Your point is a fair one Doug, if it is based on the assumption that the woman's testimony is the only evidence against the defendant. In this case, however, I believe that most posters are making the same assumption as I am: that the police have checked out that basement and found plenty of corroborating forensic evidence.
I am in full agreement with Gnu, Rap, 999 and the other posters here. As it happens, I was having a similar discussion with my 15 year old daughter yesterday. She is a firm opponent of capital punishment, yet she was telling me that some crimes are so monstrous and uncomplicated that summary justice and retribution should be expected. Gnu is being honest when he writes about "my inner lynch mob". I certainly have this instinct. Our ability to deal with people, who have done monstrous things is probably one of the greatest test of our humanity. The worst thing that can happen to us is to become like those that we despise. Summary justice/injustice takes us a step closer.