Widow: Teen suicidal prior to stabbing
By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published July 15, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
Updated July 15, 2008 at 11:55 p.m.
The 17-year-old accused in the fatal stabbing of his friend's father Sunday morning in Westminster was suicidal just minutes before the attack, according to the victim's widow.
Andrew Michael Galek fled the house, but a passer-by spotted him hiding beneath a Ford Ranger on the west end of Caroll Butts Park.
He was arrested on suspicion of first-degree assault and now is in a juvenile detention facility.
Hans Winter, 63, who owned the house at 3675 W. 94th Ave. in Westminster, died of a stab wound or stab wounds in his stomach, according to the police report. He was declared dead at St. Anthony Central Hospital.
Police first were alerted that a caller from the house - later identified as Hans' widow, Beverly - had called 911, saying Galek, spending the night at the house with their son, Kevin, was upset with his parents. Beverly said Galek had grabbed a knife from the kitchen and run outside, according to the report.
A short time later, police heard from the dispatcher that Beverly had called again and said that Galek had stabbed her husband.
The Adams County district attorney is expected to file formal charges by Thursday and likely will charge Galek as an adult.
Police are continuing to investigate and interview witnesses.
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July 15, 2008
8:41 a.m.
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happymike44 writes:
This is about to become another urban legend.
Remind me why did this kid do this let me guess to many video games.
He didn't like the cheesy puffs is my guess.
Now the famly is without their father and this kid flushed his future down the toilet.
July 15, 2008
9:15 a.m.
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Monica030 writes:
Yes, blame the video games. His parents couldn't possibly be at fault for raising a killer. After all, the video games were probably his babysitter. It has to be the video games because before video games came along there was no such thing as murder, right?
July 15, 2008
9:23 a.m.
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JB writes:
Before blaming video games, junk food, parents, space aliens, drugs etc... let's wait for the facts to come out. You never know what happened. Kid could be a bad apple, could have been defending himself... who knows. It's way too early to judge.
July 15, 2008
9:33 a.m.
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Cowboy63 writes:
I hear you JB - I can't wait to hear the back story on this one.
July 15, 2008
9:35 a.m.
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Motormouth writes:
JB and Monica030 : I don't know what planet you arrived from but before video games I don't recall hearing about children killing their parents, teachers, classmates and pretty much anyone who looked at them wrong nearly as much as I do now. A bad apple is one thing but a barrel of apples as we have seen in the past 5 years is another. We let our children do whatever they want in the name of not hurting their feelings or wanting to be their best friend instead of doing what we should which is being a parent!! This is what we will get and continue to get when we choose to create and raise amoral, uncaring, selfish and mean young people!!!!!! Mark my words it's only going to get worst even for those of you who continue to make excuses and stick your heads in the sand!!!!!!
July 15, 2008
9:42 a.m.
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SickNTired writes:
Amen motormouth!
July 15, 2008
9:54 a.m.
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Francesca writes:
Wonder if there will be more details to follow? JB is right, way too early to judge.
July 15, 2008
9:59 a.m.
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Monica030 writes:
Motormouth: Children didn't kill thier parents before video games? Do a quick search on Wikipedia for patricide or matricide (killing of one's father or mother, respectively) and you will find that people have been committing these horrible acts for centuries. And yes, right here on planet Earth. Video games have not been around for centuries (as far as I know).
See: all the other horrifying stuff that happened BEFORE video games. Video games are not to blame for the degradation of our youth, parents are (this was the point of my post). Regardless of whatever activities have recently been developed for children, the bottom line is that it's still up to the parent to make decisions as to what a child does on a daily basis.
JB, I see your point. We just don't have enough facts as of now. But, I can confidently say that whatever the cause, video games were NOT it.
July 15, 2008
10:18 a.m.
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JB writes:
You just never know, and I am sure there will be a back story on this. Like I said, you can't really draw any conclusions from this tiny article. I won't even lay out potential scenarios, because I don't know, and any speculation would be in poor taste to the victims family and the suspect at this point.
PMSXpress... how have you been! Haven't seen a post from you since the Rolo scandal! lol. Haven't been posting much myself...way too busy lately!
July 15, 2008
10:37 a.m.
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Francesca writes:
Hey JB. Woof, woof! Busy summer. The regulars are all posting sporadically.
You're right about jumping the gun on this one. Sometimes I think it would be better if some of these stories were held until proper details were released... so people don't draw the wrong conclusions.
July 15, 2008
10:42 a.m.
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SickNTired writes:
Yiota, I just don't think motormouth posted all he wanted to post. Some of us in the older generation understand the moral decline and see the difference in kids now vs. then.
July 15, 2008
11:14 a.m.
