374 replies to this topic

[austin2010]

was anybody at his service? how did it go?

[maltygirl]

was anybody at his service? how did it go?

Our whole family went since we knew the Andersons. We also took 6 extra kids with us that needed a ride to the funeral. The service was filled to capacity, standing room only. Probably 3/4 of the people there were kids! The Anderson's had asked everyone to wear bright green, Andre's favorite color. There was a sea of green in the audience! Laminated pictures of Andre were handed out, on the back was a note written by his sister, Simone, about why she will miss her brother so much. We wore them around our necks tied with green ribbon. His sister and 3 best friends spoke at the service, about how much they loved him, and favorite memories of him. His dad, Craig, also spoke. I don' t know how he had the strength to do so - there wasn't a dry eye in the building. He mentioned how much it meant that his neighbors, some that he didn't even know, had lit candles and put on their doorsteps Tues. night, and when he came outside, every doorstep was lit in memory of his son. Also how he went outside to feed the dogs and accidently called to Andre to do something, and realized he will never be there again. One of Andre's friends had put together a video of him skating and goofing off with his friends - which was so special, getting to see him and remember him the way he was.

I recognized teachers and counselors from the high school, hugging the kids, there for them in their greatest time of need. There was a small service at the burial, also attended by many of the kids, then everyone met back at the park where Andre played to celebrate his life, and to grieve that it is over.

My greatest impression was that of the respect that Andre's peers had for him. Again everyone mentioning what a wonderful smile he had, and how he was kind to others, as well as his great sense of humor and love for adventure.

Some people live their lives like a star that shines steadily until it just fades gently away.
Andre's life burned so bright it touched everyone he met, had so much energy that it was able to give some away, and arched across the heavens so that everyone noticed
- He was a shooting star.

[nlove4ever]

Our whole family went since we knew the Andersons. We also took 6 extra kids with us that needed a ride to the funeral. The service was filled to capacity, standing room only. Probably 3/4 of the people there were kids! The Anderson's had asked everyone to wear bright green, Andre's favorite color. There was a sea of green in the audience! Laminated pictures of Andre were handed out, on the back was a note written by his sister, Simone, about why she will miss her brother so much. We wore them around our necks tied with green ribbon. His sister and 3 best friends spoke at the service, about how much they loved him, and favorite memories of him. His dad, Craig, also spoke. I don' t know how he had the strength to do so - there wasn't a dry eye in the building. He mentioned how much it meant that his neighbors, some that he didn't even know, had lit candles and put on their doorsteps Tues. night, and when he came outside, every doorstep was lit in memory of his son. Also how he went outside to feed the dogs and accidently called to Andre to do something, and realized he will never be there again. One of Andre's friends had put together a video of him skating and goofing off with his friends - which was so special, getting to see him and remember him the way he was.

I recognized teachers and counselors from the high school, hugging the kids, there for them in their greatest time of need. There was a small service at the burial, also attended by many of the kids, then everyone met back at the park where Andre played to celebrate his life, and to grieve that it is over.

My greatest impression was that of the respect that Andre's peers had for him. Again everyone mentioning what a wonderful smile he had, and how he was kind to others, as well as his great sense of humor and love for adventure.

Some people live their lives like a star that shines steadily until it just fades gently away.
Andre's life burned so bright it touched everyone he met, had so much energy that it was able to give some away, and arched across the heavens so that everyone noticed
- He was a shooting star.

Beautifully said! Thanks for sharing!

[neighborofmany]

You might not want to reinvent the wheel. NS has a community orgnization NSCO. President is Barbara Leary on Yankton. She already has a well-developed contact list, and she could probably even call a meeting although it's been a long time since we've had one. In fact, our last community party was at Big Foot Park . I'll tell her to read this thread and see if she wants to respond.

I did not see any response from Barbara (although I have not read through all 18 pages) and was uanble to attend the Broadstone neighborhood watch meeting tonight. Would you be willing to ask Barbara how I can get involved or to contact me at sjoparsons@yahoo.com? I am very interested in being involved in a nieghborhood watch program. Thank you.

