Toddler dies from injuries
Charges upgraded in North Charleston hit-and-run
Charges upgraded in North Charleston hit-and-run
A pen drawing showed a cross with a rose stem winding around it. Writing on the cross explained the tragedy: "R.I.P. Lashell."
The 19-month-old girl had died, a day after a hit-and-run incident at an intersection in the Chicora-Cherokee neighborhood in North Charleston. On Monday afternoon, flowers and a stuffed animals left around a street sign to which the drawing had been taped formed an impromptu memorial to young Lashelle Major.
"I'm going to miss her a lot," said her grandmother, Rosemarie Grandison, who was clutching a picture of Lashelle taken a short while earlier at the hospital.
The Post and Courier
Family members gather on Stephanie Smalls' front steps Monday afternoon after her niece, 19-month-old Lashelle Major, died at Medical University Hospital.
The grandmother remembered the toddler turning on the television by herself. She attended church and praised the Lord like a grown person, Grandison said.
Lashelle had been crossing Leland Street near North Atlantic Avenue a few minutes after 4 p.m. Sunday when a pickup truck hit her and drove off, police said. The girl was rushed to Medical University Hospital in critical condition. She died at 10:22 a.m. Monday, Deputy Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O'Neal said.
The child's aunt, Stephanie Smalls, said Lashelle and her 4-year-old sister, Rakacia, had been staying over on Sunday, as they often do on weekends. Lashelle came from a large extended family that hails from Mount Pleasant, Smalls said, and relatives in the Hamlin Road area are planning a wake.
Smalls' house sits on the corner in front of where the accident occurred. That afternoon, a large group of children had gone to a playground down the street. Two of Smalls' sons, 12-year-old Lamont and 4-year-old Kobe, were leaving the playground with Lashelle and heading home when Lashelle dropped her pacifier in the street. Lamont was going to retrieve it when a pickup struck Lashelle and drove off, Smalls said.
Witnesses told police they recognized the pickup driver as a family acquaintance, Richmond Fisher Hendrix of North Charleston.
Officers found Hendrix, who turns 47 today, blocks away at his Victory Avenue home. His burgundy 1995 Dodge Ram pickup matched the truck people described, a police report states.
Hendrix said he felt a "bump" while driving through the area, the report states. He told police he stopped and looked in his rearview mirror but continued after he didn't notice anything wrong.
The Post and Courier
A sign and flowers (top photo) were placed Monday at Leland Street and North Atlantic Avenue, where Lashelle Major was struck by a pickup truck Sunday afternoon.
Hendrix appeared in bond court Monday on a charge of leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries. A magistrate set bail at $50,0 00.
After learning that the girl had died, police upgraded the charge to hit-and-run involving a death, North Charleston police spokesman Spencer Pryor said. Hendrix was to appear in bond court on the new charge today.
Investigators don't think speed or alcohol were factors, Pryor said.
In 1995, Hendrix was convicted of driving under the influence, according to State Law Enforcement Division records. Also, his driver's license had been suspended from 1995 to 2004 for failure to pay traffic tickets, according to records from the state Department of Motor Vehicles. He was convicted of negligent driving in May and a minor speeding violation two years ago.
The incident occurred on a street that borders the back of Chicora Elementary School. Smalls said she thinks someone should put up signs and a crosswalk, like the ones in front of the school.
"I've been complaining about these streets," Smalls said. "They fly through."
North Charleston traffic police said they had not received any formal complaints about Leland Street during the past two years, Pryor said. They had, however, received word that the state Department of Transportation would place flashing lights on Success Street to tell motorists to beware of children in front of the school. A community march involving schoolchildren earlier this year helped prompt the change.
Schuyler Kropf contributed to this report. Reach Noah Haglund at nhaglund@postandcourier.com or 937-5550.
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Comments
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
"I've been complaining about these streets...they fly through"??? I think a lot had been put on the shoulders of that 12 year old cousin...if the speeders in that neighborhood are that bad, an adult should have been present, at the very least. I thought the child was 2...now it's out that she was 17 months old..still an infant, in my eyes...no reason whatsoever that she shouldn't have been in a stroller, or in the arms of a responsible adult.
October 9, 2007 at 2:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DanniD (anonymous) says...
19 months old??? Not under adult supervision? Are these people crazy? I would never allow my BABY to go to a playground without an adult, not to mention crossing the street!!! The baby still had a pacifier for crying out loud!
October 9, 2007 at 6:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chozen24 (anonymous) says...
This is truly a very sad and tragic event. Not only was the 12-year old responsible for the 19-month old cousin, he was also responsible for the 4-year old!?!?!? That was too much to handle for any child. If there was such an extended family, could not one else had gone to the park with them? All of this is hindsight now, and my heart goes out to the family, but this could have been prevented. I do not want to lash out at anyone during such a time as this, but WE must do more to protect our children; they are a blessing from God. And please get professional help for the 12-year old, he will have to carry this burden for a long time.
October 9, 2007 at 8:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kerry (anonymous) says...
Stupid...just plain stupid.
October 9, 2007 at 8:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DCartisan (anonymous) says...
May God bless Lashelle and her family.
October 9, 2007 at 8:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TarNFeatherEm (anonymous) says...
This childs parents are responsible for her death.
October 9, 2007 at 10:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bigbadaxe (anonymous) says...