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WestminsterJ writes:
Monica- so you know that video games played *no role* in this tragedy. Wow, must be nice to have such insight.
July 15, 2008
11:41 a.m.
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BigSky182 writes:
I don't think anyone is challenging the notion that there has been a serious decline in moral values through the generations. The idea that Video Games or Violence on TV or R Rated Movies is to blame is both ridiculous and short sighted.
In this bloggers opinion, the decline of moral values in our Nation's youth is a direct result of absentee parenting and the nearly complete lack of personal accountability that is so rampant throughout every part of Modern American Culture.
No matter what goes wrong, no matter what a person does, or says, there is ALWAYS some rationalization that will make it "ok".
Laws are not enforced... and when they are, too often, the lawbreaker is released with nothing more than a slap on the wrist. "Oh... the poor criminal... he had a difficult childhood" or "Oh... the poor gang-banging murderer... society never gave him a chance".
This story, and a million just like it, are a clear and urgent warning to all parents everywhere:
Raise your children people. It isn't enough to just watch them grow... as Parents, it is your DUTY to teach them, to guide them, to be a role model for them, and to be there for them.
July 15, 2008
11:53 a.m.
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Monica030 writes:
WestminsterJ--Absolutely. To place blame on something like video games is just irresponsible. There is always a deeper problem. Even if one were to say "The game made me do it", it would be an excuse to get out of taking responsibility for one's own actions.
July 15, 2008
12:09 p.m.
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AC writes:
Re: cultural influences. Even though there were kids who killed parents back in the 30s and 40s, and all manner of crimes. it was much more rare. I believe these bad tendencies can be seen in people regardless of culture, because all cultures to some extent share bad apples.
However, I also think it is undeniable that there is more and more of it these days, and that raising young people in a culture that heroizes death and destruction, lack of respect, having your own way over the rights of others, etc etc, cannot help but create a petri dish of garbage in-garbage out results on our offspring. It's a contributor to the mix and it's disgusting.
July 15, 2008
12:09 p.m.
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Woogford writes:
It's a horrible thing. I wonder if the parents knew that these underage kids were drinking tequila in their house?
July 15, 2008
12:22 p.m.
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gr8fuldude writes:
While it is too early to blame video games completely, I also think it way too early to rule them out completely.
Does this sort of thing happen more today? Probably.
I think the prevalence is due more to a number of factors, including (but not limited to) a general disconnect with parents and their kids today. Obama, parents need to be active, not just present in their kid's lives. Parent needs to be a verb, as well as a noun.
Also goes to show that all of the feel-good rhetoric that took place after Columbine had little lasting effect. Sad really, any way you look at it.
July 15, 2008
12:24 p.m.
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Mr_Hyde writes:
I think BigSky hit it on the head. The decline is morality in our society isn't caused by video games, movies, or TV shows. It's caused by people who increasingly refuse to take responsibility for their own actions. Everybody looks in these cases to blame an underlying problem (parents, video games etc.) How about this: The fault lies with the 17 year old punk who decided to take it upon himself to get drunk and to end somebodys life with a kitchen knife.
July 15, 2008
12:24 p.m.
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gr8fuldude writes:
Oops, my last post should have read "Obama is right, ..."
July 15, 2008
12:49 p.m.
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cogramma writes:
gr8fuldude, Surprise! PARENT IS a verb, AND a noun. Just too many of them not DOING it. As our society gets fuller and faster, it's a harder job than ever. DO NOT have children if you don't want to devote at least 20 yrs to raising them. It's the biggest and most important job out there.
July 15, 2008
1:05 p.m.
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Creative_N_Denver writes:
Parents can only be blamed to a point, when a child knows the difference between right and wrong, they should be held completely responsible for their own actions. Times are tough, but so was the times we all grew up in. We made choices, some not so good. I remember being held responsible as early as 5th grade! A friend stole ice cream and we all made the choice to eat it, when caught we all faced the judge. Simple as this was, it taught me a lesson and that I would be held responsible! I blame society and the people out there giving excuses for everyones bad behavior! This boy had behavorial issues before this, was anyone watching? Did anyone care? Now two families will pay the price for this- Sad -so sad.
July 15, 2008
1:09 p.m.
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Woogford writes:
I wish it were only 20 years of parenting, but it seems to continue well beyond that.
I agree with Mr_Hyde, we've become a society of blame shifters. It doesn't matter what this confused kid was going through, he will have to face the consequences for his actions even if his parents are deadbeats and he played one too many rounds of Grand Theft Auto.
July 15, 2008
1:19 p.m.
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CTRider writes:
We all have dark corners in our mind, and even more skeletons in our closets. Only the people who were there know what happened and all the society blame and moral high ground people are taking doesn't change the fact that this family lost their father over a booze fueled sleepover. So Sad.
