As a 16 yr old, he could have been rehabilitated. The long prison sentence with hardened adult criminals, only taught him criminal ways. The system failed and the result, the brutal death of a beautiful young teacher was the horrific result.
You're more optimistic than I am. Some people can't be rehabilitated. But since we don't know which people can and which can't, we can't just lock everyone up for life.
From the Independent “According to Mr Durand’s statement, Abston had a lengthy juvenile criminal rap sheet that included charges of theft, aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a weapon, and rape, dating back to 1995 when he was 12 years old.” A long prison sentence didn’t help him, but the author almost makes it seem like he just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time when the first kidnapping occurred and got sucked up in the system. There seems to be more to it than that.
Would love to chat with you. Have been doing research in this area for over a year. Check out our website at www.advocates4justice.org
Hi Ellyn,
I'd love that! I'm at tganeva@gmail.com
As a 16 yr old, he could have been rehabilitated. The long prison sentence with hardened adult criminals, only taught him criminal ways. The system failed and the result, the brutal death of a beautiful young teacher was the horrific result.
You're more optimistic than I am. Some people can't be rehabilitated. But since we don't know which people can and which can't, we can't just lock everyone up for life.
True, but at 16, the brain hasn’t even fully developed.
Thanks for the response.
From the Independent “According to Mr Durand’s statement, Abston had a lengthy juvenile criminal rap sheet that included charges of theft, aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a weapon, and rape, dating back to 1995 when he was 12 years old.” A long prison sentence didn’t help him, but the author almost makes it seem like he just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time when the first kidnapping occurred and got sucked up in the system. There seems to be more to it than that.