PUT THE PARENTS IN THE SAME CELL AS THE JERK OFF DRIVER, LET THEM ROT TOGETHER !
October 9, 2007 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CHRISJIII (anonymous) says...
How very sad this situation is. May the little girl rest in peace.
October 9, 2007 at 11:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ISSIE53 (anonymous) says...
You can't always believe what is reported. For instance, there probably wasn't a beer bottle. This was a maneuver to move the blame from where blame belongs. The driver of the truck probably didn't see the toddler, 19-months old. This child should not have been on the street without adult supervision, not a 12, 13 or 14 year old. The parents should be charged with homicide by neglect and child indangerment and the driver should have been released. If this man has any conscious he will have to live with this tragedy the rest of his life. Also, why bring up past convictions, is there not a fact of life that everybody makes mistakes. Maybe some of the people writing these news stories should look into there closet.
October 9, 2007 at 11:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lostinterestfast (anonymous) says...
chozen24, I agree with you but you are "preaching to the choir" here. Anywhere else and your words would fall on deaf ears.
It is a shame this has happened, but until "baby machines" start becoming parents, more and even worse things will continue to happen to the children of this world.
October 9, 2007 at 11:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gingerlatte (anonymous) says...
If not a hit and run, these children could have been kidnapped, or injured on the playground. My point is there are things you are willing to risk in life; your children's health and wellbeing should not be one of them, especially knowing the streets in your neighborhood are not safe.
It makes me sick to think this innocent child lost her life as a result of her relatives' obvious neglect. If you're too busy to "care" for your children, you SHOULD NOT have children!!!!
October 9, 2007 at 11:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
juniemoon1957 (anonymous) says...
I agree with Kerry.....just plain stupid. Other than that, I am at a loss for words. I just cannot imagine.
October 9, 2007 at 11:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
I have a 19 month old, and let me tell you, I would NEVER leave him with anyone other than a trustworthy adult. My God. What the hell is wrong with some people? I ALWAYS carry my son across the street. I never let him walk himself. Not even holding my hand.
October 9, 2007 at 11:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
These days who's to say that they 12 year old "cousin" isn't one of the parents. It's horrible to say, but true. I was at the doctor yesterday and there was a 13 year old girl in her 7th month getting an ultrasound. Kids having kids. What a great idea. She was told she had herpes and needed to tell the father to get tested. Sadly, she responded that she didn't know who the father was. Imagine the look on her mother's face. Geez.
October 9, 2007 at 12:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
summervillesc (anonymous) says...
Where in the hell was the parents of this baby just a baby.I have a grandson 3 this week there is no way I would ever let him out of my site this family has to be crazy there is no other way to put it. No child should ever be taken care of by a child a twelve year so is still a child.The parents of the baby should be charged with murder.There is no way that the driver of that truck could have seen the baby just a baby.How sad she will never grow up.CHARGE THE PARENTS!!!!!!
October 9, 2007 at 12:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BPFROM843 (anonymous) says...
YALL ARE SO IGNORANT ALL YALL CAN DO IS QUESTION THE PARENTING SKILLS IN THIS SITUATION INSTEAD OF EXPRESS YOUR SYMPATHY FOR A VERY GRIEVING FAMILY WHEN ALL OF YALL HAD BEEN IN THE SAME SITUATION BEFORE GOIN OUT TO PLAY WITH A BIG BROTHER OR SOMETHING VERY SIMILAR THE 12 YEAR OLD IS NOT THE ONE WHO RAN THE GIRL OVER AND KEPT GOIN HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN PAYING ATTENTION ESPECIALLY NEXT TO A PLAYGROUND
October 9, 2007 at 1 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
burton (anonymous) says...
I think the driver's past record does play a part in this. He has a history of moving violations. Your past always catches up to you if you don't change. Now, I've heard that they are supposed to charge the mother too for neglect. This is a shame and sad because no 19 month old deserves to go out like this!
You don't allow a 12 year old to take a 19 month old and a 4 year old to the park. You go with them! Let's play what if: What if a pedophiler abducted one of the kids? What if the kids started chocking on something or had some other type of medical emergency happen? What if the kids found a crack pipe and started playing with it? What if...you get the picture?
October 9, 2007 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chris50 (anonymous) says...
wow. on so many levels.
October 9, 2007 at 1:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TarNFeatherEm (anonymous) says...
BPFROM843- Ignorant???? I guess I don't understand you because I have NOT been in that same situation! The parents/guardians of this innocent child are responsible for her death. Weather the driver was drinking or not the 19month old should NOT have been in the street. The 19month old should NOT have been in the care of a 12 year old.
October 9, 2007 at 1:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
captivated (anonymous) says...
Such a tragedy! My condolences to the family of this infant. Placing blame will not bring this child back, but we should all learn something from this and teach it to other folks we know who are careless like this. To Early, just exactly what kind of people should be allowed to breed?
October 9, 2007 at 1:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sherlock (anonymous) says...
im sorry for the people that have to bare the burden of this childs death. i have NEVER EVER left my child in the care of anyone that wasnt a responsible and trustworthy adult. why? because i love my child and did everything that i had to do to ensure that she would grow up healthy and happy. having children means that you have to sacrifice everything that YOU want in life so that your child can have the best possible life. YOU have to sacrifice without feeling that YOU are being cheated by having children. if YOU want to have children then be prepared to give up alot. I did so and turned all of my attention to my child. i enjoyed watching her grow and learn. i enjoyed her life and did not feel that i missed out on anything. when YOU are able to feel this way, then you are ready to have children. when YOU allow the opportunity for disaster, then YOU are not worthy of being a parent. people need to learn this, and a whole lot more, before they start having children and treating them as if they were nothing more than objects.