July 15, 2008
1:49 p.m.
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buffsblg writes:
anyone on here have any statistics to back up the nostalgia that kids in the 40's and 50's never did anything wrong, never hurt anyone and all went to bed on time? I have read enough history to believe that troubled kids have been with us since the dawn of time, but of course science is irrelevant to those who are dedicated to the idea of a continuing moral decline.
July 15, 2008
1:51 p.m.
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Cowboy63 writes:
Why are 17-year old boys having "sleep-overs"?
He'll get his fill of those up at Canon City. I hope it is a long, painful, terrifying stay.
A 63-year old father and husband is gone because he welomed this guy into his home.
July 15, 2008
1:54 p.m.
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rmnreader writes:
I do agree with that there are a lack of morals in todays society and I think the parents play a crucial role in instilling these. However the lack of respect for your fellow man that is glaring in todays society also plays a huge role. People today only care about themselves and the lack of compassion for someone else's life is non exhistant. Therefore taking a life is not really a big deal.
Another thing that people continue to ignore is the fact that a 17 year olds brain has not yet matured enough to process these thoughts, conclusions and actions the way an adult would. Maybe that is something that we need to focus on recognizing & working with in our kids.
July 15, 2008
1:54 p.m.
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yeastyc writes:
Posted on an earlier form of this story, just re-posting to make a point, we don't know the situation, but there definitely was a huge lack of judgement:
I believe the biggest problem for many kids is the lack of responsibility for their actions--parents think that providing everything for their kids, no questions asked, is a good thing to do because they can--I think its awful because they come to expect everything to be given to them or done for them, and they don't learn how to handle hard work or criticism because they aren't accountable for anything. They learn early how to "pass the buck" and blame it on something or someone else, and it comes from the parents, not the kids. How do you think video games and Marilyn Manson became the poster objects/person for what is wrong with their kids? Parents don't want to admit they may have dropped the ball in how they raise their kids with stuff and not love and responsibility.
July 15, 2008
2:10 p.m.
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mytwosense writes:
According to studies, parents spend almost fifty percent less time with their children now then they did back in the 1950's. Also, Americans are working more hours than ever.
Do the math. And then I suggest you read the book "Your Money or Your Life."
July 15, 2008
2:14 p.m.
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yeastyc writes:
Well said, mytwosense
July 15, 2008
2:24 p.m.
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mytwosense writes:
Most of you people who are piously baying about "personal responsibility" probably vote straight Republican tickets every election. Not a single one of you can get it through your narrow, mean-spirited, bitter little minds that the materialistic culture YOUR chosen politicians ram down this country's throat could have something to do with the "disconnect" between parents and children.
You also probably vehemently oppose any measure that might alleviate some of the stress working families are dealing with on a day to day basis in this country, like out-of-control healthcare costs. These days, both parents almost always have to work just to make ends meet. We have our own President applauding a single mother on TV for working THREE JOBS, saying "Fantastic! Isn't that uniquely American?"
And you probably applaud that, too.
Meanwhile, you make your cracks about Hillary Clinton's book "It takes a Village" because God forbid, you move out of your comfort zone and think of yourself as a participating citizen in this country. God forbid you actually stop judging people and start helping them. It's much more fun to be an armchair critic, sanctimoniously preaching about "personal responsibility," isn't it?
No wonder our kids are in trouble and this country is falling apart. Parents are gone working their a$$es off, when they come home at night they're too exhausted to get to know their own kids, much less the neighbors next store, and when a tragedy makes frontline news, all the creeps come out to fingerpoint and blame. There's maybe one, two sympathetic posts on here. Wow, the RMN should be so proud of their readership.
I just think you people are full of so much BS.
July 15, 2008
2:27 p.m.
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mytwosense writes:
Well, yeasty, you probably misunderstood my first post if you actually liked it. I wasn't blaming parents, because they have little choice these days but to work all day and sometimes into the night. They're financially strapped and trapped.
July 15, 2008
2:29 p.m.
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Cowboy63 writes:
mytwosense writes: "According to studies, parents spend almost fifty percent less time with their children now then they did back in the 1950's."
Yeah, well knifing your buddy's dad was wrong then, too. Back in the '50's: 17-year old kids would have either been working or in the Army. If any one of my 3 sons had ever asked me if their 17-year old friend could sleep over, I would have laughed in his face and told him to grow up!
Maybe we could do a study about how falling enlistment numbers correspond with rising violence rates?
July 15, 2008
2:34 p.m.
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mytwosense writes:
Cowboy63: "If any one of my 3 sons had ever asked me if their 17-year old friend could sleep over, I would have laughed in his face and told him to grow up!"
Wow, what a scintillating insight. You add so much depth to this discussion!
