Does anyone wonder why Mr. Santiago is so forgiving of the 17 and 14 year old thugs, but not forgiving of Ms. West? Why he is blaming her? He said so much in an earlier linked article. Why is his anger placed on her? She is obviously grieving, and so is he, but why would he say such things (not angry at thugs, blames Ms. West) to a newspaper?
I have avoided posting or participating in conversation regarding the parents of Antonio because of fear of inviting refreshed speculation about them and I am
not trying to further that business.
As to my thoughts on your question, I find that sad and confusing because I thought he was the person who suggested she get out of the house more and take a walk? Maybe I am mistaken or have this case confused with another.
What I will say is that it is important for everyone to remember that these parents were separated before this event. they were not a couple anymore. They were co parents. Feeling anger towards the other parent or assigning blame upon the death of a child is not at all uncommon. This happened on your watch, why did you do this, why didn't you do this, etc.
Sometimes divorce comes after the death of a child. It is very hard on a relationship that is pretty good before the death. Now apply that thinking to a couple who are already apart.
I feel very sad for both of these parents as they grieve the loss of their son. I would not be comfortable assigning too much to dad's words right now. He is a man who's lost his son. She is a woman who has lost hers.
They will both be in my prayers.
[ETA around 16% of couples divorce after the death of a child. According to this link while not common, it is not unusual either. The death of a child can be a huge stressor on a marriage that is not in trouble
http://www.divorce360.com/divorce-a.../divorce-and-death-of-a-child.aspx?artid=469]
ETAA please note my post is in error, I found out after it had been quoted that Mr. Santiago and Ms. West were not separated but were still a couple at the time of little Antonio's death, but they have always maintained separate residences.
That fact does not change the basic premise of my post which is that couples grieving the loss of a child can feel misplaced anger or blame towards the other parent.