October 9, 2007 at 1:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Test2007 (anonymous) says...
So you all are perfect parents and only bad parents LET their kids get run over and LET their kids get kidnapped and LET their kids be molested by adults. You all ARE ignorant. YOU are the ones who shouldn't have kids.
October 9, 2007 at 1:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
ok yes yes its a horrible situation, but this happens often, and not even necessarily with a hit and run driver.
I've read on many occasional family friends or relatives accidentally backing over children in a driveway or elsewhere. This is sad and unfortunate, but if those parents aren't charged...(as they often are not) why should these relatives be? This happens OFTEN, like it or not and it usually is an accident without someone fleeing or allegedly "drinking".
We often look for people to blame or excuses when a tragedy happens, lets stick to blaming people when real crimes happen. The hit and run driver should be charged and thats it.
October 9, 2007 at 1:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
captivated (anonymous) says...
Early, I am just saying that motherhood is a choice allowed to us by the the good lord and since none of us are perfect or have the ability to see the future, we cannot predict whose child this might happen to. I don't think that ones station in life; rich/poor, city/country, ignorant/genius, ugly/pretty, has anything to do with incidents like this. It could have happened to anyone. All we can do is learn from it and try our best to not let it happen to us.
October 9, 2007 at 2:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
burton (anonymous) says...
SCdeacinNYC,
I totally disagree with you! You see nothing wrong with a 12 year old being responsbile for a 19 month old and a 4 year old? No adult should be held responsible for this besides the driver? Again, they are thinking of charging the mother because DSS has been to the house on several occasions. This is why past history comes into play with tragedies like this.
October 9, 2007 at 2:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
Sorry I disagree Mayor...some tragedies are NOT preventable, many things happen with no rhyme or reason we can speak of here on Earth.
And burton, I agree that a 12 year old should not be responsible for a 4 year old and a 19 month old...but I am not a parent or guardian nor do I pretend to be in a position to attest to whether or not the child was in adequate site of the parents.
Either way, these horrible things do happen and whether or not the DSS had been to the house, this child could have still been killed in a hit and run. I completely agree capitivated, these things happen no matter what ones station in life is and sometimes no matter how attentive a parent is being to a child. It is tragedy and my thoughts and prayers are with her family, because you better believe they are already living with all sorts of guilt in their hearts.
October 9, 2007 at 2:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Test2007 (anonymous) says...
Early - I am sure the good Lord is debating right now on how to weigh the supposed actions of parents to punish the child because of it. *note sarcasm. Most people who call the good Lord's name are the same people who desperately need to practice his principles. I am not overly religious but even i know that what you just said sounds like a crock.
October 9, 2007 at 2:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MotherC (anonymous) says...
I'm hurt that this baby has lost her life due to the fault of neglecting people. Babies watching babies and we can't expect children to do adults job. I pray for the child who witnessed this horrible thing to happen.I can't imagine not having my babies to come home to. When I see them get off the bus and put foot in the yard, I tell the Lord Thank you.Let us put this family up in prayer and remember it takes us all(responsible people) to raise these children.
October 9, 2007 at 3:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flipzilla2001 (anonymous) says...
A child that young should not be unsupervised. It is tragic that the even happened. I know that it must hurt to lose someone like a child so pure of love and joy. We would all like to think the world is safe and that kids can go and explore the wonderful world. It is dangerous out there though. If the child was not hit by a car maybe someone could have kidnaped the child or some other crazy thing. We should give our children some freedom, but we should supervise them while they are young. Even simple animals you see on documentaries guard their young from the perils of the world.
October 9, 2007 at 3:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
summervillesc (anonymous) says...
This is for bpfrom843,Ignorant we are you say.You are the one that is ignorant to try and make this right.There is no way that the parents can say that they were not at fault the baby is dead at the hands of the parents they are the ones that let her cross that street twice.Once to go to the park and them to come back across.They should be charged not the driver.I don't care about his past history.I still say there was no way he could have seen that child from his truck.A little baby like that no one could have seen her.As far as the twelve year old this will stay with him the rest of his life.That is not fare for that child to have to pay for the rest of his life (and he will pay) when the parents should have been there with the baby.CHARGE THEM WITH MURDER AND TAKE THEIR OTHER CHILDREN FROM THEM THEY ARE NOT FIT TO BE PARENTS.!!!!!!!!Someone needs to get help for the twelve year old he will need it.
October 9, 2007 at 3:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FortDorchesterMom (anonymous) says...
I thought that 12-year olds were adults in South Carolina. Didn't Christopher Pittman(12 years old) go to prison a couple of years ago with a sentence of 30 years? Interesting. I guess you can be in prison with a bunch of adults, but not watch a small child. I think that it is a tragedy for both of these 12 year olds.
October 9, 2007 at 3:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
Christopher Pittman is a murdering little bastard.
These children didn't intentionally let their cousin come to harm.
There is no comparison here.