July 15, 2008
2:38 p.m.
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yeastyc writes:
mytwosense:
I'm not a republican, but I do believe in responsibility--we can't blame the government for not helping us afford to buy our kids a gaming system. Many parents don't work multiple jobs to pay necessary bills, they often work two jobs to pay for stuff that is so coveted in our capitalist society. I could buy more stuff for my kids and put myself into debt, but I believe in making sacrifices so that I spend time with them, which is much more important than them having an iPod or me paying for their full college education, As parents, we shouldn't feel guilty because we can't give them everything material, we should feel guilty for not giving them us. We need to get our priorities straight and stop blaming everything for our woeful existences and enjoy what we have. Yes, having a support system is important, but being personally responsible is even more so.
July 15, 2008
2:40 p.m.
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rmnreader writes:
I got it the first time mytwosense & I think it is a very good point.
But don't you think that at times we can also blame the parents working too much with everyone having to keep up with the Jones' and always wanting more than they have? or the lack of importance our society has adopted to go to college to further education because it will get you a better paying job? I think that we send our kids off to college for a right of passage or so college can finish raising them & send them off into the world or just because it is also the thing to do?
I guess I'm saying that I think that we as adults need to start looking at things in a different way and hopefully that will pass on to our kids.
July 15, 2008
2:42 p.m.
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Mr_Hyde writes:
I don't disagree that parenting is an issue. I also don't disagree that parents need to play a much more active roll in their kids lives. The fact remains that when something like this happens, our knee jerk reaction is to throw a piece of crap like this an excuse to use. There are many well adjusted contributing members of society that had crappy parents. Conversely, there are 7.2 million people in this country that are incarcerated, on probation, or on parole for committing a crime....I feel comfortable in saying that some of those 7.2 million had good parents. We as a society need to hold people accountable for their actions and stop feeding them excuses.
I think a 17 year olds brain is "developed enough" to know not to stab people to death with kitchen knives....most 17 year olds don't do that.
July 15, 2008
2:43 p.m.
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mytwosense writes:
yeasty, a big kudos to you for your parenting strategy that values time over toys. Unfortunately, a lot of parents these days simply don't have the latter to give to their children. They're burned out and exhausted by the time they get home, which is later and later these days.
But for the grace of God, I would be in that situation too, if I hadn't ended up in a field where I work for myself from home. Most people simply DO NOT have that luxury!
July 15, 2008
2:47 p.m.
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yeastyc writes:
"They're burned out and exhausted by the time they get home, which is later and later these days."
Yes, I understand, I went through undergrad and graduate school while working and raising my kids, I never let tired be an excuse for not giving them time--its not a good excuse, you need to make time for your kids so they know they are important to you. Its hard, but its necessary.
July 15, 2008
2:50 p.m.
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mytwosense writes:
rmn reader: "But don't you think that at times we can also blame the parents working too much with everyone having to keep up with the Jones' and always wanting more than they have?"
If I may recommend another book: "The Two-Income Trap." It's very enlightening. We in this country have bought into the myth that we're all a bunch of greedy credit-card spenders, but the studies in this book show that fixed costs (i.e., costs you can't strike from your budget) are skyrocketing. Costs like mortgages, healthcare. Also, the leading cause of bankruptcy in this country is not credit card debt - it's exorbitant medical bills. And a good portion of the people filing for bankruptcy for this reason actually had health insurance!
I am sure there is a "keeping up with the Jones" aspect. However, the median income in this country isn't really that high. People are working because they have to. And our kids are paying the price. No one is home, and when they are, they're exhausted.
July 15, 2008
2:54 p.m.
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SickNTired writes:
"Most of you people who are piously baying about "personal responsibility" probably vote straight Republican tickets every election. Not a single one of you can get it through your narrow, mean-spirited, bitter little minds that the materialistic culture YOUR chosen politicians ram down this country's throat could have something to do with the "disconnect" between parents and children." Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
You sound extremely frustrated! Get your panties out of a bunch and run out to your mailbox to see if your welfare check is waiting.
July 15, 2008
2:57 p.m.
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rmnreader writes:
Mr. Hyde you are exactly the type that I am talking to. You and all these other parents whoe think that they are done parenting when the kid is 16 are the same ones saying - I don't understand why my son killed someone he was not brought up that way.....
Dr. Jay Giedd, National Institute of Mental Health, discovered that the adolescent brain my be fully grown in size, but it is a long way from maturity.
The pre-frontal cortex is one of the last regions of the brain to fully develop. This is the part of the brain that controls: planning, organization, controlling impulses, prioritizing, and evaluating consequences.
"According to new studies, the pre-frontal cortex (CEO of the brain) usually does not reach a level of genuine maturity until someone reaches their mid-twenties."
Due to the fact that the brain is still developing, it is crititcal for parents or people in authority to continue to take an influential role in their teens lives.
It is important to stay connected, even into the mid-twenties, in order to aid in the development of these critical pathways in the brain.
July 15, 2008
2:59 p.m.
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Cowboy63 writes:
mytwosense - "I just think you people are full of so much BS."
... and you disparage my comments?
Sorry, not buying the "poor, neglected child" routine (since you want to talk about BS). It's about accountability and responsibility.
If you can't afford them - don't have them. Stop whining about having to work and get with the program. A lot of parents in this town both work, some more than one job, and they don't seem to be raising murderers.
July 15, 2008
3:05 p.m.
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vudumom writes:
Lizzie Borden took an axe
And gave her father 40 wacks
When she thought that she was done
She gave her mother 41
Kids have been killing their parents for a long time.
July 15, 2008
3:05 p.m.
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Cowboy63 writes:
mytwosense - How many kids have you raised again?
July 15, 2008
3:13 p.m.
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gcrez writes:
wow! I've read some off the wall comments on here, but some of these top the charts! Video games, society, parenting? Give me a break, what about the booze? Is it not safe to say that the mind altering effects of alcohol could have had a major part in his ability (or lack thereof) to make a rational decision? This is nothing new folks! Teens on booze have been making life-changing mistakes since the two got together...
July 15, 2008
3:14 p.m.
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SickNTired writes:
mytwosense - sounds like your looking for some government run health care too. Your welfare and health care costs ME. I, too, would like to know how many kids you have raised?
July 15, 2008
3:18 p.m.
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Mr_Hyde writes:
rmnreader: I in no way think that parenting ends at 16 (or at any point in life for that matter.) nor did I ever imply that. My point is that nobody on this board has any clue whatsoever what this persons parents are like or what his home life or raising has been like but the first thing we do is throw a bunch of excuses out for him brutally murdering another person.
Like I said, I think parents need to take a much more active roll in their kids lives....they need to raise them and be there for them, but we have to stop making excuses for murderers.
July 15, 2008
3:20 p.m.
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rmnreader writes:
mytwosense - I completely agree with you on the healthcare costs hurting people they are incredibly high and not at all within our control I would also put groceries in that realm.
However on the mortgage I think it's the "keeping up" that is sending a lot of people into foreclosure. I see way too many people buying more house than they need, in a neighborhood that they can't afford or more car than they need etc.
July 15, 2008
3:29 p.m.
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Cowboy63 writes:
mytwosense writes: "...the materialistic culture YOUR chosen politicians ram down this country's throat could have something to do with the "disconnect" between parents and children."
Thank you "mytwosense" for a textbook example of what is wrong with our society.
ZERO PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.
July 15, 2008
3:31 p.m.
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rmnreader writes:
Mr. Hyde - My point about the adolescent brain was not an excuse - it is a fact that is often ignored when kids kill. I simply suggested that we need to start recognizing this fact, realize that it is real and educate people on how to handle it - not excuse this kid from a murder charge because of it.
July 15, 2008
3:50 p.m.
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wow writes:
Cowboy63 wrote: Sorry, not buying the "poor, neglected child" routine (since you want to talk about BS). It's about accountability and responsibility.
I'm afraid I have to ask for clarity about your thinking. Who is it, exactly, that teaches children accountability?
The only thing that unavailable parents can teach kids is that the kids are low priority, and that making excuses is the way to aviod consequences. If the things your parents are doing are more important to them than you are, what are you worth? If you're worthless, what is any one else worth?
The way I see it, those "poor, neglected" children are learning from the best. Parents can talk a good game about all the PC, self esteem garbage they read, but being around just to hang out with the family is what the kids need to really *feel* right.
And BTW---Where did he and the kid who's house he was visiting get Tequila? At seventeen, the mere fact that they know better is half the fun when they're raiding the liquor cabinet. NEVER trust a kid to abstain from booze on his own.
Stupid people.
July 15, 2008
3:59 p.m.
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mytwosense writes:
Gene: "Mytwosense,
You started out with a chip on your shoulder. I, for one, will not take it personally. Your reading list may be giving you this attitude?"
At least I read thoughtful, analytical books by learned scholars, not self-appointed experts who have made their fortune disparaging their fellow Americans "whiners" and "lacking in personal responsibility."
July 15, 2008
4:02 p.m.
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BroncoRick69 writes:
The kid was obviously mental. Whether that was caused by lack of parental participation is yet to be determined. I'm really not sure if you can make this into a political debate either. Maybe his dad did bad things to him when he was a kid.
July 15, 2008
4:07 p.m.
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wow writes:
Mytwosense--
I'd go further, and suggest that doing that research is itself an exercise in "personal responsibility".
