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Teens get 40 years
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Thu Dec 13, 2007 00:17:01 CST
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Comment From: victorianbybirth  (Report this comment as a violation)

I see no corruption on this case. These boys got what they deserved...period...the end. Comment From: victorianbybirth  (Report this comment as a violation)

You can never compare apples to oranges. These boys were convicted on the crime they committed & were sentenced on the crime & their past behavior. They both had been unsuccessful with probation in the past, both had a history of assault. I'm sorry, but their crimes were escalating in nature, next logical step would be armed robbery/murder? What that woman did with her baby was awful & she deserves more than she got but it has nothing to do with what these boys did. Comment From: TexasKowboy  (Report this comment as a violation)

Everyone is talking about how harsh the sentence is and how these boys need a chance. They have a chance. All they have to do is behave, change there criminal way of thinking and become contributing members of society instead of burglars and arsonist they can get out in 3 short years. If they choose to continue as they have demonstrated in the past they can stay in prison because all they are going to do on the outside is continue the destruction as they have the last several years.

Challenge the boys to make a difference in there lives. Help them change for the better. Don’t fault the courts because the court is giving them a chance.

Now it is up to them to embrace that chance and go home before there 20th birthday or throw it away and spend ther best years of there life in prison.
Comment From: roberttx  (Report this comment as a violation)

Maybe after 40 years in jail, they'll have a cure for ADD and he'll be able to overcome his child hood issues ? Comment From: applestooranges  (Report this comment as a violation)

I did not personally attack you or call you names. I do not appreciate your comments towards me. I sincerely hope that you can mature as you gain more life experience and are eventually able to have a mature debate without reverting to childish personal attacks. Comment From: victorianbybirth  (Report this comment as a violation)

I'm sorry but it is not about money. It is about a crime that these boys committed. They had been in trouble with the law before, do you honestly think they were going to stop committing crimes if they got out of this one? Comment From: applestooranges  (Report this comment as a violation)

Having a counselor at Gulf Bend does not excuse behavior. Netiher does abuse or having ADD. It does not matter when the fire was set - it is still a felony that cost 1.8 million dollars. Forty years is a fair sentence - especially since they can get out in three. Comment From: comewithit  (Report this comment as a violation)

Wasn't attacking your guyness. Didn't know you were guy. Comment From: tstorm5  (Report this comment as a violation)

Facts...
These two kids made a bad chioce
They burned a school
They put Firefighters in danger
They were caught
They are GUILTY
They were sentenced
and most importantly...
They are off our streets

Will they be rahabilitated? I doubt it. I think they probably come out worse than before. Hanging out with criminals, as criminals do, doesn't seem like a good way to improve ones future. Comment From: victorianbybirth  (Report this comment as a violation)

I'm sorry , call me what you will, but the fact that while their fate was being decided they played "child like" games doesn't make me feel like they are innocent children more than it convinces me that they really just didn't care. At 16 they should have understood the gravity of the situation and behaved in the manner that the situation required. If they do get out in 3 yrs expect more of the same from these boys but it will not be the "systems" fault it will be their own. Comment From: rnb777  (Report this comment as a violation)

Let's hope they learn their lesson and don't get out even worse than they went in. 40 years or 3 years for good behavior seems fair to me considering all the damage they did. Comment From: Riverboat  (Report this comment as a violation)

I know $1.8 million is chump change for the federal government, but for a local school district, that'll buy a LOT of things.

I knew one of the youts. From what I've seen, it'll take every year of that 40 to grow up. All of us have met adults that never quite made the transition from childhood. The world still revolves around them. Comment From: comewithit  (Report this comment as a violation)

I cannot believe a person (especially an adult) would say it's okay to set fire to a school because they were in need of a new wing anyway and the people should stop complaining about it. What makes it so sad is jroesyhnuaa actually believes this is okay. What is this world coming to?As for "if it were my kid", yes I would be hurt but I sure would understand. I do not blame the parents though. I had a kid that set fire to a cotton gin a few years back. He sneaked out the house while everyone was asleep.He and two of his friends thought it would be cool to see how much cotton would burn before the fire department arrived on the scene. It caused an elderly woman to lose her home, a family of eight to lose their home and the Cotton Gin was demolished. These young men were 16 and 17 years old. They all received over 40 years each with the same stipulations as these guys received.p/s: I still stand by what I said earlier & I don't feel ignorant just because I didn't know your great grandparents were deceased, and I will continue to NOT post my picture on this page. You might like it Hee-hee. Comment From: tstorm5  (Report this comment as a violation)

I will assume for now that "you must like something I am doing, because you are sure worried about it".

Is that your personnal opinion??? Are you the only one that can have one???

Please remind me what a Forum is used for again, I must have forgotten.


Jeeeez, I realize I digressed a smidgen, but your post is so loaded with contradictions it's almost unbearable to read.

I anxiously await your answers.
Comment From: Brandi  (Report this comment as a violation)

Tstorm5: Why would you comment on someone's sexual preference? What has that got to do with these two boys. Quit being a bigot and act like an adult. Focus on what the issue is and don't use this forum to post YOUR personal opinions. It's not your life so why worry about it. You must like something jroeshnuaa is doing because you sure are worried about it. Comment From: Gman7  (Report this comment as a violation)

Thank you JUSTMYOPINION, that was correct. Its a shame that these kids did not learn from others who made bad mistakes. Those of you who think we should overlook two million dollars in damages or that a sixteen year old doesn't know right from wrong, I want some of that koolaid your drinking. A four year old can tell you that this is wrong. Comment From: Suzy  (Report this comment as a violation)

The sentence was just. A strong message needed to be sent that this kind of thing WILL NOT be tolerated. This sentence may be what's needed to deter other teens from committing crimes thinking they will just get a slap on the wrist for being young.
At least these teens have a chance to get out of this in 3 years. Their future is in their own hands. If they would have been given a lighter sentence, nothing would have stopped them from committing increasingly worse crimes...maybe even armed robbery and/or murder in time. Yes, this sentence was brilliant. Comment From: tstorm5  (Report this comment as a violation)

jroesyhnuaa,

The real story is this. Two kids with nothing better to do made a decision to burn a school. They have been in trouble before and deserved what they got. Yes most people would be very upset if it were their kids. Including myslef. I would of course have tried everythig to get them lighter sentences. But these kids didn't get that and now they are off the streets for a while. Hopefully they move somewhere else when they get out. I don't know these kids or the successful rehabilitation rates of troubled kids. I have to assume that it is small.

Just like your sexual preference, your thoughts on the sentencing these kids recieved is also WRONG. So now you are 2 for 2. You're batting a 1000.

Your parents must be so proud of you.

Later Comment From: CranePooleandSchmidt  (Report this comment as a violation)

Ernie--

 Commendable argument! Well, stated.

Denny

Comment From: ErnieCash  (Report this comment as a violation)

The sentence these boys received was the proper one. Yes, they are boys but 16 is old enough to have an inkling about what’s right and what’s wrong. If, as 16 year olds are prone to do, they failed to take even a minute to consider the possible consequences of what they were about to do, they still had to know that breaking into and setting fire to a public elementary school was not likely to win them the Citizen of the Year Award. It would be an unusual 16 year old who stopped to contemplate that maybe there WAS someone else in the building they didn’t know about who could have been killed in the fire or who considered that when the FD responded one of those might have been more seriously injured of even killed. *Those* are the kinds of poor decisions made by a teenager that could be overlooked and might well deserve leniency. But maliciously breaking into a public school, taking expensive items they *knew* did not belong to them and intentionally setting fire to the building are conscious decisions that don’t require a lot of forethought to determine whether they are right or wrong actions. A moderately intelligent six or seven year should be able to determine that those actions are wrong.

Assuming – and we do have to do some assuming here since none of us served on that jury and heard the *whole* story – that these teens had done some pretty serious acts prior to this, they obviously failed to learn any significant lessons from their previous punishment and/or probation and we all know, continued bad behavior must breed stiffer punishment. I didn’t see any info about how often or how seriously these kids had been in trouble previously but I have to assume the judge did and acted appropriately without having either set on the jury or without having known personally of these boys’ previous bad acts.

All in all, the sentence was appropriate. Forty years of hard time *is* a difficult pill to swallow for this crime but there are at least a couple of reasons the judge and jury made the right move. First, if the boys do wise up and learn something over the next three years in the juvenile detention system and they walk the straight and narrow for their probationary terms, their records will likely be expunged and they won’t live with this millstone around their necks for the rest of their adult lives. Second, the three years they do have to serve will be in the juvenile system. No picnic but certainly a far cry from one of the adult penal institutions and counseling will be available to them within the juvenile system. I’m not sure about this but it may even be mandatory. Their mandatory time will be up at or about the same time they turn 19, the age at which they would have to go into the adult system. Whether lucky coincidence or, as I think more likely, the good sense of the judge and jury, these boys will serve their time without ever having to make a trip to “the big house” for a stay. Finally, given the previous offenses and, sadly, the obvious tendency toward breaking the law these kids have displayed, if they don’t learn a damn thing it’ll be a simple matter of revoking their probation and putting them back in prison for a look at some *real* hard time.

Our legal system does produce justice *most* of the time. Obviously there are some chinks in the armor because, after all, it was designed and is operated by human beings who are, unfortunately, not perfect. But I’ll put it up against anything else we can measure it against so far. Hell, if these boys had done this crap in, say, Iran, they’d likely be trying to figure out how to work a prosthetic hand about now…. Or already be pushin’ up daisies.

Ernie

oh, and by the way, jroe...whatever... I see you've put your keyboard in gear... but what's that *other* brain cell doing tonight? geeez
Comment From: roberttx  (Report this comment as a violation)

Ok, ok, I hope these two people realize the error of their ways and come out of prison model citizens. Seeing how some people are slower than others, it might take these two knotheads 40 years to realize where they went wrong.

16 is old enough to be responsible for your actions. If they didn't want to possibly spend 40 years in a jail cell, they should have made better choices that night.

I know when I was 16, we usually had to decide between going to the movies, going to the mall, renting movies or playing Nintendo. Breaking into a school and setting a fire was NEVER one of our choices. Comment From: laurali  (Report this comment as a violation)

Laney- "I hope to God that you don't have children because if you did and they made a mistake this big you wouldn't be there for them,and yes I am assuming"

You didn't read my post very carefully. I said I wouldn't stand by and let my children's future go down the drain without doing something drastic. These kids have gotten in trouble before- their probations were not completed successfully. That tells me that the kids have gotten into major trouble at least twice before. Any kid can forget their brains at home once and get in trouble by doing something stupid, but to prevent the second time and the third time, parents need to be involved. The first time a kid of mine got in trouble, that kid would be extremely supervised every minute of the day and would not be running around with his/her friends, would get counseled, and whatever it took to get the kid to turn around and not make another life-altering mistake. If I was unable to control the child, I would get outside help. It is very obvious that these kids' families did not do anything like that. Kids on probation need to be parented even more than they had before. I don't think these kids were. While most parents love their children and we can assume that these parents do, but I don't think they have cared enough to do what they need to do in order for their children to behave. I don't have to get a phone call from them to know that.

I was going to say something ugly about your child-bearing since you said something similar to me, but decided against it. I'll be the bigger person. Comment From: ikon  (Report this comment as a violation)

Wow; I can't believe all the posters here who feel sorry for the boys. Bottom line, folks, is that they CHOSE their actions and now they have to face the consequences. Actions have consequences, and it's weepy bleeding hearts that want to 'understand' bad behavior and give out slaps on the wrist that have led to the problems that we have with kids and teenagers today. Comment From: Justice4all  (Report this comment as a violation)

The sentence was not too harsh. We seem to forget that a FireFighter was hurt in the fire. What is his life worth? These guys are very well trained professionals that place their lives on the line. These boys knew the Fire Department would have to come and put the fire out. They still started the fire knowing it could kill someone. By gods grace only it didn't. Comment From: tstorm5  (Report this comment as a violation)

Stealth, I hate to break it to you but according to my reliable source below...Aaah, I'll let you read it.

The following statement, narrated by Steven Zirnkilton, is spoken at the beginning of nearly every episode of Law & Order:

“ In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by two separate, yet equally important, groups: the police who investigate crime and the district attorneys who prosecute the offenders. These are their stories.