[camay2327]

http://www.folsom.ca....asp?NewsID=140

Police Chief Issues Statement About Teen Death Investigation
"The death of Andre Anderson is very sad and painful for all concerned. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and neighbors.



"I realize that his untimely death raises a lot of questions. It’s natural that his loved ones, as well as many members of our community, want to know how this tragedy occurred.



"The Folsom Police Department launched an immediate investigation that is still continuing today. We have a dedicated team of experienced investigators who have worked many long hours to carefully examine all of the evidence and review numerous interviews and statements. While we continue the investigation, we are also in contact with the Coroner’s office and will need to collaborate with each other’s findings, once the cause of death is determined. Only then, can we responsibly and thoroughly conclude the investigation.



"On the day of Andre’s death, there were over 20 police personnel and additional volunteers committed to the investigation. We have consulted with homicide detectives from other jurisdictions and had three such investigators at the scene that morning. We have interviewed many individuals to date and will continue to interview others.



"Our investigation will not be complete until we receive the coroner’s report. At this point, all we can say is that there is no evidence of foul play. Andre’s death appears to be a tragic accident. Out of a desire to protect the family’s privacy and the dignity of this young man, we will not speculate on the specific cause of death before all the facts are known.



"Our investigating officers have been in contact with Andre’s parents two or three times a week since Andre’s death. We just learned yesterday afternoon that they would like more frequent communication with the investigating officers. It is a very delicate balancing act to allow a family time to grieve while also sharing timely information about an on-going investigation. We have discussed this with Mrs. Anderson and promised that we will initiate more frequent contact to keep her and Mr. Anderson apprised of our ongoing efforts."

[nlove4ever]

Thanks for that Camay!

[camay2327]

http://www.sacbee.co...ory/145284.html

NAACP faults probe of hanging
By David Richie - Bee Staff Writer

Published 12:00 am PDT Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Story appeared in METRO section, Page B2

Decrying Folsom's Police Department's "lack of urgency" when confronted with a "black man hanging from a tree," the Sacramento Branch NAACP is demanding a harder look at the death of Andre Anderson and better communication with Anderson's family and the community.

Folsom police responded by saying they must balance the family's need for privacy and healing with the demands of a zealous, ongoing investigation.

Anderson, 16, was found by passer-by in a neighborhood park on March 13. His feet were tethered to the tree and a strap was bound around his neck. The park is just a few doors away from Anderson's home.

The demand for a fuller investigation was made Tuesday afternoon during a press conference at the Sacramento Branch National Association for Advancement of Colored People. Betty Williams, branch president, was joined by Craig Anderson,Andre Anderson's father.

"All I want is to know what happened, whether it is something I want to hear or do not want to hear," Anderson said. "I think he went to the park with friends. If it was the choking game, I don't think he was alone."

Williams asked how a teenager ends up 8 feet up a tree with his shoelaces tied around the trunk of that tree.

"Every option should be looked at. Could he do this by himself?" she asked.

She said police should be carefully checking his e-mails and telephone calls and talking to all of his friends. They should be keeping the family and her office in the loop, Williams added.

During a brief appearance later Tuesday, Folsom Police Chief Sam Spiegel read a prepared statement, reiterating that the investigation is ongoing and detectives must wait for a final coroner's report.

"Andre's death appears to be a tragic accident," Spiegel stated. "Out of a desire to protect the family's privacy and the dignity of this young man, we will not speculate on the specific cause of death before all the facts are known."

Soon after Anderson's body was found, Folsom police stated emphatically that the teenager's death was not a lynching.

Spiegel stated Tuesday that investigators have been in contact with the Anderson family two or three times a week. On Monday, he said, his office will be in contact with the family more often.

"It is a very delicate balancing act to allow a family time to grieve while also sharing timely information about an ongoing investigation," Spiegel said.

