Teen in armed robbery case to take jail time
Shevlino faces 10 years in prison for role in 2 holdups in 2006
By Glenn Smith
Sean Shevlino
Shevlino faces 10 years in prison for role in 2 holdups in 2006
MOUNT PLEASANT — Sean Shevlino has run out of moves.
After months of negotiations and failed appeals for leniency, the soft-spoken 17-year-old plans this week to accept an offer from prosecutors that will put him behind bars for the next decade, his father said Saturday.
Sean is the lone holdout among 10 Wando High School students arrested in 2006 in the armed robberies of a Food Lion supermarket and a Subway sandwich shop. His former friends have all pleaded guilty to their roles in the crimes and are now lined up to testify against him.
Sean, the reputed gunman in both holdups, surprised prosecutors during a court appearance Friday when he declined to enter a plea and abruptly left the room with his family.
The move sparked speculation that Sean intended to take his chances at trial and risk the distinct possibility of many more years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors vowed to proceed to trial this week.
But Peter Shevlino, Sean's father, said they have no intention of taking that risk with the odds stacked so heavily against them. "There's no reason to go to trial," he said.
Peter Shevlino said his family entered the courtroom Friday thinking negotiations were still under way. They were caught off guard when prosecutors decided against continuing the talks and Circuit Judge Deadra Jefferson denied the family's request for a continuance, he said.
The Shevlinos had hoped all along to convince Solicitor Scarlett Wilson that 10 years in prison was excessive for a former honor student who had just turned 16 when the crimes occurred and had no prior criminal record.
In the months since his arrest, Sean has worked hard to turn his life around, pursuing a high school diploma and steering clear of his former friends and co-defendants, boys he once considered his brothers, his father said.
"Now all of that is for naught," Peter Shevlino said. "They're just throwing him away."
Wilson said Saturday that she has studied the facts of the case and discussed the matter at length with Mount Pleasant police and Sean's attorney, Frank Cornely. Holdups such as these create a climate of fear for law-abiding citizens, she said.
"I am comfortable with the way we are proceeding," she said. "This defendant was the gunman in two armed robberies that were one week apart. You just can't get away from that."
Though the robbery weapon was a pellet gun, it looked all too real to some victims.
"I was so scared," Subway worker Sarah Panther told The Post and Courier last year. "I kept wondering, 'Is he going to shoot us? Is he going to kill us?' "
The episode has been a slow, torturous road for the Shevlino family. During an interview last month at their Park West home, a Christmas tree sparkled from a living room corner, but the mood was heavy, grim as the family sat around a kitchen table trying to make sense of it all.
Sean's mother, April Shevlino, said she and her husband have run through their retirement savings paying for Sean's schooling and criminal defense. They can't cover those bills with earnings from Peter Shevlino's job at a shipping container company and April Shevlino's work organizing casino excursions. They expect they will have to sell their home soon to make ends meet.
"We would sell anything we had to," Sean's mother said. "Believe me, I would stand out there in the street and auction off anything I have if I thought it would buy him some help. None of these things are important compared to his life."
Sean's shoulders sagged and his voice trembled as he tried to contemplate life behind bars. "I don't want to go to adult prison with murderers and rapists," Sean said.
"Who will he be after that?" his mother asked, her eyes misting. "They want to take 20 percent of his life away and he didn't even hurt anybody."
His parents understand that some punishment is warranted, but they felt he should have been tried as a juvenile offender and not as an adult.
Several of Sean's co-defendants will face far less prison time when they are sentenced.
That's because Sean was one of only two teens charged with participating in both holdups. The other, 19-year-old Michael Anthony, pleaded guilty Friday to two counts of armed robbery and received a 10-year prison term.
The Shevlinos said the crimes took place during a worrisome, though brief, period of rebellion in Sean's life. He put his friends before his family and became unruly, sneaking out at night and partying with his friends. His parents took him to counseling. But Sean took off one night after his parents unexpectedly arrived home in the midst of a party he was hosting.
When Mount Pleasant police asked his father to come down to the station one day in September 2006, Peter Shevlino assumed Sean was in trouble for underage drinking.
Sean was charged with armed robbery. Peter Shevlino didn't know what to say.
They had no lawyer. They'd never needed one. The Shevlinos went to their priest for guidance. And prayed.
Sean got out of jail, but he couldn't go back to Wando. The school district expelled him and his friends.
His parents enrolled him in Three Springs, a private school and treatment program in North Carolina. He spent the winter living and studying in a spartan cabin, cooking food on a wood-burning stove and learning to understand and control his defiant behavior.
Sean said he returned home humble, remorseful and more mature. He worked in a restaurant over the summer. He could have gone back to Wando in the fall, but his parents decided against it.
Better to stay away, start new. He's now attending Trident One Stop trying to earn his diploma.