October 9, 2007 at 3:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beemz (anonymous) says...
prayers to the family of this child.
beemz
October 9, 2007 at 3:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carolinabeachgirl (anonymous) says...
A 12 year old cannot and should not be responsible for a 2 & 4 year old. Regardless of the neighborhood or social class of the people involved, it was lazy and irresponsible for the adults present to allow that. Yes the driver should be charged in the accident but the parents and/or family members present and responsible for the child that day should be charged with something as well.
I don't see a baby losing her life before it started as just a mistake and am shocked that some people believe that. Good parents aren't perfect but they try no matter what - can you really say that here? Or with the woman from St. Stephen who left her child for 2 hrs at night to allegdly get cigarettes or Sametta Heyward who left her kids in a car all day? When will the "mistakes" stop?
October 9, 2007 at 3:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kma71 (anonymous) says...
How come no one got this excited when Nina Sossaman ran over Dean Stephen's child in his driveway? That was an accident!!
October 9, 2007 at 4:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
islandgirl1 (anonymous) says...
Sorry to hear about the loss of a very young life. All adults should be held responsible. I have small children myself and cannot imagine leaving them with a 12 year old to cross a busy street. Children are easily distracted and should not be put under this type of responsibility.
October 9, 2007 at 4:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
buff_o_rilla (anonymous) says...
Just like sex education now we should start teaching parenting skills at 2nd grade. The education system trains em how to make em, now let em train em how to take care of em.
October 9, 2007 at 4:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whatyousay (anonymous) says...
kma71
I was thinking the same thing!!!WOW
October 9, 2007 at 4:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
ditto to the last comment as well kma71....it seems that we only reserve our contempt for "certain" members of society...
October 9, 2007 at 5 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
I understand what BPfrom 843 is coming from. I think there has been times maybe a family picnic or some type of large gatherings where alot of children and adults are around. Some times the toddlers want to hang with the big kids and the parents let the little kids be around the big kids. I have seen this happen with my own family and many other families all over and this is the first time that I have heard a group of adults want to oust the parents for letting a child play with another child. I don't think the parents wanted their baby to die because this may not have been the first time that this family let the kids play in the park. They live across the street.
October 9, 2007 at 5:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Test2007 (anonymous) says...
Early, spell testicle right you ignoramus. Like I explained in another post. I am a woman and you are childish or you just have the mental capacity of a 10 year old boy. No offense ten year old kids!
I believe, but from what I read in your post. MOST DEFINITELY not what you believe. Read a book. Get a life. Moron.
PS
Why would someone compare the Pittman case to this?
October 9, 2007 at 5:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
Posted by kma71 on October 9, 2007 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How come no one got this excited when Nina Sossaman ran over Dean Stephen's child in his driveway? That was an accident!!
Let me add that there has been several accidents last year and this year where parents have accidentally ranned over the kids playing in the driveway. Who was watching those kids?
Thank you KMA for pointing that out. You pointed it out yesterday and noone said anything about it then and I don't think noone is going to try to argue about it now.
October 9, 2007 at 5:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hotrod2007 (anonymous) says...
R.I.P. Lamb of God R.I.P.
October 9, 2007 at 5:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
7green0 (anonymous) says...
Burton
Can you send me more info indicating that DSS was involved with this family before.
October 9, 2007 at 6:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
my condolences to the family
I blame the drunk driver, and to think he was supposed to be a family friend... what a tragedy, lock the guy up and throw away the key
as far as Dean's child, Nina ran over that child because she wasn't paying attention
the Mom was right there within feet and had one child in one arm, another that just wiggled out and trying to keep all at bay at the same time but it just didn't work out
I blame Nina for that one, she stopped the car on the childs head and panicked
thank God that kids ok today
October 9, 2007 at 6:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bigpappapump77 (anonymous) says...
This guy who killed this innocent baby will be out of jail within a year.
October 9, 2007 at 6:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kmckoytoy (anonymous) says...
The lady stated they should make signs to slow in school area. They should make signs in the clinic stating if you cannot take care of yourself and be responsible in child making you should not have kids.....GARBAGE GARBAGE GARBAGE {THE MINUTE YOU KNOW THE ROAD IS BAD} WHY DON'T YOU JUST BUILD THE KIDS A PLAYPEN IN THE ROAD. MAKE IT EASIER. WHAT THE H*** WERE THESE "THINGS" THINKING. PARENTING CAN EVEN BE DONE BY A ANIMAL IN THE WILDERNESS THEY HAVE BETTER SKILLS THAN SOME OF THESE GIRLS OR HOBAGS DROPPING KIDS. REST IN PEACE LITTLE ANGEL. CHARGE WHO EVER THE H*** WAS THERE CAUSE THEY ARE KILLERS TOO. WATCH YOUR KIDS OR WE WILL WATCH THEM ON THE 11 O CLOCK NEWS.
October 9, 2007 at 7:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
For all of you posters talking about Dean Stephen's son:
Nina and Dean's wife are close friends. Yes, Mrs. Stephens should have made sure that her son was not in the driveway before Nina backed out.
Nina drove this mother and child to Roper East Cooper where he was transferred to MUSC.
There was no alcohol involved, no speeding down the street.
Nina has had to live with this on her conscience ever since. There was plenty in the paper and on the news about this. The child is just fine.
I am sure that they all learned a painful lesson.
