Connecting You to Your Community
Lodi, California •

Story Tools

Email this story | Print this story

Indexes


November 30th, 2008
November 29th, 2008
November 28th, 2008
November 27th, 2008
November 26th, 2008
November 25th, 2008
November 24th, 2008
ADVERTISEMENT

Parent: Our son, a good kid, will pay heavily for this thoughtless mistake

Updated: Saturday, November 3, 2007 7:36 AM PDT
Comments (412 comment(s))

Editor's note: The following is a letter to the community from a parent of one of the students arrested Thursday for releasing a noxious gas at Lodi High. We have verified that the letter is genuine; however, we have agreed to the parent's desire to remain anonymous because of the sensitivities involved.

As parents of one of the moronic, stupid idiots who brought the pepper spray to school, we have something to say.

Yes, our son made THE worst decision he has made in his life of 16 years, 4 months and 11 days. He did not think through the consequences of his actions, as most teenagers don't. Unfortunately, his decision affected the lives of many, including his own and that of his family. He, as he should be, is beyond remorseful as well as saddened by what he has caused. He was ignorant of the enormity of his actions until it all came down, and now he realizes that he is morally and civilly responsible for damages, and is preparing to face this. He will be forced to read the blogs to see just how hard-hearted and judgmental people can be, some of them rightfully so.

We thank God that no one was fatally injured, and we can only pray that the kids who were taken to the hospital will recover fully. You bloggers think what you want. None of us, including my son, want anyone to be permanently physically damaged by this ordeal.

If any of you have anything to say to us, we encourage you to do so. But take a cold, hard look at your life and tell us you or someone you love has not made a poor decision that affected the lives of others. Yes, he's our son. We love him very much and we are sorry for what he has done. To all the students and parents out there, please know that we are very sorry for this. To answer any lingering questions: He does not come from a broken home. He has a clean record, up until now. Neither of his parents use drugs. I may have a drink on occasion; my husband doesn't drink at all. We are in contact with our children when they are out and about. We have family game night on Wednesdays; we sit down at the dinner table and eat as a family 3 to 4 nights a week. We attend football games together. We eat out together as a family one night a week. We go to family functions, weddings, baby showers and baby births together. He attends youth group occasionally. We attend church as a family occasionally.

He has a multitude of friends that come to the house that are GOOD kids. He's a good kid. He has aspirations of joining the ATF after college. He works for his uncle in the summer. He participates in football and wrestling.

He is a good kid who made a horrible mistake. He will be affected by this for the rest of his life, and we hope that any of you who read this will talk to your kids about the consequences of one prank that can go bad, how important it is in life to think before you act. He will not get off with a slap on the wrist.

He will pay the consequences as deemed necessary by a judge, his parents and his own conscience.

Reader Feedback

Parent wrote on Nov 16, 2007 9:38 PM:

" These kids messed up, but juvie is not the place for them. I've worked at Peterson Hall before. Kids in for minor offenses are exposed to kids who are in for felonies and have the mindset of prison inmates. Not a good learning experience. There is a boot camp that seems to do some good for some kids, though. "

Report Abuse

to lucky mommy wrote on Nov 16, 2007 8:17 PM:

" its people like you that make excuses.i hope your not a parent. lol "

Report Abuse

Luckeymommy wrote on Nov 16, 2007 6:24 PM:

" Fortunately, for alot of the "blogging" parents on this website, their identities are annonymous. I am sure that a large majority of these parents have children with myspace accounts and it would be quite humorous and hypocritical for them (and us) to view these pages. Half of your daughters are probably promiscuous; Your sons are graphic, inappropriate and drug/alcohol infested. Its unfortunate for the families of these "one-day malicious attackers" that their "horrible parenting" was broadcasted and the rest of Lodi can sit and point fingers even though indirectly, their children are making Lodi more and more unsafe EVERYDAY. "

Report Abuse

To Hey Lodian wrote on Nov 16, 2007 5:30 PM:

" How do you know this person is a woman? Or do you with your superior wit just devine these things? I mean anyone with an IQ the same number as their shoe size must be good. Right? "

Report Abuse

lodi resident wrote on Nov 16, 2007 12:10 PM:

" By the way parents you need to check your kids rooms to see if there are guns around, you didnt seem to think to much of them having the pepper spray. be parents get your heads out of the sand.your kids are almost adults and you havent done a very good job. "

Report Abuse

lodi resident wrote on Nov 16, 2007 12:06 PM:

" These boys are criminals and should be treated as such. What are you people thinking to many get away with way to much a harmless prank would have been throwing soap in water fall. not this.these boys tried to hurt kids and should not get away with it. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Nov 16, 2007 9:39 AM:

" sound guy: Good, another voice of reason. Punish these kids, yes indeed, but prosecute them like they are hardened criminals?... no. Teach them a good lesson for this, but allow them to atone and become responsible adults. This will not happen if you send them to prison (as some would like). I hope these kids' parents are the hardest on them of anyone, but they also need to know that people can screw up really bad and still make amends and work to be a person of integrity and character. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Nov 16, 2007 9:31 AM:

" To: listen to "oh my": I believe most people have "goofed up" in some way shape or form in their youth. So, what's the point of your comment? "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Nov 16, 2007 9:29 AM:

" The parents stated that they are going to be civilly responsible. Why would one still sue them if they have already agreed to be responsible? "

Report Abuse

Ajax wrote on Nov 16, 2007 8:03 AM:

" Ica, why shouldn't a lawsuit happen here? I understand that the parents of the victims have medical expenses from the incident and are the parents of the defendants paying those? Are the defendants? If they are not going to make restitution shouldn't they be required too? What other tool to extract restitution do you have but a lawsuit? "

Report Abuse

Woodbridge Resident wrote on Nov 15, 2007 6:19 PM:

" To Griot: 11/7/07 FINALLY! Sorry, it's taken so long. I have had computer difficulties. Anyhoo, yes I am sorry your children are not on their way to prison. It seems they would be better of in the system, than in your bumbling hands. Also, thanks for the laugh! It's INTELLIGENCE - not INTELLAGENCE! Gotta love it! Now you have a nice day! ;) "

Report Abuse

Hey Lodian wrote on Nov 15, 2007 5:05 PM:

" Have you seen pleny of adults releasing noxious gas into public crowded places? LOL, As if to suggest that makes it any less of a crime. LOL. I bet you wake up every morning hoping theres some new drama going on with the homeless peope or ANYONE other than the Lodi teen set. LOL LMAOOOOOOOO KEEP DREAMING WOMAN! DENY, DEFLECT, DISMISS AND DEFEND. THE STORY OF YOUR LIFE!!!!!!!!! "

Report Abuse

lca wrote on Nov 15, 2007 1:08 PM:

" Yes, on certain occasions a lawsuit is justified but NOT IN THIS CASE. Move on.... "

Report Abuse

sound guy wrote on Nov 15, 2007 11:00 AM:

" Really? all this over a stupid prank? mean prank yes, but prank. Kids will be kids. This said, it does not give them a free pass. They will still have the repercussions to deal with. As teenagers I'm sure we all pulled some sort of mean spirited prank. I too am a parent by the way. "

Report Abuse

CDW is right on wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:34 AM:

" I think that these good kids who played football, new that there were adverse reactions when people are exposed to pepper spray. Kids will be kids is not a defense for someone knowing exposing innocent people to a substance that is intended for self defense. "

Report Abuse

cdw wrote on Nov 15, 2007 9:34 AM:

" those boys knew what was going to happen. They wanted to see how fun it would be to see the kids suffer. They go caught and figured they would not. They were just having fun. They need to be punished or else grow up as an adult and do worse things. "

Report Abuse

listen to"oh my" wrote on Nov 14, 2007 3:10 PM:

" Spoken like a parents whose kids have goofed up. "

Report Abuse

TJB wrote on Nov 14, 2007 2:50 PM:

" I thaght that the students should be expeled. I even took the pool. But reading this article changed my mind. Ithink the student and the parents are truly sorry. If there was anyway to revote I would. "

Report Abuse

Ajax wrote on Nov 14, 2007 10:33 AM:

" A lawsuit brings a remedy and is an aplication to society for justice. No more and no less than that. When a child is hurt by a malicious criminal act like this incident it seems evident that a victim should be able to seek reimbursement for the injury, for the hospital bills, and for the burden of the harm suffered. It's worse to think that we have people that don't readily shoulder those costs when their children have harmed someone but what is worse is when I see people condemming victims for seeking justice. "

Report Abuse

Ajax wrote on Nov 14, 2007 10:28 AM:

" I've never claimed to be a perfect parent or have perfect kids and these argumnets claiming that some special knowledge is gained from having kids, or having kids at a certain age...misses the point. The point is values and applying those values without regard to race or whether it is you child that has done a malicious criminal act. Given some of the responses here, I'm not surprised that we have the level of trouble and mis-behaving kids thatwe see in our schools. "

Report Abuse

This is over sensationalized wrote on Nov 14, 2007 12:03 AM:

" To ajax....you must be spending too much time with the cleaning agents. Were you locked up in the bathroom with ajax and cleaning products and burnt your good senses? You keep pulling out the card, whether it be race, neighborhood redlining, culture, or differences in income levels - you are a trouble maker and a rabble-rouser...I feel sorry for your children and those around you. Wow, I hope you are not my eastside neighbor! "

Report Abuse

oh my wrote on Nov 13, 2007 7:30 PM:

" Ajax: Come back and talk it up when your kids are teenagers. Then we'll see you eat crow. "

Report Abuse

to Ajax wrote on Nov 13, 2007 5:45 PM:

" Everytime I want to blog a comment here, you beat me to it. Thank you for your insightful blogs. I agree with you 100%. I could not say it any better. THNX. "

Report Abuse

To Ajax wrote on Nov 13, 2007 5:05 PM:

" Your kids must be perfect than,right. Never a bad choice or a mistake? You must really be model citizen.SUE,SUE,SUE!!!! I guess I should teach my kids that. If someone steps on your foot in the hallway at school be sure and sue them. They might pay your way through college.Just make sure you get one from the EAST SIDE. Thats where the big lawsuits are,and if they are hispanic everyone in the community will agree with you. Thanks,I was wondering how I was going to get my kids through college too. "

Report Abuse

waste wrote on Nov 13, 2007 4:41 PM:

" The parents wrote on behalf of their son, to the parents. the son wrote to the students on myspace. "

Report Abuse

waste wrote on Nov 13, 2007 4:39 PM:

" I just read these blogs and its sad that people are wanting to sue for this prank. Unless money was actually spent on the kids who needed attention, just let it go. Your child is fine. The mom wrote this letter because she is THE MOM! Yes, her son should have wrote one as well, but as a mother you protect your kids.The child is being punished! He will be in trouble for a long time, with parents and legally. "

Report Abuse

Ajax wrote on Nov 13, 2007 1:30 PM:

" Being a parent (which I am) has no bearing on the argument at hand. When your child does a malicious criminal act we are suppossed to excuse it at the expense of justice and the needs of the victims. When it's a family from the east side whose child has done a malicious act, then that becomes a different story in these blogs. What these young men did was a crime and attempt to mitigate it all you want but these are felonies committed against inncocent kids. Take it to a jury and see what happens. "

Report Abuse

A parent's note wrote on Nov 13, 2007 12:30 PM:

" I have 3 children and we raise them to think and act responsible and on them about everything. It is a parents job to do so, but one thing I do know is we can not control every second of their lives and we hope, as parents, they make the right decision based on ethics, values and morals. "

Report Abuse

Oh boy wrote on Nov 13, 2007 12:14 PM:

" Ajax has no children. It's obvious. He is clueless about raising children and what is a stupid childish act and what is the malicious act of a criminal. No one deserves compensation. Only kids with existing conditions went to the hospital. Stop blowing this out of proportion, Ajax. These kids will be punished, but not jailed as you would like. You are more of a threat to society than these kids. You and your lawyers are a danger to society. "

Report Abuse

Ajax wrote on Nov 13, 2007 8:54 AM:

" You don't have to have a permanent injury to bring a suit or deserve compensation especially when the act was wanton. Death or the threat of death is not a predicate for bringing suit. Moreover this criminal act was in malice. That is obvious. Victims who have suffered are not maggots. They have a right to be compensated for their injury. Finally, given the nature of the comments from the people who have identified themselves as related to the defendants, it is not surprising that these young men did these crimes. "

Report Abuse

Ajax wrote on Nov 13, 2007 8:48 AM:

" How am I feeling sorry for myself? That's seems to be a silly question. The fact is that I am not hispanic nor black and that should not create or diminish a legitiimate point of view. The fact remains that one can still can recognize race bias and ignorance when it's present in members of a community. If these defendants who maliciously sprayed these students were hispanic, or black or indian--this blog would be much different and far less sypathetic to the criminals. "

Report Abuse

To the Parents wrote on Nov 13, 2007 7:41 AM:

" This too shall pass -- but consider it a red flag warning and keep a short leash on your child. He will probably become a fine, contributing member of society one day but remain vigilant until he is! "

Report Abuse

to hmmmm wrote on Nov 12, 2007 8:39 PM:

" only if the greed is greater than the deed....be sure to remember that. "

Report Abuse

bella_777 wrote on Nov 12, 2007 3:58 PM:

" Some people seem to need a nap or something. It was a prank - a very, very bad idea of a prank, but a prank nonetheless. Many kids try to come up with something that will make them be remembered. There was no true malice involved. Nobody was going to die from the pepper spray. The police carry it for God sakes! If the parents hadn't said anything, you all would have accused them of being self-absorbed, unemployed, drug addicted, no good people. It turns out they are normal parents with a kid who did a dumb thing. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Nov 12, 2007 2:58 PM:

" Find the middle. These boys aren't viscous criminals nor are they innocent little boys. Be realistic and not so extreme. Hopefully these boys will be punished appropriately. "

Report Abuse

Hmmm wrote on Nov 12, 2007 2:21 PM:

" this blog just keeps getting better. Now the victims and their parents are the maggots and the felons are the saints. Only in Lodi. "