LOL, Later
Comment From: Brandi  (Report this comment as a violation)

Stealth: I know that we have no justice system. I am passionate about not putting these boys in prison because that is what happened to my brother. They put him in juvi at 15, and moved him to prison at 19. He was raised by murderers, thieves and rapists and joined a gang for protection. He came out and was stuck living a life that the "judicial system" forced upon him. He was murdered at the age of 23. I was 17 years old and he had been my hero my whole life. All I think of when I see these 2 boys is my brother and I hope that someone has more faith in them then what was given to my brother. Regardless of family background, religion or level of economic living, sometimes all it takes is for someone to care. From what I read here, it doesn't seem like that's what they are going to get. Pity! Comment From: Irene  (Report this comment as a violation)

The sentence that was given was harsh. Theses are two young boys that have had bad things happen to them. Could they have acted differently? Yes. But we are all individuals, we each handle things differently. They made a very bad choice, yes they deserve to serve. But!! We are too quick to say, throw the book at them. If the Good Lord had done that, we would all been headed to hell. But, He had compassion for us. He chose to give His life for us. A life time of sin, and he chose to give us a second chance. If a loving, Almighty God can do that, why is it that we humans can show no mercy? Are we not to be examples? Mercy is given, where mercy is shown. Not one person on that jury, had any compassion whatsoever. The D A said, don't let the tears have any sway on you, go by what the law says.

There are two laws, man's and God's. I would rather say, I chose to have compassion, because I serve a God that gave his life for me. When you are on the jury, you have a choice, you either go with what man says you should, or you go by what your heart says. And, my heart would say, show mercy.

One more thing, No! they are not bad kids, they are children of the Most HIgh God. They have been told that they are bad, shown that they are bad. But, when God made us all, He said, We were his best creation. I pray that they will meet Godly people who will not judge. That they would, accept Jesus and realize that God has a plan for there life. And that life is Good. Comment From: stealth  (Report this comment as a violation)

Brandi...I hate to be the one to have to break it to you, but we do not have a "justice" system in this country. We have a "legal" system, which is quite different. There is no justice in the system and never will be. If you don't believe me, ask any attorney and they will confirm what I am telling you. Comment From: laney  (Report this comment as a violation)

LAURILI....you also need to stop ASSUMING things about the family of these children.Did they call you personally and tell you they didn't love there children?No they didn't,so stop assuming stuff.I hope to God that you don't have children because if you did and they made a mistake this big you wouldn't be there for them,and yes I am assuming....doesn't feel very good for me to say anything about you since I don't know you right,well the same goes for these families.I'm sure you don't know them Comment From: laney  (Report this comment as a violation)

robertx...that's why this world is as cruel as it is because of people like you ASSUMING things that you know nothing about.You DON'T know what will happen once these children come out.Maybe you should have a little faith and start praying that these children come out rehabilitated instead of coming down on them. Comment From: Brandi  (Report this comment as a violation)

Roberttx: Have we really become that cynical? That we offer no hope in our justice system? What if it was your child? Wouldn't you want someone to have hope? Let's pray the jailers at the juvinille facility have more faith then you. Comment From: roberttx  (Report this comment as a violation)

I have no doubt they'll get into trouble within those 3 years. Comment From: Brandi  (Report this comment as a violation)

First I think we need to quit blaming the parents for their children's mistakes. Some parents do all they can and despite their best efforts their children still make mistakes. Oh my goodness! What a novel idea! Humans actually make mistakes! Yes it cost 1.8 million, and yes their lives are in their hands now...they always have been. At 16 you know right from wrong and no one, no matter who their parents are, know that setting fire is wrong. However, it will take willpower and a mentor to see these boys through. I think it's very sad, if we as a community would rather see these boys thrown in prison and locked up with other criminals of the worse kind, then rehabilitated. I hope someone gives both the boys and their parents counseling and really gives them a second chance. If they go to prison, they will still be children and who will be raising them then? Murderers, rapists, thieves? Then what will they themselves most likely become? Murders, rapists, and thieves. I'd rather invest in them now and turn out a hardworking man, then punish for their crime of youth and stupidity and turn out a murderer. Comment From: tripletmom  (Report this comment as a violation)

Just my opinion here, after reading all the posts... I am glad they did receive some prison time. I believe if they do change their ways they will be out in three years. The one kid assalted his mother. My God if that doesn't tell you this kid is bad, I don't know what will. How could anyone ever lay a hand on the women that gave birth to him? They need to be taught that you make the choice & you do the consequnces which is jail time. Probation hadn't helped them nor did they complete community service. I pray for all those involved and truly feel for these mothers. Comment From: laurali  (Report this comment as a violation)

I think it's sad these kids' families have let them run amok and didn't get their children some help when they got in trouble earlier and didn't finish their paroles. That is entirely the family's fault. These kids have been in trouble before. I think the legal system tried to help these kids before, but if they did not fufill their parole requirements, the parents should have stepped up and taken care of their children. After all, the law officers and court systems did not decide to have these children- the parents did! There are programs and institutions available to help out of control children. It's a shame the families didn't love their children enough to get them help. I would not stand by and watch my children's future go down the drain without doing something drastic. Today certainly not all parents believe this, but far too many parents think it is the schools and law enforcement who are supposed to raise their children. People should have to get a license before they get to take their children home from the hospital when they are born!