You can never let your guard down, because kids will do the most unpredictable things.
October 9, 2007 at 7:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fockerout (anonymous) says...
where is BIGBADAXE...he cracks me up..
October 9, 2007 at 8:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
RTC Nina and Dean's wife are not close friends, never were... that was just something they printed in the news
October 9, 2007 at 8:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
and it wasn't in her driveway... Nina was parked on the street curb, hopped in and put it in drive never looking around to see where all the kids that were playing were
she felt a bump and slammed the brakes, the vehicle stopped on the childs head with Mrs. Stephens screaming at Nina
Mrs. Stephens was right there within feet when it happened and couldn't stop it... long story but believe me there weren't best friends
October 9, 2007 at 8:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
juniemoon1957 (anonymous) says...
Well, I successfully took my 3 year old nephew to the grocery store today and brought him back safe and sound. I also explained to him, as he well knows, about his hand being held tight in the parking lot so he may not pull away, and he WILL sit in the buggy. BUT.....today was EBT DAY......lot of PARENTS....well so called parents or AUNTS/GRANDMAS with buggies full of groceries and no one holding any HANDS. Children, 2/3 years old running around the cars while parents putting groceries in cars. IDIOTS. And they wonder why?
October 9, 2007 at 8:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bigpappapump77 (anonymous) says...
I bet you will some lame a$$ excuse from the mother (baby momma) like we heard from the other baby momma that locked her children in the car for 8 hours!
October 9, 2007 at 8:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bigpappapump77 (anonymous) says...
Sucks that the innocent have to pay for someone elses stupidity!
October 9, 2007 at 8:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DBurbage (anonymous) says...
We as parents need to take responsability for what happens to our kids in stead of putting it off on the school,police and the rest of the comunity.man up.
October 9, 2007 at 8:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sarahlyn1 (anonymous) says...
All you "perfect" parents might just be raising a child who grows up to be a drunk driver or engages in some sort of criminal behavior.
How can you blame this on the child's mother? Weren't any of you at least semi-babysitting by age 12? (maybe not babysitting totally unsupervised, but doing something as seemingly harmless as taking your relatives younger children for a walk around the block/down the street/ even out in the backyard to play.
Tragedy strikes at anytime, and there is no such thing as a perfect parent that will completely prevent anything terrible from ever happening to your child. If it does, the only thing you can hope for is that the community has mercy on you and doesn't crucify you the same way you do to every mother who loses a child in an awful tragedy.
Oh, and DSS being called to someone's house is a joke, I know MANY middle class families that have had DSS called by an angry neighbor/overzealous teacher/etc. for an absurd reason & there is no actual abuse or neglect happening. It happened to myself a few years back, my daughter had a bruise on her forehead- I was searching for something & threw a toy towards her closet- she had woken up from a nap on the couch & came in the room behind me, I didn't see or hear her & when the teacher asked what happened she said "my mama threw a toy at me". It was the most terrifying moment of my life, considering my daughter has never even been spanked.
So if something terrible ever happens to her unrelated to that 1st grade incident, I'm guilty because DSS investigated? Or maybe its because I'm a single mother that I'd be tried & convicted by the public?
I'm betting you all call yourselves Christian. Maybe you should look into what that means.
October 9, 2007 at 9:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
riddiksgirl (anonymous) says...
ebt day falls on the 1st of each month. If I had food stamps the heck if I would wait until the 9th. I wish I had food stamps.
October 9, 2007 at 9:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
juniemoon1957 (anonymous) says...
In this county.....according to the CASHIER it was EBT DAY. I just happened to ask why the store was busy and I was told by the CASHIER it was EBT DAY. I do not wish I had food stamps. I will work as long as I am able so everyone else can have them.
October 9, 2007 at 9:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sarahlyn1 (anonymous) says...
I'm p*ssed and I have more to say.
I cannot stand the vague references to this family's skin color and income levels.
Do you KNOW that this woman was a young mother with many children by more than one father?
Are you the same hypocrites who look down on parents for having children but petition to get sex education out of your kids schools and family planning clinics shut down?
If you own a business, have you gone into a program to help train low-income women on welfare so that they can get a decent job & support their families?
Its so easy to pass judgement from the comfort of your computer chair, but do you have you ever made an attempt to HELP someone be a better parent? I highly doubt you have, yet you're so quick to classify someone as "beyond hope".
I feel terrible for the family of this child, and I hope that they find comfort in each other while dealing with this horrible tragedy.
October 9, 2007 at 9:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Test2007 (anonymous) says...
Sorry Early, I have never lived in a trailer and I do not tape soaps. No offense to anyone who tapes soap operas and/or lives in a trailer. Since you are on that point, what is wrong with someone who lives in a trailer and/or tapes soaps? I know some very nice people who live in trailers or grew up in one. What is your problem? You sound like an elitist snob. Like I said before, if you can't take it, don't dish it out. You were on here before talking lots of trash and when it was thrown in your face you went off and cried like a baby. Get a life. I can't believe you even have kids.
PS Love the testicle joke. I guess one of us has to have em?
October 9, 2007 at 9:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Test2007 (anonymous) says...
sarahlyn1, unfortunately it is easy for people to cast judgment and say horrible things when we are all anonymous here. I talk a lot of trash about SC and Charleston but there are people in the communities doing that. Not a lot, but there are some.