Report Abuse

to griot wrote on Nov 12, 2007 1:11 PM:

" You are really stupied,this does not at all make these boys bad sons. Get over yourself!!A bad son would have released the gas on their parents. They made a bad choice.And may have proven to be not so smart sometimes. MOVE ON!!!! "

Report Abuse

You guys all SUCK wrote on Nov 12, 2007 1:08 PM:

" I can not believe you all have such small lives that you feel the need to keep going back and forth over this stuff. Let it go and let the law deal with it. Get a life!! "

Report Abuse

No Entitlements wrote on Nov 12, 2007 1:04 PM:

" Kids are products of their upbringing. Something allowed these teens to believe that this prank falls in the same "harmless" category as graffiti or toilet-papering the school. Kids are kids, and most take out their impulsiveness constructively. Others cross the boundaries of civil acceptance and deliberately or negligently cause harm to others. That boundary is defined by one's parenting and upbringing. An unfortunate trend, parents nowadays are rarely proactive, working with their children toward responsibility. Insted, they let kids be too independent, parenting only reactively. In this sense, society is parenting the children -- what do you expect? "

Report Abuse

To East Coast Kid cont wrote on Nov 12, 2007 12:12 PM:

" Believe me, the word will be heard loud and clear, and those greedy people will be known as the maggots that they are. "

Report Abuse

to ajax wrote on Nov 12, 2007 12:12 PM:

" What injuries do these kids have? You need to read what was posted earlier in these blogs. It has already been proven by a blogger with facts that he/she left proving medically that there can be no injuries physically sustained from pepper spray. "

Report Abuse

To East Coast Kid wrote on Nov 12, 2007 12:12 PM:

" I say this in kindness...stay off this blog, do not let it bother you. Your cousin will be protected by those around him, and by the many many friends that he has - believe me he has a whole sports team behind him. People like Griot will have their day, believe me, if Griot or any of these other people are greedy, the word will get out. And Griot and others will have there own day in the court of public opinion. "

Report Abuse

to griot from MG wrote on Nov 12, 2007 11:11 AM:

" Good people make mistakes all the time. It doesnt mean the parents or society failed them. Dont act like you have never made mistakes. Mistakes are made on different levels. People pay for the mistakes and hopefully learn from them. "

Report Abuse

afgo wrote on Nov 12, 2007 10:34 AM:

" Griot, great comment.(10:03) "

Report Abuse

Griot wrote on Nov 12, 2007 10:03 AM:

" East Coast Kid. What your cousin did was not a mistake. It was a deliberate act of terror on his fellow students. The crime your cousin commited was premeditated. You need to be honest with yourself and him. Someone has failed this young man. A good son doesn't commit this type of crime. Just my opinion. Not a judgement. "

Report Abuse

To Lodi Native wrote on Nov 12, 2007 9:59 AM:

" There are alot of places where you do not have to speak spanish to get a job. I think you need to move out of Lodi and experience the world "

Report Abuse

Ajax wrote on Nov 12, 2007 8:51 AM:

" Well the choice to bring a suit belongs to the victims as individuals, however, several of these victims do in fact have real injuries and for that why should they not be compensated? The acts are malicious because they are felony crimes. They idea of learing another language exists in other states who do not have large hispanic minority populations. But your complaint is that you don't want your brother, this non-injured alleged victim as you describe him, to be bilingual and well educated. Why not learn Spanish? "

Report Abuse

To AJAx From Mg wrote on Nov 12, 2007 8:18 AM:

" Were you born in the United State or due you live here? Do you have a job here? do you pay taxes? do you have medical and a roof over your head? You probaly due. Welcome to America and congradulations on being American. Now stop feeling sorry for yourself and quit crying!!! "

Report Abuse

hey lodian wrote on Nov 12, 2007 8:15 AM:

" The past should have nothing to do with the punishment.Make "the time,fit this crime" "

Report Abuse

Chuck wrote on Nov 11, 2007 8:52 PM:

" To wellwell, why yes, I have three teenagers, and to answer your other question, yes, I do know where they are around the clock, that is my job... "

Report Abuse

Chuck wrote on Nov 11, 2007 8:50 PM:

" I am assuming that Ajax is a lawyer... "

Report Abuse

To Kids wrote on Nov 11, 2007 6:47 PM:

" Maybe if people kicked the kids in this town more while they were down, they would not be such punks! I am sorry to say but the kids in Lodi could not hang in the real world. Oh wait a Lodi kid did make a name for herself and she is sleeping with an 80 year old man and strips for her father. What respectable children this town raises. "

Report Abuse

East Coast Kid wrote on Nov 11, 2007 5:10 PM:

" Malicious... Are you kidding me ajax... i really hope you are. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Nov 11, 2007 12:59 PM:

" This case cannot be decided on a message board. For one thing, most here do not know of these kids' past. One would need to know the whole story to decide how harsh the punishment should be for these boys. "

Report Abuse

Lodi Native cont. wrote on Nov 11, 2007 12:56 PM:

" To Ajax cont.My brother is being pushed to take spanish just because of that reason. So stop your whinning on this blg and go on my space and find someone who really wants to listen. This is about kids making bad choices not about what race they are. LOSER!!! "

Report Abuse

Lodi Native wrote on Nov 11, 2007 12:55 PM:

" Further more as far as being racist it is people like you who give hard working hispanics or anybody pretty much of any race a bad name,by ALWAYS whinning about what your race is treated like. As far as I am concerned hispanics run California,where else do you have to know spanish just to get a job because whites are the minority. "

Report Abuse

Lodi Native cont. wrote on Nov 11, 2007 12:50 PM:

" to Ajax, I myself do not live in the state of California anymore by do in fact have a brother who was a "victim" of this whole thing.He just really wants to move on with his life and get back to normal and wants people like you to stop saying everyone should sue and drag this out. "

Report Abuse

Ajax wrote on Nov 11, 2007 8:36 AM:

" Additionally these remarks are an attempt to distract from the discussion that the victims from this attack should seek compensation for the real damages caused by the malicious acts of the defendants. Now people who undoubtedly have a conncetion to the defendants are calling people names and demeaning them when they indicate that they desrve compensation. They indeed do deserve money to compensate them for the actual harm they suffered whether it was seemingly temporary or permanent. "

Report Abuse

Ajax wrote on Nov 11, 2007 8:31 AM:

" First, to Gotcha, It would ironic if I was a in fact a racist and that is a slanderous remark without any foundation in fact and based on a lie. Second, if you follow these blogs the negative race bias in the remarks is clearly evident. Too many (but not all or even a majority) who post to this blog have no empathy for hispanic defendants but show remarkable understanding and a willingness to go easy on defendants who are white. Now to MG, what a silly argument you try to make. Felling sorry? "

Report Abuse

Gotcha wrote on Nov 11, 2007 2:24 AM:

" Ajax is a racist. "

Report Abuse

To Mom wrote on Nov 10, 2007 5:37 PM:

" I would have to completly agree with last comment about being money hungry. Why can't anybody just let the law deal with it and let everyone start moving on. If you have medical bills to pay get that money back,but everyone needs to move on. "

Report Abuse

East Coast Kid wrote on Nov 10, 2007 2:23 PM:

" HOLY CRAP!!!!! YOU GUYS ARE ARE SOOOOOOO RIDICULOUS!!!! I seriously can't believe how far you are taking this. And to mom, is your child dead? Permanently injured? If not, then let it go. All of you seriously just need to relax with all of this. Yes, it is a serious issue, I fully realize that, BUT HE IS BEING PUNISHED! So don't tell my aunt how to discipline her children, because I'm sure if your child was the one who made a really dumb mistake, you wouldn't want this for them. "

Report Abuse

to to mom wrote on Nov 10, 2007 1:57 PM:

" your quote "Frankly I would prefer the young mans parents any day if I was a kid". Of course you would. They consider his breaking the law as just a prank gone bad. "

Report Abuse

to mom wrote on Nov 10, 2007 11:28 AM:

" At this point it's about SHOW ME THE MONEY for you. Got a new car picked out? Maybe a vacation, facelift? By rights that's your childs money. They were the ones involved. Let me guess you suffered emotional trauma when you got the phone call. Somebody arressed this before but hysteria spreads in teenagers like wildfire. Frankly I would prefer the young mans parents any day if I was a kid. "

Report Abuse

Ajax wrote on Nov 10, 2007 6:42 AM:

" The parents are also responsible here and should be held accountable for the real damages caused by the crimes commited by their teenagers. You can negotiate with a lawyer on the percentage taken if a suit is sucessful and the law limits how much a lawyer can take even if you don't negotiate. For people that are actually hurt, lawsuit judgments are the means to insure your comensated for the burden of your injury caused by another. "

Report Abuse

to drs orders wrote on Nov 10, 2007 3:24 AM:

" Some people are just not that bright. Your son obviously has a good head on his shoulders and knows how to take care of himself. "

Report Abuse

Kids wrote on Nov 9, 2007 10:51 PM:

" Sometimes they just don't think. That is why they are kids.We need to continue to guide them not kick them even more while they are down. And god forbid their mothers try to defend/or try to understand them and support them.They are their mothers it is crazy people like all of you who think they should throw them to the wolves. Boy would that be a great role model. "

Report Abuse

Lodi Native Response wrote on Nov 9, 2007 10:47 PM:

" Now lets attack my kids your a real stable person,for your information I moved out of Lodi a long time ago to avoid this type of crime and my children being put through this. Is is okay no ,it is not at all what they did,but they are still kids and kids do make mistakes. I guess I did not realize how many perfect people there are out there in good old Lodi.Why don't you look at your crime rate as whole in your high and mighty town. "

Report Abuse

MG wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:20 PM:

" To Ajax, Get off the racial train. stop feeling sorry for yourself. So tired of listning to pathetic people like you. If life in lodi is so racist move the hell out. "

Report Abuse

wellwell wrote on Nov 9, 2007 7:22 PM:

" Chuck do you have teenagers? If so do you stick with them 24/7 and know everything they do? If you do, I think then it would be apropriate to judge others parenting, otherwise it's so much sour grapes call these people poor parents. "

Report Abuse

drs orders wrote on Nov 9, 2007 5:31 PM:

" Truth be told...the kids ended up having anxiety problems caused by minor asthmatic reaction to the pepper spray. My kid was there, He has asthma, he has severe asthma to the point of being hospitalized, he was smart enought to get himself out ot the area, get a cool drink, and went on with the day as usual. Try some Zanax - it works every time. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Nov 9, 2007 4:04 PM:

" Griot: My mistake. I should have said that this "mom" is ONE of the things wrong with society today, especially in regards to people jumping on the lawsuit/money bandwagon. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Nov 9, 2007 4:00 PM:

" To: "to": Reread the comment and perhaps you will comprehend it a second time around. "

Report Abuse

wellwell wrote on Nov 9, 2007 2:05 PM:

" Lodi Native you make some good points. Any lawyer is going to take between 33 and 50% or more of any judgement. The only people getting rich here will be the lawyers. The boys wil be punished and any restitution will be paid. I fail to see anything phony in the mothers letter. "

Report Abuse

CHuck wrote on Nov 9, 2007 2:03 PM:

" This is NOT about Kids, this is about poor parenting "

Report Abuse

Ajax wrote on Nov 9, 2007 1:33 PM:

" To bad we don't see this much empathy when the defendant's are hispanic. Any time a defendant has a hispanic last name, the good folks of Lodi want to deport them to Mexico along with kith and kin (from our fair state which just happens to have long spanish roots) or hang them from the nearest tall oak or sentiments to that effect. Now here some of the same folks that are so concerned about crime in our community when the defendants are hispanic have a much softer view when it's the fair haired boy. Sad. "

Report Abuse

Shame on some of you wrote on Nov 9, 2007 12:06 PM:

" Griot...God is capitalized if used as a name and many people us it as the name of their creator. If not used as a name, then no, it isn't. If you didn't give anyone reason to question your intelligence no one would. It would also help if you learned to use spell check. "

Report Abuse

to lodi native wrote on Nov 9, 2007 11:54 AM:

" When did this become a contest to say the most goofy thing? "

Report Abuse

to Lodi Native wrote on Nov 9, 2007 10:55 AM:

" Wow, now the felons are the victims? That is too funny, Lodi Native. Those poor little boys feel so bad because people do not appreciate their humorous assault. Gee, maybe they should grow up. "

Report Abuse

Lodi Parents Stink wrote on Nov 9, 2007 10:54 AM:

" Wake up people.. you think that the illegals are the problem with this town. IT IS YOUR KIDS.. who do you think they sell their drugs to? YOUR KIDS and that is why they do stupid crimes like this "

Report Abuse

To Lodi Native wrote on Nov 9, 2007 10:52 AM:

" The kid was not stable to begin with.. you dont pepper spray people for your enjoyment. Funny how people worry more about the Criminals than the Victims. You are probably raising one of these wonderful Lodi Criminals ooops Teens. "

Report Abuse

Logic wrote on Nov 9, 2007 10:50 AM:

" I think that the CRIMINALS should be responsible for victims medical costs in their entirety, all of Lodi Highs expenses related to this CRIME and reimbursement to the City of Lodi for police and emergency services as well as some time in jail. That is fair. "

Report Abuse

to Lodian wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:31 AM:

" So "poor" people should not have to follow the laws? Weird comment. And I do not think "Mom" sounds wildy crazy. She sounds like the parent of a victim. "

Report Abuse

Lodi Native cont. wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:30 AM:

" I hope someone is paying attention the kids stability right now because how cruel all of you people sound is enough to make a adult want to commit suicide. You all should be ashamed. "

Report Abuse

Cin Chin goes ape for Chris-a-shue wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:22 AM:

" To in defense: no one is saying that the VICTIMS (not victims mom) should not be compensated, this woman is talking about BANKRUPTING people....when the GREED is greateer than the deed, it is just plain wrong. MOM SHOULD BE ASHAMED. "

Report Abuse

Lodi Native cont. wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:16 AM:

" And to defending lawyers, pain and suffering law suit. Mmmmmm = a nice paycheck for you as well as some nice media attention to get your name out there. Who is feeding off who. If you were in it for the kids you never would have posted anything here.$$$$$$$ "

Report Abuse

Cin Chin goes ape for Chris-a-shue wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:16 AM:

" To mom...YOUR CHILD needs to get what they are entitled to, that is for sure, medical bills...etc....but the way you make it sound you are going for the throat. You talk about bankrupting these people....my goodness there are 4 kids involved, it will be probably a couple thousand a piece (at the most) divide the entire cost by 4 families...that will not bankrupt them...get real, unless your greed is greater than this deed. Which it sounds like it is. "

Report Abuse

Lodi Native cont. wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:13 AM:

" These kids are suffering enough just because you people are so cruel,they also have to deal with the law. You guys think what they did was so wrong,they really had no intention of this kind of outcome and they are kids. You guys are adults and setting out just to be spiteful and hurtful. "

Report Abuse

Lodi Native cont. wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:10 AM:

" Further more these kids lives will never be the same,they will be likey to go to a normal school,or have the same friends. They also ruined their own lives with this prank. I really love the money thing. If you want to sue for any medical expenses so be it. But if you child was really emotionaly affected by this money is not going to make it better. "

Report Abuse

Lodi Native wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:07 AM:

" I am in fact a mother of 4 and I would be pissed if one of my children did this or had it done to them. However,most of you people are the reason why we have a justice system,you just assume take these kids out and hang them. That is awful,people make mistakes it does not make it okay but people do. "

Report Abuse

Al D wrote on Nov 9, 2007 7:34 AM:

" To the Parents: don't read the bloggs, this is area where some can talk big behind the keyboard but will never stand up in public. The blog is a very ugly place that is only sprinkled with truth and wisdom. "

Report Abuse

To In Defense wrote on Nov 9, 2007 7:07 AM:

" Wow, you guys sure called your lawyers right away. Amazing what opportunist will do when they have the chance. All of you that are talking about suing these parents look like the greedy sue happy people that is wrong with America today. Hopefully, after all the "judgements" are in, the parents will have you all dismissed in bankruptcy court and you won't get a penny anyway. It's not like you deserve to be rewarded for anything. How pathetic. "

Report Abuse

control yourself wrote on Nov 9, 2007 12:15 AM:

" Mom is outta control! "

Report Abuse

Crappy Lodi Parents wrote on Nov 8, 2007 11:32 PM:

" All the crappy Lodi parents can rally around this woman and help her defend her son because they ALWAYS defend behavior like this out of Lodi teenagers. A good parent on the other hand who actually does their job as a parent would be appalled and horrified by such behavior. To all the crappy parents who choose to minimize this from a felony to a prank YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR TUBES TIED!! "

Report Abuse

Griot wrote on Nov 8, 2007 9:08 PM:

" Lodian. You are telling us that 'MOM' is what is wrong with society TODAY! Her child didn't release the canister that effected fourty plus students! "

Report Abuse

Griot wrote on Nov 8, 2007 9:02 PM:

" Mother of 3. The word god is a title. Just like 'father' and 'son'. A title is not capitialized. Jesus, Jehovah and Allah should be capitalized. The word 'god', you better ask somebody! Please, don't question my intellagence. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Nov 8, 2007 7:53 PM:

" Would this "mom" be chomping at the bit to sue if she knew the family was poor? "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Nov 8, 2007 7:52 PM:

" In Defense: Please reread the post by "mom" @ 1:50am. Mom sounds irrational. In no way should these boys be excused for what they did. They should pay their dues for what they chose to pull that day. I don't think they are vicious monsters either. "Mom" (1:50am) sounds wildly angry and ready to kill someone. Scary. Seems like they all need to sit down and speak to each other. The boys need to apologize in person as well. I do hope a letter from the boys comes off less flip and more sincere than the one by the parents. "

Report Abuse

Chuck wrote on Nov 8, 2007 5:46 PM:

" Lets just pray that a reasonable judge hears the case and throws it out, or at the worst awards like $20.00.... //waste of time "

Report Abuse

In Defense wrote on Nov 8, 2007 4:32 PM:

" I am defending the mother of the victim who is suing. She is not what is wrong with society, this would not be considered a frivilous lawsuit. Reimbursement for pain and suffering when you are a victim of a crime is reasonable. It is not a lost pair of pants or a hot cup of coffee we are talking about. This was a deliberate act. "

Report Abuse

To Mom wrote on Nov 8, 2007 1:40 PM:

" Good for you! I could not imagine what YOU went through when you received the call about your child. These parents should be held accoutable. I am on your side. "

Report Abuse

to Griot wrote on Nov 8, 2007 12:40 PM:

" You make me proud to be a Lodian. If more people were like you, expecting our teens to obey the law, our town would be a lot nicer. Why do you think there are no businesses that cater to teens? They are not held accountable for their actions and they are allowed to break the laws with the excuse "kids are dumb". The majority of our teens are awesome. It's the mindless, thoughtless jerks like this who give the other well adjusted teens a bad rap. "

Report Abuse

to mom 1:50 wrote on Nov 8, 2007 12:34 PM:

" Go for it. I am sorry to hear that your child was a victim. I have a friend who lives with a permanent physical disabilty as a result of a high school "prank". All these people refering to this assault as a prank would quickly change their tune if they were a victim. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Nov 8, 2007 12:03 PM:

" to: mom(1:50am): It sounds like you can't wait, and are more interested in, getting your hands on some cash from these families. It seems like you are quite preoccupied with going after this family. Calm down and be realistic. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Nov 8, 2007 11:15 AM:

" to: mom(1:50am): You are what is wrong with society today. "

Report Abuse

Cin Chin goes ape for Chris-a-shue wrote on Nov 8, 2007 11:02 AM:

" to mom.. wrote on Nov 8, 2007 1:50 AM: please read the post below the one you wrote on nov 8 at 1:50...can't wait to hear your name. Let the public shunning begin. "

Report Abuse

Cin Chin goes ape for Chris-a-shue wrote on Nov 8, 2007 11:01 AM:

" To Griot wrote on Nov 7, 2007 6:33 PM: I am glad it was pears and not apples and oranges...thank goodness the bananas weren't affect either...because that banana would have been you.... "

Report Abuse

hmmmm wrote on Nov 8, 2007 10:34 AM:

" Maybe it was the fact that he was in football and wrestling that caused his lack of judgment....too many hard hits to the head? "

Report Abuse

to "father of 6" wrote on Nov 8, 2007 9:42 AM:

" Yeah right ,,"opps,,I'm sorry,,it was a mistake.My bad". Wow! "

Report Abuse

mom.. wrote on Nov 8, 2007 1:50 AM:

" IT amazes me HOW the parents are defending this kid LIKE this is okay,,,I happen to be a parent of one of the kids that WASNT ok.....NO this is not over and not by a long shot either...SO apologize all you want..defend your SON all you want..GET ready this has just begun and I hope you have the financial resources cus this will get real ugly and when youre bankrupt WILL he still be a GOOD KID??? "

Report Abuse

Cin Chin goes ape for Chris-a-shue wrote on Nov 7, 2007 11:38 PM:

" I am sure these families will make proper restitution. But I hope that we find out the names of those people that go after any money over and above the amount that should be allowable. Those people will be the true criminals, those people will be the ones that lack integrity and moral judgement. Afterall it is a small town........... "

Report Abuse

Cin Chin goes ape for Chris-a-shue wrote on Nov 7, 2007 9:26 PM:

" Father of 6: Right on "

Report Abuse

Cin Chin goes ape for Chris-a-shue wrote on Nov 7, 2007 9:25 PM:

" Griot needs to find a rock to hide under. Griot children are perfect and never do anything wrong. Griot children live a sheltered existence. Griot, you should give parenting lessons. "

Report Abuse

Cin Chin goes ape for Chris-a-shue wrote on Nov 7, 2007 9:20 PM:

" Did you guys hear that Ed Asner's wife is filing for divorce, and that there are more mold problems over at Tokay and what about the $2,000.00 that was found in a pocket at the Good Will. Why don't we just let LUSD and the courts deal with this. The court of public opinion does not matter....leave these kids alone. Right on Woodbridge Resident, I believe you won the debate with Griot. "

Report Abuse

wondering wrote on Nov 7, 2007 9:18 PM:

" On his Myspace, one of the boys is a self proclaimed "screw up". Has he done this sort of thing in the past. I wonder why he calls himself a screw up? "

Report Abuse

To Lodian wrote on Nov 7, 2007 8:15 PM:

" I guess I didn't really check the posts on the Tokay High School painting incident. But if they were being attacked like this family has been, I'm sure I would have had some things to say. "

Report Abuse

Mother of 3 wrote on Nov 7, 2007 6:41 PM:

" To Griot....You are SICK!!! And by the way don't you know that God is not spelled as god.....??? Guess you have never gone to church or prayed for anyone. And to answer your question, I did pray for the kids that smelled that awful spray and I pray for you that someday you get a heart. "

Report Abuse

?????????????? wrote on Nov 7, 2007 6:36 PM:

" Why are people even talking about death? Hellllllllloooooo NOBODY DIED. some of you almost make it seem as if they had. Then you could tie this kid to the rack in front of Stadium 12 and everybody could watch he get what deserves. Get over it "

Report Abuse

Griot wrote on Nov 7, 2007 6:33 PM:

" lhs student. Who I am isn't important. I have only discussed the facts that have been presented and I have given my opinion.