During a brief telephone interview before his chief's press conference, Folsom police Det. Sgt. Brian Dean said his investigators have talked to family members as well as representatives designated by the family. Dean said that Andre was a popular student and many names have surfaced of people who might be able to shed light on what happened. All of them have been interviewed in person, he said.

So far investigators have found no evidence to indicate that anyone else was with Andre that night, Dean said. "There is no evidence to indicate foul play," Dean said.

[4thgenFolsomite]

It's too bad the Folsom PD now has to defend itself against what is really an accusation of racism levelled by the NAACP. They didn't come out with press releases about the prison guard that apparently shot his wife and stepdaughter a few months back either. It is obvious that they are trying to protect the dignity of the boy and the family. It isn't always about race. How did the NAACP get dragged into this? Was it the boy's father who called them? Or did they call the family?

No matter what, its really sad. And it brought up the whole issue of the current fad of choking games that the school-age kids all seem to know about, but that I had never heard of before. Who knew? They even have names for this game, like Space Cadet, etc. That's a hell of a way to get a high. It also brought up that the most common method of teenage "suicide" these days is asphixiation, rather than gun shot. Could it be that a lot of kids that don't mean to are killing themselves by playing the game without realizing the danger?

No matter what, the FPD doesn't deserve the bad rap. They said they were calling the family ever two or three days (out of a five day work week for investigators). That doesn't seem bad, every other day.

[Suzyque565]

According to a live interview with the father, it was at his request the NAACP be involved due to the father's need for answers and the PD not returning his calls. The father just wants answers and to have every possible motive researched.

[mindwideopen]

"Dean said that Andre was a popular student and many names have surfaced of people who might be able to shed light on what happened. All of them have been interviewed in person, he said." - I know for a fact that this is not a true statement.

My daughter is one of Andre's best friends, they were in constant communication with one another either in person, over cell phone conversations/text messages, and mySpace. She was one of the friends that was contacted when Andre was missing Monday night and later by the Folsom PD.

She was called on her cell phone Wednesday evening by Folsom PD, I offered to drive her to the police station, the investigating officer declined and interviewed her by phone. The interview lasted not more than 2-3 minutes and the questioning was entirely on 'why suicide?'. She emphatically declined that Andre would do such a thing - the questions were hard to hear/answer but the manor of the officer and the questions he imposed were harsher. In the end, she was asked if there was anyone else she thought they should talk to about Andre, she referred them to his other best friends (thinking all along that they must have been contacted already) - which they had not spoken to yet but were on the 'list'. My daughter has not been contacted by Folsom PD again since that day.

I did know Andre personally, he was a wonderful human being and touched my whole family's lives forever - with his life and his untimely death. My sincere condolences to Craig, Gina, the Anderson family and the countless friends that were touch by Andre.

FYI: Andre was NOT a troubled kid, he was a gifted skateboarder who had a contagious smile, he loved to laugh, he was involved with his family and enjoyed spending time with all of them, he took the second out of his day to say "Hello" to neighbors young and old, he was looking forward to many events in his life being a junior at FHS - Jr. Prom, drivers license, etc., he was NOT into cheap thrills(i.e choking games)!

All of the speculation and frustrating mis-information take a toll on those grieving - I know first-hand.

[4thgenFolsomite]

According to a live interview with the father, it was at his request the NAACP be involved due to the father's need for answers and the PD not returning his calls. The father just wants answers and to have every possible motive researched.

Thanks, Suzyque. The father certainly deserves answers and communication on the investigation. I doubt, however, that the PD was ignoring him if they were calling him every other day. And, with such a high publicity death, its hard to believe the PD wasn't looking at every possible motive. They seem like a pretty professional group to me. Even if they weren't professional, they would certainly be aware their investigation would be highly scrutinized. I just think the race card may have been unfairly played with regards to the police.