October 9, 2007 at 9:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
riddiksgirl (anonymous) says...
I'm a single mom who does bust ass everyday so I can pay for my kids to eat. That is not the issue here. A childs life was lost, a mother is grieving no matter what her age. She has to deal with the "I should have's" for the rest of her life. I pray God does not test me to see what I can handle while I am here. I have always felt I was a great mom, but if somebody documented my life, I'm sure the flaws would be scrutinized by all. I do have them.
October 9, 2007 at 9:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Perspective (anonymous) says...
You guys all seem to believe the part about the 12 year old watching the kid. The mother needs to blame someone. Why not blame a kid who can not defend against false accusations.
This is just like the mother who "went to get cigarettes". It is a terrible unbelievable excuse, but they have to say something.
The beer bottle was collected from the area. Do you know how many beer bottles are laying around this neighborhood? It is highly unlikely that anyone would be dumb enough to throw a bottle out at the scene when they are driving off. It was just good police work to collect the bottle.
We all know what the problem is....
October 9, 2007 at 9:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
burton (anonymous) says...
sarahlyn1,
It is sad to hear you say that you have no problem with a 12 year old supervising a 19 month old and a 4 year old. Let me repeat, 19 month old and a 4 year old. I don't care if the park is right across the street, an adult should still be there. It has nothing to do with being perfect parents, but has everything to do with being smart, responsibile parents. I live in this community so I know details you do not. I work my you know what off to make a difference. We would be here for days if I told you all that I do in my neighborhood. What are you doing? Stop making excuses. This is what keeps my people in bondage: excuses for everything!!! So since you have no problem with a 12 year old watching a 19 month old and a 4 year old, if you have kids then let him babysit your kids and see if the police and DSS agree with you. Sad!
October 9, 2007 at 10:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lynnusc85 (anonymous) says...
saralyn1, I agree with your comment (semi-babysitting), I can guarantee many of these posters on this board have done the same thing, whether it was inside the home or outside, I wish people would pray for this family instead of passing judgement, because we are all imperfect human beings. I'm also glad that someone brought up Nina accidentally hitting Dean Stephen's son, which was another unfortunate situation (thank God the child is fine), but I can bet there were more posts of support than bashing,...and in that case there were two adults present,now that's a shame.
October 9, 2007 at 10:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Qasbury32 (anonymous) says...
I live on North Atlantic Avenue for a couple of years and it is just ashame of how this little girl died. I think the mother or other family members were not responsible people. I seen those kids in the street many, many times and cars would be flying through the streets all the time. The mother or family members were never around from what I have seen myself and I think somebody besides the grandfather should have took a stand and been some gudiance for those young children. I am here too say yes between Leland, North Atlantic, Success and Grayson streets all have speeders all the time. I am just sorry that this little girl died from irresponsible people that all always seem to have a party going on. I don't have any children but I do know you don't send a twelve year old to do an adult's job too watch two toddlers that's just common sense but it's like it's babies raising babies.
October 9, 2007 at 10:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Qasbury32 (anonymous) says...
I apologize I am not trying to bash the family. I just think that God opens up everyone's eyes in some kind of way I just think it shouldn't have taken them to open to have a innocent baby taken away from them so tragically. I have typed in my comments and that is just how I feel but I am truly sorry for their lost. I know I would try my damnest to keep my baby close to me as possible and even though I am not a mother I still do it with my neices and nephews just as if they were mine. Children are a blessing from God and we have to love them and protect them. Children know no danger so we must watch out for danger for them that is our job with or with out children. God bless you all in your time of bereavement!!!!!! I will pray for you all
October 9, 2007 at 10:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carolinabeachgirl (anonymous) says...
When a child dies by whatever means, it doesn't matter what color they are or their socio-economic status. While I may have even done the semi-babysit thing at the age of 12, the children were not allowed in the front yard and certainly not allowed to cross a street. That 12 year old has to live the rest of his life knowing that his baby cousin was killed when he was made responsible for her by an adult. That shows a supreme lack of intelligence, supervision and parenting. Based on a prior article, this family was aware of speeding vehicles and that others had been struck in recent months yet chose to ignore this information.
Finally, I am sick and tired of people saying that everyone else should be responsible for taking care of other people's children and getting them education. Here's a clue...stop having children you can't take care of or afford. I am tired of my tax dollars going to those on WIC and foodstamps that don't need it. I put myself through school working as a cashier and I can tell you first hand that the abuses of the system are rampant. Maybe if teenagers weren't so busy having all those kids they cannot afford they could learn a little something in school even if they are in the Charleston County School District.
October 9, 2007 at 10:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
roxiann (anonymous) says...
Sometimes God speaks to us in whispers, sometime he speak loudly. I think he was screaming in his case. Don't let this lesson fall on deaf ears. Watch the children that are gifts from God really close or he will take them away! Lessons need to be learned here!
October 9, 2007 at 10:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lynnusc85 (anonymous) says...
I should also add, that a 19-month old and a 4-year old is a major responsibility for a 12 year old, so I'm not condoning that part,it's just that people are reacting to this as if it's uncommon
October 9, 2007 at 10:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jerseylegal (anonymous) says...