However, regardless of the lack of parenting, sixteen year olds know that setting a building on fire is a crime so that means they are CRIMINALS. I think the sentence is actually a little bit lenient. Letting the kids out after three years if they behave themselves is a very light sentence. I do think it is appropriate that there are consequences if they do not straighten up in juvie.

If sixteen year olds are not supposed to be expected to know right from wrong, our society needs to change. I'm sure this post will receive lots of flak. Just imagine how you would feel if these kids decided to come burn down your home.  You can't make people have a conscience, but you sure should punish those who don't!

Comment From: justmerighthere  (Report this comment as a violation)

I agree with andgeo3005 -- Everyone in this forum that disagrees should ask themselves, "What if it was my house that was intentionally set fire?"
Yes insurance would replace all of your contents... but you will never re-gain all of your family photos... memorabilia...And you can not even imagine what it would feel like trying to replace all of those things! You would have to take time off your regular job to make time to do this...You people should stop feeling sorry for these boys.
If and when they are released... if in 3 years... I hope they don't assault your children or vandalize your personal property... I mean since it may put them back for LIFE !!! Comment From: andgeo3005  (Report this comment as a violation)

I think this sentence is good. Yes they are only teens, but they were very irresponsible. The physical damage was $1.8 Million dollars. However, nobody is taking into account the mental strain, the discomfort, and the readjustments the current Dudley students and staff have had to endure in order to give and receive an education that others take for granted. Has it been fair for these kids? No, I think not. The Dudley kids are paying for the "mistake" of a couple of teenagers that should have been engaged in something a little more productive like a "job". I hope others teens will be able to see that crime does not pay. Damaged property is only the beginning. The property can be replaced but it can not bring back lost time. Comment From: Kokernotchick  (Report this comment as a violation)

Think of the sentence like this: They are sentenced to 3 years in prison for a crime that cost $1.8 million damage. If they don't improve their actions while in prison, they may have to stay there until they are 56. The ball is in their court. Comment From: justmyopinion31  (Report this comment as a violation)

Gman7:

I remember the story just like it was yesterday.His name was Raydon Alexander.Yes he did make history for being the first football player to where an ankle monitor.I think the school aloud that because he was one of there best players.Alexander was driving his car with a friend in the passenger seat whom had got into some "drama" with another guy from Wharton,TX a few days prior.The bullets were meant for the passenger but Raydon ended up taking the bullets while the passenger jumped out of the car and ran.He drove his self to the hospital and died soon after.Biggest funeral that I have ever seen.Talking about 1/2 the town was there.And yes i agree with you he was misguided ,very misguided.The killer was sentenced to I believe 25 years but is out on parole now after 15 years.The other youth you were talking about may be Albert Yancey,he is still locked up and waiting for parole to be granted.Parents need to start taking responsibility for there "Kids" actions. Comment From: laney  (Report this comment as a violation)

Victoria I'd like to start off by saying we need to All pray for these children and theirs families.When we unite in prayer God can do amazing things.Secondly I'd like to comment about the comment the principal made.Dealing with children everyday she should be the first to understand that they make bad choices everyday and that mercy needs to be shown.But i guess some people THINK there kids must be perfect.No the truth is we are ALL no matter what position you hold we are ALL one bad decision from something like this.Look at the case worker who died awhile back and the person and his family who are involved.I pray for them daily because i know what they must be going through.As for the jurors,well to know that we have and probably talk to everyday those heartless and awfull people here in Victoria is frightining.More frightining than 2 children who were misguided in their lives and made a wrong choice.Why you ask?Because now those 2 children are gone unfortunatelly and we still have to deal with ugly people like them everyday .I hope they think of these 2 children when they are opening gifts with there own this Christmas.....sidenote:never compare a human life to a building or monetary things,those who do must not be very educated Comment From: triplesec  (Report this comment as a violation)

