ETA: oooops....I didn't realize there was a thread on RF already!! Can a mod please merge this? Sorry and thanks in advance!!
The 16 year old juvenile arrested - charged with an open count of murder.
Major news outlets do not mention his name. But some local media outlets have mentioned him by name.
IIRC, sleuths were originally unable to find any prior criminal record. Could this be because juvenile records are closed? Or have we just not uncovered anything yet?
I'm NOT excusing him from this crime, but I'm really not sure what to make of this teen at this point. He is connected with 5th Dimensions - the auto body where the other suspects worked. PNJ reports that he was only involved with the body shop for two weeks.
From the interviews with the teen's fathers and those who knew him.. they are shocked by his involvement. On first glance, he does not seem the type to be involved in this. He lives with his girl and had a 10 month old son. He was supposedly studying for auto mechanics, which tells me did, in fact, have plans on supporting his family through orthodox means - studying in school, getting job experience, no criminal record (that we know of......).
It would be different if RF had a long reputation or record... it would be different if his family portrayed as a no-good bum... Just like LPG Jr.'s own did. (LPG Jr.'s sister said he's evil, needs to be removed from society...)
I don't know...I feel bad for this young man's family, his child, etc. His life is ruined. For a senseless act.
Based purely on behavioral observations...
He seems to have parents that care about him deeply. They appear to be very involved in his life. His fathers admits that if he proved to be directly involved in this crime, he says quote "there will be consequences to pay,' but he goes on to stress that the 16 year old was very impressionable and a "follower."
On the night he was arrested he told his father he was scared - not of the police - but of 'them' - he said, "You don't understand...they're gonna kill all of us..."
I could take that one of two ways:
1. Either he's trying to convince his father that he was coerced in some way to avoid culpability. (IMO, a very typical teen reaction in getting caught and getting in trouble.. i.e., "They made me do it" type - of - thing.
or ....
2. He really was, in fact, genuinely terrified and felt that he had no choice but to go along with it. I'm just not sure. :waitasec:
or....
3. Did he jump at the opportunity to make some fast cash and gain street - cred from the community / and social circles in which he ran with. :waitasec:
But by all accounts, I agree with this young man's father - these thugs were adults and by all accounts what could they could they possible GAIN from involving a minor?? There's been no proof that RF has a long criminal background or involvement in violent crime before.
So why in the world would LPG Jr. (or Gary or Frederick or Donnie) recruit a 16 year old to a home invasion, robbery, and murder?
I'm just speculating out loud:
Was he a wanna be ?
Was he coerced through a stream of lies and threats by LPG Jr.?
Other possibilities?
I'm trying to get my head around "them" involving this 16 year old... :waitasec:
Thoughts? :waitasec: