, and they counseled their patrons on everything regarding planting, plants, livestock and pets.

Where is the justice, St. John Parish?

Rosemary Milioto Correia is a Metairie resident and can be reached at 4minnie@gmail.com.