You know this punishment is a little harsh to me. Kids make mistakes, it up to the parents to teach them how to learn from their mistakes. What would have happened to me if they would have handed me a punishment like that. When I was in the fifth grade my brothers and I broke into the school that we were going to and vandalized it pretty bad. My point is that we were not punished like that, we were given 5 days ISS. Now two of my brothers are Peace Officers, and I am a supervisor at Inteplast. Comment From: Gman7  (Report this comment as a violation)

40 years, doubtful! They will be out in less than 10 with good behavior (if they have any).

Besides, they were good boys, just slightly misguided. It seems Victoria has have this story before. I can remember two boys about 15 years ago. One misguided youth who had a history of violence and drug abuse ended up making history. He put Victoria on the national map. Unfortunately it was for being the first high school football player to wear an ankle bracelet for monitoring his activities while playing a game. I think he got shot. Yes he was good. He was so good that the students showed up at the unnamed high school with pictures of him on their t-shirts.

And then another misguided youth (from the same high school) who got a life sentence for murder. Is he out yet?

Yes like the others, these were just misguided youths who really loved their families. Besides 1.8 million is only the beginning. It will cost more to lock them up than put them through Harvard (not that they would ever get there). I agree with one reader, the parents should do time as well. Comment From: southtexas  (Report this comment as a violation)

COME ON PEOPLE....THE ARTICLE SAYS THEY CAN BE OUT IN 3 YEARS IF THEY STRAIGHTEN UP. IT APPEARS THAT THESE KIDS DON'T LEARN EASILY, HOPEFULLY THE POSSIBILITY OF A 40 YEAR TERM IF THEY DON'T CHANGE WILL SCARE THEM STRAIGHT. JUVENILES KNOW AND ABUSE THE FACT THAT THEIR SENTENCES ARE OFTEN LIGHT BECAUSE OF THEIR AGE. IT DIDN'T WORK THIS TIME.....HOPEFULLY THE SENTENCE WILL MAKE AN IMPRESSION ON OTHER HOODLUMS WHO THINK THEY CAN GET BY WITH MURDER BECAUSE THEY ARE JUVNILES. MY BET IS THAT THESE TWO WILL BE OUT IN THREE YEARS AND THEN WILL BE BACK IN THE PRISON SYSTEM IN LESS THAN A YEAR. PEOPLE ARE FED UP WITH JUVENILE ABUSE!!!! THESE TWO KNEW FULL WELL WHAT THEY WERE DOING, IT'S NOT LIKE IT WAS AN ACCIDENT, OR A STUPID TRICK. Comment From: coco  (Report this comment as a violation)

I'd like to see this same jury for Ratcliff, myself! A armed pedophile and predator should definately receive many more years! Comment From: nomodrama  (Report this comment as a violation)

OK...so it is totally agreed upon that these teens needed some form of punishment!!! 40 years is ridiculous! The article mentioned that these teens did come from a troubled past but no where does it mention that there will be counseling or any type of rehabilitation for these children. It is mind boggling to try and understand that the principal herself agreed with the punishment. She is one of our communities educators....shouldn't she have suggested that they get counseling along with punishment or is she OVERJOYED with our so called "system."

"It's going to be placed back in their hands," Garza said

This can not be true..do any one of you know the pressures in one of these facilities???? and then we will ask them to be apart of our society again.


PineyWoods is so...on the right track! Comment From: PineyWoods  (Report this comment as a violation)

This is a difficult case to process in one's mind. On the one side: these are 16 year old kids. On the other side: they've been in plenty of trouble before and had moved up to a level of behavior that caused almost $2 million of damage. But 40 years? I don't know about that. Not sure I could have sat on that jury and come up with a 40 year verdict. Ten would have probably been my level of acceptance. I might could have been convinced of 15. But I don't see myself getting to 40 for a kid no matter what his first 16 years had been like.
I think, though, that I feel the worst about the mothers in this. They turned their children in. No doubt in the back of their minds the moms hoped that by turning themselves in, the kids might get a break at sentencing time. I'm sure they are second guessing their decisions right about now.
Now, about the three year part of this: one would certainly hope that these two boys will get their act together, behave appropriately, get some counseling, and come out changed for the better. But if they continue on this downward spiral that it seems they are caught in, then when they come out 40 years from now they will have enhanced all the wrong behavior and be ready for their next showdown with the law and probably be back behind bars in short order.
All the way around, this is a tragedy.
Another side bar: Can we please have this same jury for Ratcliff and other sexual predators? THAT would do my heart good! Comment From: Brandi  (Report this comment as a violation)

