181 replies to this topic

[john]

One of the teens got 6 months in the Iron Point accident. Do you think it's enough?

[LexHillsmom]

Yes, because it was an accident. and the boy took full responsibility for what happened.
No amount of time will bring back Mrs. McKnew - a loving, caring person by all accounts who, as I stated before, likely would not advocate for this young man's confinement among criminal sociopaths that serve only to further destroy another life.

[folsombound]

My gut reaction is that it is not near enough. I guess I'd like to know what her husband and kids think. There is no way to bring her back and this kid gets to go on his merry way after 6 months. I'm not sure that is justice.

[ChipShot]

Hell no, it's not enough. Actions like these that include such willful, wanton disregard for human life need to be punished at a level where people WILL NOTICE. What does a sentence of 6 months say?? It says we have become a soft, lenient, disgraceful society when it comes to punishing serious crimes. How sickening.

[Darthvader]

Yes, because it was an accident. and the boy took full responsibility for what happened.
No amount of time will bring back Mrs. McKnew - a loving, caring person by all accounts who, as I stated before, likely would not advocate for this young man's confinement among criminal sociopaths that serve only to further destroy another life.

Not even close to being enough. Let's give these street racing, no brain punks a free pass even though they killed a woman. And oh yeah, he took full responsibility, after he went back to his car to get his stereo out of the wrecked car. His 800 hours of community service should be to twirl a sign at that spot saying "I'm the reckless loser kid who killed that wonderful woman right here"

[jones4]

It may have been an "accident" that he "killed" someone, but his street racing wasn't an accident. He may be very remoursful, but that doesn't bring back the loss this family is feeling for their mom, teacher, wife, friend and someday grandma. When people get in their car after drinking and get in accidents, sure they don't plan on killing or hurting someone (even themselves) but what they are doing before they put the key in the ignition is no accident. Not that he was drinking, but it's the same situation. He was recklessly driving and that was on "purpose". I'm not sure if any amount of prison time is enough for killing someone in this sensless way, but 6 months sure doesn't seem like much.

[Chad Vander Veen]

Yes, because it was an accident. and the boy took full responsibility for what happened.
No amount of time will bring back Mrs. McKnew - a loving, caring person by all accounts who, as I stated before, likely would not advocate for this young man's confinement among criminal sociopaths that serve only to further destroy another life.

Yes it was an accident. But, if I were to go into a store and start firing a gun at merchandise, with no intent to hit any person, and I did end up killing someone on accident, how would that be any different?

[twnkltoz]

Yes, it was an accident of sorts...that's why he wasn't tried for 1st degree murder. However, he was driving exceedingly dangerously, knowing that he was putting himself and others in danger. If he was driving safely and she pulled out in front of him and he didn't see her, THAT would be an accident.

[brown]

6 months is total crap. Yeah he took full responsibility...when the lawyers told him to.

[LexHillsmom]

Yes it was an accident. But, if I were to go into a store and start firing a gun at merchandise, with no intent to hit any person, and I did end up killing someone on accident, how would that be any different?

I'm sure you know the difference.

Street racing charges were dropped in this case-more media spin and hype versus facts.

The gladiator mentality so many people hold here is a sad reminder that we've lost our humanity when youthful mistakes - and I am not undermining the seriousness of the mistake - fail to draw any sense of compassion and/or forgiveness...

Life is full of s--- that happens...those of you who want to pull the switch or hang the noose may one day be challenged to face a mistake or accident you or someone you love has made. I wonder if only then will there be any room for empathy for the boys.

[Darthvader]

I'm sure you know the difference.

Street racing charges were dropped in this case-more media spin and hype versus facts.

The gladiator mentality so many people hold here is a sad reminder that we've lost our humanity when youthful mistakes - and I am not undermining the seriousness of the mistake - fail to draw any sense of compassion and/or forgiveness...

Life is full of s--- that happens...those of you who want to pull the switch or hang the noose may one day be challenged to face a mistake or accident you or someone you love has made. I wonder if only then will there be any room for empathy for the boys.

Media spin and hype? How about this from the police report:

...were speeding as fast as 90 miles per hour on Iron Point Road in Folsom that Saturday afternoon. Police reports estimated the Anderson was going 67 miles an hour when he hit McNew.

Yeah life is full of s--- that happens, and that's what that kids brain is full of.

[bishmasterb]

Anyone know how the family of the teacher feel about the punishment. Since they're the victims in this, I'm just curious whether they feel it's a just punishment.

[Andrea V]

It was an accident... They were NOT drinking. If they had been drinking, I'd say lock em up forever... but they were not.

6 months- 1 year is enough IMO.

[ChipShot]

I'm sure you know the difference.

Street racing charges were dropped in this case-more media spin and hype versus facts.

The gladiator mentality so many people hold here is a sad reminder that we've lost our humanity when youthful mistakes - and I am not undermining the seriousness of the mistake - fail to draw any sense of compassion and/or forgiveness...

Life is full of s--- that happens...those of you who want to pull the switch or hang the noose may one day be challenged to face a mistake or accident you or someone you love has made. I wonder if only then will there be any room for empathy for the boys.

Oh, Lord. I think there's a lack of empathy/compassion/forgiveness because we as a society are getting sick and tired of violent crime...and yes, this was a very violent crime. Man, the goo-goo mentality isn't strictly limited to liberal politics, is it??

[brown]

Life is full of s--- that happens...those of you who want to pull the switch or hang the noose may one day be challenged to face a mistake or accident you or someone you love has made.

Oh please. Things just don't happen, they happen because of people's actions. The fact is that these kids were doing something in total disregard for other people's safety, and someone died as a direct result. It didn't just 'happen'.

Yeah, these kids should be eventually be shown compassion and forgiveness, but they should also be punished in accordance with the crime.