An informed opinion is a good thing.
July 15, 2008
4:22 p.m.
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mytwosense writes:
Thanks, Wow. I do like to read about societal issues, because I am troubled by what I see around me. I'm trying to figure out what the hell is going on. I realize murder, vice, etc. has been around since the dawn of time, but there are particular aspects of our society now are just frankly alarming to me.
For example, it can't be indicative of a healthy society when movies like "Saw" and "Hostel" - movies that depict in relishing detail the pure sadistic torture of human beings - are number one at the box office.
And look how people just seem to despise each other now, unless you're a part of their own little group. Look at these forums, for example. You have people like SickNTired automatically calling me a welfare witch. In another thread I saw that people were mocking a Hispanic mother whose toddler drowned in a drainage area, saying now she could sue and get a brand new truck. And yet in another thread, a poster said that liberals should be executed for treason.
Just awful, mean, ugly invective. I seriously think all of us, not just kids and parents, are becoming "disconnected" from each other.
So yeah, I'm interested in what's going on, what's driving a lot of this stuff. And I'm concluding that we've organized our lives so that we're either in a car or a cubicle or in front of a computer most of the time. If you try to escape the tedium of that existence through an hour of tv or a movie, you're confronted with gore, violence, and people screaming at each other on "talk shows."
No wonder people can't relate to each other anymore. We've turned ourselves into something pretty scary.
July 15, 2008
5:07 p.m.
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mt writes:
twoNonsense,
First you start out blaming everything on the government which I believe is pretty amazing. Of course people murdering others must be the fault of politicians! How do you back that up other then mentioning a book by hillary? Do you think that parents in the 1800's and early 1900's only worked a few hours a day? Farmers back then had the whole family out working all hours of the day. Probably not playing a lot of catch when they day was over. Do you think the government is to be blamed for all the crimes that happened back then too? Like one poster said, it is all about personal responsibility. If you can't afford a nice house, car and insurance then I guess one of them has to go. The politicians should not have to step in and buy you a house nor should they have to pay your insurance. Find a better paying job rather then sitting back and complaining about the one you have.
The kid was drunk and stabbed the guy for a reason we probably will never know. We do not have to ban knives (so put the phone down and tell Hillary to back off). Society now needs to punish the kid and move on. Hopefully other degenerate kids will learn from this kids mistake and realize they don't want to go to prison. Bad things happened long ago and they will continue to happen for many years to come. All you can do is make sure your children are raised to the best of your abilities and hope they teach their children the same. Stop looking to point a finger or stick out your hand for a freebie. People like you are the problem not the politicians!
July 15, 2008
5:30 p.m.
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cogramma writes:
vudumom: Lizzie Borden similarities end with . . gave her father . . .this was his friends father! Yes, the 7 or so shots of tequila no doubt had a great deal to do with it. Where did they find the booze? Within the house? A huge failing in supervision there, if so.
July 15, 2008
7:20 p.m.
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Derrek writes:
I love how video games is blamed right off....reminds me of the heavy metal being blamed on suicides in the mid-west during the 80's....lol.
I am an avid gamer and have been since the late 70's. I play some gory games and *none* of them have ever made me kill any one.
If you look at the majority of teens these days, most of them play the same gory games...statistically some teen that kills someone is also going to be playing a gory game. It's like saying that teens that drink water also kill. Give me a break!
Agreed with the comment about patricide and matricide. This kind of stuff has been happening since the dawn of time. It's nothing new. The only thing new is the access to news media and the speed of information on the internet. It just seems like it happens more because the media has nothing better to report on at that minute (just look at some of the silly stories that are reported on all the time).
Possibly could it be that he hated his family life? Was having issues that he could not cope with? Nope...musta been the vid's!
As far as decline in morality, I agree! I also think there is a decline in respect as well (possibly both run hand in hand to a certain degree?) Where did the respect go? Did it go out with the outlawing of spanking? It's funny that teens know that they can get away with what they want because their parents can't spank their butt when needed. This also extends to adults outside of their parents. They know they can't get their butt kicked for being a smart mouth, so they do or say what they want.
Parental responsibility should include knowing who your kid is...talking with them...having a good relationship with them. It amazes me that once some people pop one out how quickly they want to get them into a day care (I know because my wife use to be a director at a day care and saw it happen all the time). For some people the disconnection with their kid occurs as soon as they can get someone else to take car of them...for others, it can happen much later.
Spend some time with your kids. Don't let them grow up to be little poops. But don't go over board and become a 'cool' parent either!
July 15, 2008
9 p.m.
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Creative_N_Denver writes:
mytwosense not to be mean, but if you don't have the time to spend with your children, stop making them. There are many ways to prevent it and again responsibility starts at home.