Jimmincricket: I understand what you are saying and I'm glad that the outcome of their future is placed in their hands. They need to step up and take responsibility of their own lives because somewhere along the way someone dropped the ball in that area...however....what kind of hope do those boys have right now. Regardless of the chance of parole what kind of despair must they be feeling? 40 years is a long time no matter what your chance of parole is. And I had great parents, who beat the crap out of me several times for my mischiviousness but I still grew up running on the wrong side of the law several times. It all boils down to holding yourself accountable and responsible for the outcome of your actions. I still think 40 years was very harsh. I just hope the boys keep their minds open and their hearts soft. I hope that we don't breed a new generation of criminals by putting them away. Think about this as well, who will be supporting these boys while they are locked up? Our tax dollars? How can they repay the community for the damage they did while they are locked up? Comment From: Rachel61  (Report this comment as a violation)

I'm deeply saddend by the sentence handed these boys. It's horrible to think that a jury or anyone else could actually believe the sentence fits this crime. I too, agree that some punishment is due but what was given is so outrageous, almost unbeliveable. I understand about the possiblilty of parole in 3 years, so what. Sometimes kids that are put into the atmosphere are set up to fail. I'm wondering if in the future a mom who heard about this case might think twice about turning her kid in for burglary or vandelism. I'll bet she never expected to see this result. I pray that this can be appealed, I pray for the families, I pray for the boys, and I pray for the cruel hard hearts. AND I'M NOT EVEN THAT RELIGIOUS!!!

Comment From: ramready  (Report this comment as a violation)

Wow- forty years! These kids are being punished for their parents lack of parenting. I say give the kids 5 years and the parents 35. I know the Judge is trying to send a statement to the hooligans roaming our streets and committing crimes, and I agree. Unfortunately, our legal system has to do the job the parents are not.

If the Ratcliff allegations prove to be true- I hope he is measured by the same staff. I am also hoping the DA will go after the cops that knew what the old sheriff was doing- some of them had to have known. Comment From: texasmom  (Report this comment as a violation)

joey300 i hear you. I will never forget when I was 7 years old I was playing with scissors and one of my brothers was picking on me. I threw the scissors at him and I will never forget the beating my bottom got for doing it. I was grounded for 2 long months no T.V. no playing with my friends had to go straight to my room when school was out.and mind you Santa was not good to me that year. I can say now I am so glad my parents scolded me for it. These kids are lucky that they could be released in 3 years. I hope that they can behave while there. Do these kids have to pay restitution of any kind when they are released? Does anyone know? Comment From: joey3000  (Report this comment as a violation)

Maybe if we could teach and discipline these kids right from the start, they wouldn't be headed to the clink for a double-twankie. Something tells me that these kids did at least a couple things they should have gotten spanked (and not timed-out) for on their way to setting a school on fire. Call it a hunch. But spanked or not, these could be your kids if you don't give them lots of positive attention and teach them what's right. Hug a kid and do something positive with them today like play catch, even if they're not your kid. Comment From: ToniAnne  (Report this comment as a violation)

I commented on the other article posted yesterday right after the verdict, and I wanted to comment here.

At first I thought the boys got a really harsh sentence, but after learning that they have the chance to make it rght by obeying the rules for 3 years, I feel a little less bitter.

As for the boys playing games in the courtroom... they are kids. Since when is 16 an adult? Sometimes 18 isn't mentally an adult...

I also want to point out something else: The article says the mothers of the boys called investigators on their own (evidently turning their sons in) and the boys confessed within a day.

I wonder if the mothers had not have called the investigators if the boys would have ever been found out.

As a mother myself my heart aches for those mothers and what they must have had to have gone through these past few months. I pray for the boys that they choose the right path, so as they don't spend the next 40 years in jail.

But that is up to them.

