Yes, sometimes you do get nightmare neighbors. I know your original post was intended to suggest that it's the people who complained who are the 'nightmare neighbors'.
I've sat on my fingers as long as I can though. My initial response was to not post anymore to this thread because it's clear that most of you feel that the neighbors are in the wrong here.
There is something intimidating about this forum. I've mostly just read here since I registered, but the few times I
have posted, it seems I go against the majority opinions expressed here.
I've found that going against the majority isn't welcomed here, but in this instance I have to say that I have firsthand experience with situations like this.
Autism, even in four year olds is not necessarily a 'benign' and
'harmless' behavioral problem. The family stated (I'm paraphrasing here): The neighbors knew that he had tantrums, but he isn't violent'.
I'm just including a couple of links to illustrate that autism can lead to violent behavior, and in this case...death.
Take it for what you think it's worth.
http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2009/03/26/bauer_autism/index.html
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/03/ksu_prof_gertrude_trudy_steuer.html
As I mentioned, this is a case that is close to home for me since I knew the victim.
I'm sure I'll be vilified for posting this information but I think it's important for people to understand how potentially dangerous some conditions are.