There is no way in heck or shanghgi that anyone! allows an INFANT into a roadway for ANY reason WHATSOEVER!!! This is the hugest amount of ignorance and uncaring that could possibly be wrought. If any parents at all existed for this child, they should be drawn and quartered. I don't care how many cousins and brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles and whatever this child may have had, this is exactly the gross and disgusting ignorance that is destroying this world and any chance of decent relations between the sensible and the senseless!!!
October 9, 2007 at 11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sarahlyn1 (anonymous) says...
Lynnusc85.. I'm glad you got what I was saying. This is not something that only happens in poor uneducated families.
Burton I wasn't saying this 12 year old SHOULD have been responsible for these children in the way that a parent would be. However, I was at a family picnic a few weeks ago and two of my teenage cousins took all the little ones (about 8 children between 5 years & 10 years) across the field to the playground. We could see them, it was probably the same distance as this park is to this family's house. My point is MOST families do this regardless of their economic status, so unless you want to point out other FACTS that make this a case of irresponsible parenting, I don't fall for the "its the parent's fault because the 12 year old walked the kids across the street"..
If you want to know what I do in MY community- I moved to NY several years ago & work with our local Planned Parenthood to help bring birth control & pregnancy prevention education to those that might not otherwise have it.
Carolinabeachgirl.. as a member of society you cannot complain about the abuses of the system & the lack of parental involvment if you're not willing to step up. You could volunteer for big brothers/big sisters.. you might just help encourage a child to complete school & step beyond their family's cycle of poverty. In that case, you wouldn't be helping these "worthless" parents as you seem to feel they are, but you could help their children to rise above that stigma.
If everyone wants to sit around pointing fingers & making judgements, nothing will change. The revolution of change starts inside each one of us.
October 10, 2007 at 8:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
Where are the children's parents, anyway?? I read about the grandmother and the cousin.... Is this another case of the parents running away from their responsibilities and leaving it up to the grandparents to raise their children??? If so, that's incredibly sad. Why push your responsibilities off on someone else. If you were responsible enough to have sex, you are responsible enough to raise a child if one is born. Having a baby is a miracle and a priviledge. Do you know how many people can't have children. I was told I was never going to have kids. My husband and I came to grips with what the doctor had told us. We actuially ended up having our little "miracle" baby. Children are gifts, not problems. Cherish them and love them. They love you unconditionally, the least you can do is take care of them properly and provide as much as you can for them. If people have no intention on taking care of babies/children, maybe they should take that precaution and use BIRTH CONTROL. My parents always taught me to use 2 forms of BC. It's sad that children have to lead lives of their siblings being their parents. These days there are too many children having children....what's that about.....?!?!?!?!?!
October 10, 2007 at 8:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
Forgot to mention that the local health clinics give FREE planned parenthood classes and FREE birth control. All you have to do is walk in the doors.
October 10, 2007 at 8:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Two_Sheds (anonymous) says...
Bhippey, you forgot to mention that ABSTINENCE is also free! But hey, to some of these people, what are kids for, other than for padding their welfare checks?
October 10, 2007 at 9:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
Two-Sheds: You are right. This day in age, some people have more and more kids to get bigger welfare checks. If it was up to me, everyone with 1 or more kids claiming welfare would have to come in every three months for the depo shot. I wouldn't trust them taking a pill everyday. Plus, if they neglect to come in for their shot, they get no check. This way, no more children would be born into that type of lifestyle. Then, IF they get off of welfare, they can be taken off the shot and could have kids down the road if they wanted. But they might end up back on welfare. Geez.
October 10, 2007 at 9:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Two_Sheds (anonymous) says...
I agree totally.
Now, I know that there are some situations which can cause some families to go onto welfare, such as the loss of a job, a devastating illness, etc. In situations such as these, welfare is serving its intended purpose: helping someone in a temporarily tight bind until they can get back on their feet.
What I object to are the people who make receiving welfare checks a multi-generational LIFESTYLE, and who keep having kids--in and out of wedlock--though they clearly cannot even afford the ones they already have. THAT is what disgusts me.
If you're going to breed like an animal, then you should be spayed or neutered like one.
October 10, 2007 at 10:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
I completely agree. We had to use EBT for the first 3 months of my son's life. We were Hurricane Katrina evacuees, and I didn't have a job and my husband started a new career barely making anything. After three months, when we got caught up, we got off of the food stamps. But like you said, people make these typed of things lifestyles. I could never imagine having 5 kids and being on welfare. Teaching them the "tricks of the trade" so to speak. My parents knew this one lady that would claim she had 5 people (who didn't really live with her) living with her in her household. They determine how much money you get by how many people live in the house and by the income between those people. She was getting TONS of money a month. She had 7 kids of her own. So she was claiming 8 people in one household. She got reported and was asked to pay back half of what she had scammed. Tsk tsk. I don't mind helping those who actually need it. I hate the people that abuse a good thing, because they don't feel like getting a job. They can sit on the couch watching Maury all day and collect a check for it. Lame!!!
October 10, 2007 at 10:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JerseyLady (anonymous) says...
Sarahlyn1, I appreciate reading your comments this morning.
Sorry, we are a society of pointing fingers and judgmental fools, but thank goodness their are a few of us that can step out of that box.
Sometime it only take one to promote a change.
Condolence for the family. To lose a child in any situation is heart wrenching.
Question: Are you aware of how your tax dollars are being spent. Its not taking care of the lower class.