Comment From: justme  (Report this comment as a violation)

Guys take a look at the damage done....1.8 million dollars! You think this is worth community service and probation? This sentence should send a very serious message to the young people of our community. A prank is putting a note on someone's back....a crime is causing this much damage to a community facility. Comment From: jimminicricket  (Report this comment as a violation)

PEOPLE READ THE ARTICLE!!!

IF these young men can keep their behavior in check for three years, they will not have to serve 40. It is THEIR choice! "It’s going to be placed back in their hands,” he said. The boys will be eligible for parole in three years if they follow rules while at the Texas Youth Commission facility, Garza said. If their behavior is poor, they will be moved to prison once they turn 19.

A side bar, here--- And a-whole-nother case, If Ratcliff is found guilty of sexual assault of a child with a deadly weapon, I'd like to believe he'd get 40+ years! He is an adult. His victim was a child.

Comment From: legaleagle  (Report this comment as a violation)

Brandi - I too, was in shock and tears when I heard this on the 6:00 news yesterday. A murderer at Saxet Lake didn't even get this much time.  Those boys could have served at least a sentence until they were 19 and be rehabilitated during this time. Serving 40 years, they will be useless when they return to society. And because the jurors deliberated so long, I can only wonder, was there one juror who was against giving them 40 years? If so, what made that juror change their mind? Getting home early yesterday evening? I do hope the attorneys can file an appeal or something. Did the jurors find out about other types of cases and what types of sentences they got prior to making this decision? My prayers are with these families. I asked my son if he knew one of them and he did from his sixth grade year know one of the boys. He did say this boy was bad back then. However, he couldn't believe that he got 40 years for this when all the other stuff that goes on in Victoria sometimes never even gets to the courts. Comment From: Brandi  (Report this comment as a violation)

I cried this morning as I listened to the news and heard that these boys recieved 40 years. My prayers are with the boys and their families. Was it a dumb mistake? Yes? Should they have tons of community service and maybe a 6 month stay at Juvi? Yes! But 40 years? Come on now! That's ridiculous! The prosecutors office needs to get off it's high horse and really focus on justice. Comment From: jimminicricket  (Report this comment as a violation)

IF these young men can keep their behavior in check for three years, they will not have to serve 40. It is THEIR choice!  "It’s going to be placed back in their hands,” he said. The boys will be eligible for parole in three years if they follow rules while at the Texas Youth Commission facility, Garza said. If their behavior is poor, they will be moved to prison once they turn 19.

A side bar, here--- And a-whole-nother case,  If Ratcliff is found guilty of sexual assault of a child with a deadly weapon, I'd like to believe he'd get 40+ years! He is an adult. His victim was a child.

Comment From: endoftimes  (Report this comment as a violation)

Has the world gone mad. These boys deserve the justice that is being served. The article made reference to them playing children's games as they awaited the verdict. Was that observation just placed in the article to confound our sensibilities? They are guilty of arson!! I totally agree with the sentencing. I have a home with children. What if they had decided to burn my home down and my children had died. The deeds they did should not be taken lightly. There must be attonement for what they did. 40 years seems harsh, but in forty years could either one of them repay the 2 million dollars damage they caused. No, I guess insurance or tax money will cover their damage. I do feel sorry for the mothers. However, where were the bleeding hearts before these nearly grown boys committed the crime. One commented to say that the punishment was unfair. This was not their first offense, according to the article. How many schools must be burned before troubled kids pay for their deeds. Once society allows actions like this to go unpunished, no one is safe. Comment From: Den78  (Report this comment as a violation)

I agree with you back in 1996 a teen was shot in a drive bye shooting he lost his life at the age of 16 or 17 the person who killed him got 20 yr.But thats what the justice system here in Victoria calls justice. Comment From: cmolina  (Report this comment as a violation)

I am saddened by this ruling. I definitely think these boys need to pay for their mistake, but not like this. These seem to be kids who have had a troubled past and could have benefited more from a positive roll model. But by putting them away for what might as well be life in prison is not the answer. They'll only come out institutionalized with no hope of any future. I find it hard to believe that there are people out there convicted of murder with smaller sentences than this. Comment From: Den78  (Report this comment as a violation)

My prayer's got out to these Mother's there son's mad a bad choice and now they have to learn the hard way.I hope they learn from this and when they are let out they will do rite.Now is the time for them to change have Faith because all they have now is there family and family is what counts.To the Mothers of these two young men may God Bless you and your family and watch over your son's.