[tessieca]

It seems counterproductive to play race cards and bring in the antagonizing NAACP. If the family wants answers they are more likely to get them if they speak to the police directly. First, I've heard that the family doesn't even bother to speak to the police but rather sends a representative in their place, so things are very likely lost in translation. Also, it seems like the police don't have all the answers and quite possibly never will. All they can do is to investigate fully and provide the answers they do find. That will include reaching a conclusion that might simply be based on ruling other things out. It's not going to be a definitive answer that will satisfy grieving parents. Often, a parent can never get satisfying answers when they have lost a child. Often there remains a desire to blame someone, and I think in this case there is nobody to blame except the or the police, so naturally the police will remain under attack.

[4thgenFolsomite]

It seems counterproductive to play race cards and bring in the antagonizing NAACP. If the family wants answers they are more likely to get them if they speak to the police directly. First, I've heard that the family doesn't even bother to speak to the police but rather sends a representative in their place, so things are very likely lost in translation. Also, it seems like the police don't have all the answers and quite possibly never will. All they can do is to investigate fully and provide the answers they do find. That will include reaching a conclusion that might simply be based on ruling other things out. It's not going to be a definitive answer that will satisfy grieving parents. Often, a parent can never get satisfying answers when they have lost a child. Often there remains a desire to blame someone, and I think in this case there is nobody to blame except the or the police, so naturally the police will remain under attack.

Well said.

Also, parents, if this was a case of the choking game (which seems more likely to me than murder), please don't be deluded in thinking it isn't real and prevalent. Looks like it can happen anywhere and to anyone...do a google search under "choking game" and see what you come up with! And think about having a discussion with your own kids about it and find out how much they may already know about it.

here's just the first page of the google search. Looks like a lot of parents never suspected....
http://www.cbsnews.c...ain712411.shtml

http://en.wikipedia....ki/Choking_game

http://www.deadlygam...com/en/home.asp

http://www.connectwi...un29/choke.html

News results for choking game
- View today's top stories


Teenager Casts Light on a Shadowy Game - New York Times - 5 hours ago

Choking game - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The choking game, also known by large number of other names (see end of article), is not technically a game but a schoolyard activity involving the ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choking_game - 32k - Cached - Similar pages

Choking Game Education: Deadly Games Children Play: Awareness ...
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'Choking Game' A Deadly Trend - CBS News
In what is thought to be a growing problem nationwide, teens are playing the so-called game seeking a temporary high, by cutting off oxygen to their brains.
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Connect with Kids : Weekly News Stories : "The Choking Game"
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Teen Choking Game.
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ABC News: Choking Game Is Deadly Child's Play
Choking Game Is Deadly Child's Play. ... that she had confided in him that she was playing the game with friends in the PE locker room," Tammy said. ...
abcnews.go.com/2020/Health/story?id=987294&page=1 - Mar 26, 2007 - Similar pages

CNN.com - Mother missed signs of 'choking game' - Aug 10, 2005
Looking back, Sarah Pacatte realizes she missed the warning signs.
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CNN.com - Boy dies playing 'passing out game,' officials believe ...
Dalton Eby may be the second Idaho child killed in recent months while playing a choking game, trying to cut off the oxygen supply to the brain to achieve a ...
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Teen's Death in 'Choking Game' Focuses Attention on Dangerous Practice
The "choking game" has been around for years, resurfacing every generation or so, traveling by word of mouth among kids looking for a thrill.
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Welcome to The Guidance Channel!
The Choking Game, as it has come to be called, is a game children play by ... To many kids, the Choking Game seems like a harmless way to get a rush. ...
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[FolsomBarb]

No matter what, the FPD doesn't deserve the bad rap. They said they were calling the family ever two or three days (out of a five day work week for investigators). That doesn't seem bad, every other day.

Except for the fact that Craig himself has stated MULTIPLE times, that they have NOT been contacted at all by the FPD. Additionally, Craig has also stated that if there is a representative of the family that is being told this information, he doesn't know who that would be, because they didn't appoint anyone to be their representative with the PD.

And, before you ask how I know this, it is because my son was one of Andre's closest friends, (he was the one that created the video shown at the services), and I have heard Craig make these statements myself.

[mindwideopen]

FolsomBarb - Accolades to your son, he did a wonderful job on Andre’s video.