I live in an area where most are below poverty, but somehow they manage to buy Dish TV,Name Brand clothing and shoes,and then I see them hand the clerk at Walmart food stamps, oh they are also on section 8! It seems to me that priorities are set wrong.
July 15, 2008
9:33 p.m.
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KristanGa writes:
Andy is my cousin. We grew up together and he is my best friend and it's been that way since we were children and I don't appreciate all the crap you people are spilling onto this site about him. You don't know what's going on. It's not video games, or anything else. He is one month younger than me and we know each other inside and out. He would never do something like this if there weren't certain other factors involved. So please keep his name out of what you are saying, you don't know him.
July 15, 2008
10:50 p.m.
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KristanGa writes:
Ill digress.
1)Do you not realize that it's so easy for people my age to get booze cogramma? And obviously Kevins parents were asleep you dope. It was early morning. Obviously you have no recollection of being a teen. You can ask anyone that's atleast 21 and they will buy you booze no problem.
You all sit so smugly at your computers talking about how you are so wonderful and you have never done anything wrong in your life. You all are perfect? I seriously doubt it.
Yeah, it was a terrible thing he did but it was a mistake and stuff like this happens. Maybe not to everyone, but it does happen.
2)His parents care about him just as much as yours do you. His father never "Did anyhting to him when he was a child" BroncoRick69. He isn't mental. So shut your mouth.
3)Cowboy63, They don't call it a "sleepover" you idiot. Kevin and Andy have been best friends for a while and he was just staying over there because they are friends. Last time I checked it was fine for friends to stay with friends when they don't want to be at home, you're just being sexist in saying that because they were boys they shouldn't hang together at night. Yeah It's sad that Kevin's dad is gone. Kevin was cool and everything. But of course Andy was welcomed into the home.
Stop blaming it on everything you DON'T KNOW. Grand Theft Auto had nothing to do with it. It's ignorant old people like you that makes it impossible for 16 year old's and under to buy a rated M video game. And the reason that Tipper Gore or whatever her name is put's the parental warning labels on CD's. And the resaon Wal-Mart only carries censored CD's. You try to censor everything and blame it on curse words on T.v. and violence in video games.
July 15, 2008
10:50 p.m.
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KristanGa writes:
You're only scared that your children are so innocent that you have to shield them from everything in this world even though they hear and see violence more from the public and their own home than anywhere else. And underaged binge drinking can be prevented if they lowered the damn drinking age. Take it from a 17 year old female, I know what I'm talking about. There would be less teenage drunk driving accidents if we were ALLOWED to drink. If France and all of Europe's children can drink then why can't we? If we were allowed to drink then we wouldn;t HAVE to go out and drink as much as we can in one sitting because it's the only opportunity we have. And when we are at parties and we drink, instead of taking the risk in driving home because we will get in trouble otherwise, we could call our PARENTS to pick us up because we wouldn't get punished for having a few sips. Plus that might even help us stay home and enjoy a drink with our parents since we wouldn't have to go to a party to find booze. We could stay home and be safe. But of course you adults don;t think about that. You think you are so high and mighty now that you are older and you discard your memories of being young.
You need to get in-touch with reality and remember what it was like to be young instead of calling my cousin a "bad apple." It makes me sick.
July 16, 2008
12:06 a.m.
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Blabla writes:
Omg video games? really???????? guys check the tv out! people make mistakes people snap! You may snap a little less dangerously but still! I never post comments but really the older generation has no idea what it is like to be in the younger generation. You thought you had it so bad when you were younger? Try now...when everyone judges! How would you like it if someone judged you for your race? Or what you have done in the past? Hey people make mistakes, sometimes huge ones but it DOES NOT give you the right to judge. This is up for your knowledge about whats going on in the world...not to make judgments and make yourselves out a fool. Oh one more thing Monica030...WIKIPEDIA IS A F**KING JOKE!!!!!!!! MORE THAN 84% ON THERE IS COMPLETE CRAP!
July 16, 2008
12:30 a.m.
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natasha writes:
Wow I know these kids. They went to my elementary school. This is a very sad situation. My prayers and thoughts are with both families. What a difficult time. I hope the kids "get it together" soon.
July 16, 2008
1:15 a.m.
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Derrek writes:
KristanGa,
I agree with most of your views, but not all....(drinking age and all...but I did about 18 years ago).
I feel for your family during this issue that you are facing. I apologize if I have offended by my comments.
Most of what I have said was regarding what other people's views are toward this situation.
First....Gaming is not a factor. Second, Parents not taking responsibility for their own. (remember...this was not in regards to this situation).