October 10, 2007 at 10:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
Thank you Sarahlyn for pointing this out as well....
October 10, 2007 at 11:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
Are you two being sarcastic?
October 10, 2007 at 11:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EducatedMom5 (anonymous) says...
This is a very sad time for this family. There is no need for bashing this child's parents when we don't know their situation. What we should be doing is praying for peace, grace, etc for this entire family.
For those of you that are making outrageous comments about people who receive food stamps and WIC, you need to get your information correct. WIC (Women Infants and Children) is a program that provides foods that are high in protein, provides educational classes on proper diets, etc and it's not just for those on a low income. WIC is provided for ALL pregnant women, breastfeeding moms, newborns(needing formula)infants and toddlers. Anyone that has experienced financial hardships can apply for food stamps, some may be rejected and while other applicants are accepted. WIC and Food Stamps do not equal Welfare. Many individuals/families that receive WIC and or Food Stamps: work, are college educated,have homes, vehicles,etc. Whites, African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Middle Easterners are all beneficiaries of these progams.
October 10, 2007 at 12:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
I was on WIC, and know tons of other people that have been on WIC. They wouldn't let me have SOY milk instead of cow's milk while I was pregnant. I'm lactose intolerant and can't drink regular milk. THey refused to pay for the soy. They also wouldn't allow me to have soy cheese instead of regular cheese. Even though soy products have just as much and sometimes more calcium than milk and milk by-products.
October 10, 2007 at 1:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
Hey BHippey,
I was not being sarcastic at all. (if your post was referring to me) I agree with Sarah.
October 10, 2007 at 1:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
summervillesc (anonymous) says...
For educatedmom5 African-Americans my ass they have been here a 150 years they are americans.If they are aferican send then back where they came from will save tax payers a lot of money.As for Hispanics, Asians, Middle Easterners don't give them a damn thing either let them work just like the rest of us..Take care of the ones who need it that are here and have been here science day one.There are people out there that need help bad and can not get it because why you ask.Because all of the above.I know so many people that need help and they are turned down everyday because they are not the right color.I would love to drive a big new SUV if I got food stamps I would be able to drive that big SUV but my money has to go to feed my family don't have a SUV payment in my budget.I see it everyday I go to the food store ebt cars being whipped out and then you see them getting into their big news cars.The system is broken and someone needs to fix it.
October 10, 2007 at 1:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
masmith53 (anonymous) says...
Yes, it is a very sad tragedy for a 19 month old child to be killed. I don't know if the parents of this child would have let a 12 year old be responsible for the safety of her, but I do know that the aunt in whose care she was in was negligent. I feel she should be charged for that negligence.
BPFROM843: Yes, going out to play with a big brother is done everyday, BUT it's where you're going that makes the difference, and even then, an adult should be supervising. If you think that it's ok for a 12 year old to carry a 19 month old across a street that is known to be dangerous then all I can do is pray that you do not and will not ever have children of your own.
There have been many, many times that I have seen adults crossing streets or in stores with small children, some barely able to walk, tagging along behind and not even holding the child's hand. Every time I see that it makes me sick to my stomach.
October 10, 2007 at 1:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carolinagal (anonymous) says...
KMA -
no one died when nina ran over deans kid and the childs mom was in the yard.... no comparison-
October 10, 2007 at 2:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
Hey Maddie,
I have the same problem you have. I have sent letters to Jim Demint asking about my child support and everyone else I could think of. When I call DSS the people there have an attitude when all I want is a resolution towards my case. I know my ex's ssn #, his job address, home address and I can not get any help from the state. In the meantime I went to apply for food stamps, wic, medicaid and was denied because they say I make to much money. Thank god for my family!!!
Oh and by the way I am a black woman who was denied so it has nothing to do with your skin color it may have something to do with getting over on the system. As far as my child support goes I am owed over $5000 with no help from the state in which I pay taxes. I know I am getting off of the subject but who could I turn to. The best that the news outlets could do is post his picture on the tv.
But one question I have for you is how do you talk ghetto?
October 10, 2007 at 4:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
UHMMMMMMMMMMMM Maddie you write geechie.......lol
October 10, 2007 at 4:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dianed43 (anonymous) says...
Fort Dorchester mom.... you rock..... for you see south carolina is a state that goes after whats good for the moment. no ryhmn or reason. a 12 year old on trial for murder tried as an adult. a 12 year old watching her niece a child. the system sucks. SC sucks. the politics the laws, the courts, the police, the sherrifs, the schools..... they all lack, and anyone can be upset and argue my comments but documentation is just that. they lack. they are in the bottom of every list.
October 10, 2007 at 9:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dianed43 (anonymous) says...
leave the parents alone and let them be. they lost there baby. and the young family member that was watching her, will she ever be the same. i lost a child last year. unless you have been there no one can imagine the hurt. thats whats wrong with the country today. we thow stones, we don't unite and pray. throw stones and pass judgement, they may be boomerangs and come right back at you. never say never. offer love, hugs, prayers and compassion. can any of yoy even imagine going to a funeral home and buying a casket or urn, flowers, picking out the clothes that your dead child will wear? where are your hearts? shame on you. to the family, your baby is wrapped inan angels arms. look at the stars and you will see her wink. find comfort in God even thought that may be hard right now. you will be Ok. Trust me..... I Know. diane
October 10, 2007 at 9:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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