I do remember my teenage drinking binges. I know how easy it was to get a passerby to get me some liquor at the local corner-mart or just steal from my dad's stash. Most of what I did was to escape from my own head due to my situation (although it was not as bad as I thought it was, but I thought that it was going to ruin my life, at the time.)
I said that I have been gaming since the late 70's, but I was also under 10 at the time. I never stopped playing games since. (as I write my family is playing 'Guiutar Hero'). GTA is indeed a great game! But again it never made me do anything out of moral bounds...except maybe speed on occasions (but maybe that was Gran Turismo or Need for Speed that made me do that ;) ).
There is a vast amount of reasons for a teen to have very high stress in there life. Not all of it seems apparent to an adult...but maybe that is part of the problem. Parents *need* to connect with their kids!
As for my own kids. I intentionally get off work early to get home as soon as possible. I believe that family is much more important that work (I work my 40 hours...and more, if needed, but I balance it out so it is only 40 on average ;). I spend time with my kids finding out what is going on with school and friends (one is in high school the other is elementary). I also spend time with them playing games like Guitar Hero (except right now :), America's Army, World of Warcraft, Need for Speed, Silent Hill, Resident Evil, etc, etc, etc. But I also know what my kids are capable of defining between reality and virtually. We (my wife and I) have even watch gory movies with them...explaining the special effects that go into the making of the movie...with no problems.
With the right amount of guidance, kids can handle an immense amount of information that others think they cannot. Like I said before, it is more knowing your kid and understanding what they are going through.
Those that think that games cause these issues (or music cause suicide) or that other 'outside influences' cause some one to do something like this needs to take a step back and wait for more information before they make a judgment.
July 16, 2008
6:47 a.m.
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yeastyc writes:
KristanGa,
I'm so sorry that you're in the middle of all of this. It hasn't been so long since I was a teen, I understand your thoughts on drinking, as do a lot of people on this string, but you will also see that in another 10 years, you won't necessarily feel the same. It would be nice if everything was so simple. There are a lot of irresponsible things I did drinking when I was underage, many of them wouldn't have changed had it been legal. I know many people who make the same mistakes as teens after they're legal to drink. Making it legal doesn't magically make you responsible. No one knows the situation, and those that assume they do are likely wrong, and people need to remeber he's someone's family and friend. Everything is complicated, but an assumption can be made that he was likely a good kid that did something stupid while he was drinking, we've all been there, but you can't take it back, especially taking someone life. I feel for him because he will have to live with this the rest of his life. I hope he gets some good counseling (he's not crazy, he's a teen, hopefully we all remember how that feels) and you take care of yourself as well. Good luck, and take care of yourself, no one wants to see you hurt.
July 16, 2008
9:20 a.m.
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Eli writes:
"Not a single one of you can get it through your narrow, mean-spirited, bitter little minds that the materialistic culture YOUR chosen politicians ram down this country's throat could have something to do with the "disconnect" between parents and children."
This is just silly emoting and nothing more, MTS. I haven't had a politician, liberal or conservative, ram any materialism down my throat. No politician from any party is pounding on my door demanding that I buy a new TV or Hummer. If any have done this to you, I suggest you call the police. You're going to have to get these little fits of emotional ranting under control if you would like to be taken seriously.
That said, I've read a little bit of "Your Money or Your Life". Didn't have time to finish it before it had to go back to the library, but from the little bit I did get to it was a pretty decent book.
July 16, 2008
10:11 a.m.
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DisabledVet writes:
Maybe the kid was simply a screwed up mental case who lacked the guts to kill himself and instead killed his friends father. He should be held accountable for his actions not his parents. Parents can't control what a kid does 24/7. Kids his age and younger know the difference between right and wrong. He made a bad choice. He may have been drunk, he may have been in a bad emotional state of mind. it does not matter. He still made the choice to stab someone. Lets not try and offer exceuses for this kid and blame it on video games, drugs, booze, the state of the economy or who is running for president. He screwed up, picked up a knife and killed someone. It's that tragic and simple. Don't do the crime if you can't do the time!
July 17, 2008
11:07 p.m.
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KristanGa writes:
Thanks for your support yeastyc and derrek. I understand where everyone is coming from. I always make rude assumptions when I see stuff like this in headlines and I say, "What is this world coming too that person is horrible." But it really is different when you are close to the person. I'm not perfect, and I need to stop saying things like that now that I'm seeing it from this point of view.
And it was just an idea to lower the drinking age. I understand why they have it so high, teens are stupid and there would be tons who abuse the privelage. I just don't see how they put so much responsibility on 18yr olds, but we can't drink.
Think about it. They can hand you a gun and send you off to Iraq and give you the responsibility to take a life for your country, but you can't come home from a hard day of work and enjoy a miller light. It's all mixed up. That's the thing that bothers me.