Sean said he has no friends to speak of. Most of his fellow students at Trident are older, live elsewhere, have families of their own. He spends his free time with his family, going to the movies or playing video games.
"It's so hard for me to make friends around here," he said. "Their parents find out who I am and they don't want them hanging around me. In Mount Pleasant, I'll always be the kid who robbed those people. I understand where they're coming from, but it's hard for me."
On one recent night, his mother tried to console him as he sat home, depressed by his circumstances. He cried and told her that no one in the world would want to trade places with him.
She reminded him of a television program they had seen about children with cancer. They would trade places, she said.
Sean shook his head and told his mother, "I would rather die of cancer because then at least people would still love me."
Reach Glenn Smith at 937-5556 or gsmith@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
kdn0307 (anonymous) says...
I can't say how I feel regarding a 10 year sentence in this situation. I can see it from the victims' perspective and the criminal's perspective (Sean). What he did was WRONG. I believe he is remorseful, but that doesn't change the fact that he committed a crime. Lucky for him and all involved that things didn't get further out of hand and someone was killed. I'm sure that under the same circumstances, I would likely feel the same way Sean's parents do about my son. "Sean,time to hold your head up, stop feeling sorry for yourself, and focus on getting through the sentence. You will get through it and then you get a second chance. You have something that so many others in your situation don't have, an awesome, supportive family who loves you no matter what. Unfortunately, I think you learned that the hard way. Be thankful for those things you do have. Make it a goal to overcome this and be the best that you can be. God bless Sean and his family."
January 13, 2008 at 1:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...
Are you are telling me that we are going to destroy the life of a 16 year old because he robbed someone with a BB Gun???
Come On South Carolina we can do better than this!
Chris McIntire
January 13, 2008 at 2:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
USC_Alumni (anonymous) says...
He's getting what he deserves. I was defiant and had a rebellious streak when I was kid, most kids do at some point in their lives. So using that as an excuse for what he did doesn't fly. He committed ARMED ROBBERY not once but twice.
January 13, 2008 at 6:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
december1 (anonymous) says...
I think 10 years is a little excessive for someone his age. My kids go to school with these kids and most of them are good kids who made a horrible decision that day. It sounds like Sean has really done all the right things to turn his life around. I wonder what the other kids involved will get? Max Hartwell one of the boys involved and the ones house who the planning was done at, has not done the things as Sean has to turn his life around. He has continued to hang with some of the same group, partying and drinking . I can't speak for the other boys involved but I know first hand that Max has not tried to do the things Sean has done to head down a different path. I pray that Sean and Mark will get through their jail time and come back as good adults who learned a lesson. It is so sad to see such good kids make such a bad decision and now their families have to go without their children for the next 10 years.
January 13, 2008 at 6:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Radar24 (anonymous) says...
If these crimes had been committed by a poor teenager who never had any guidance, no one would care about the sentence and would be glad he was off the streets. What makes this situation more scary is that it was done by teenagers who obviously were in need of nothing and decided to put people in fear for their lives for noting more than the thrill of it. That is way more dangerous and less understandable to me than the man who does it because he can't pay the rent. Do we set a precedent that if you are an otherwise "good" teenager, other then the fact you stuck a real looking gun in the face of innocent people, we should let you go to the "special schools" your parents can afford? Like I said, they were more dangerous in my eyes because it was only done for the thrill.
January 13, 2008 at 6:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mac0cm4 (anonymous) says...
If he wasn't from Mount Pleasant there would hardly be this response to the sentence. We all know he'll get parole early and be on probation afterwards.
January 13, 2008 at 6:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
USC_Alumni (anonymous) says...
December 1- Maybe Sean should have turned his life around before he commited arm robbery. If he doesn't want to go to jail with murders, rapist, and other arm robbers, then don't do the things that will put you in there. YES, it's that simple.
There is no doubt he will have a hard time in jail and be preyed upon by older, jail savy convicts, but right now I'm more concerned about the VICTIMS of this crime not the PERPETRATORS.
January 13, 2008 at 6:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
USC_Alumni (anonymous) says...
Posted by mac0cm4 (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 6:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If he wasn't from Mount Pleasant there would hardly be this response to the sentence. We all know he'll get parole early and be on probation afterwards.
THIS IS A REAL TRUTHFUL MESSAGE RIGHT HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 13, 2008 at 6:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Thinkstraight (anonymous) says...
Its not about what kinds of person it is or the amount of money or guidance they had its about 10 YEARS in prison. Did you not read any of the other comments, A women tried to kill her husband during surgery and got 10, and a 17 year old got probation for murder.
That poor teenager who never had guidance, also wasn't on the news, therfore scarllet wilson dosent have to make an example out of him to help herslef get elected. Other cases dont end up like this, these boys are just pawns to wilson to advance her career. There was just a case last month where two wando teens robbed two stores and disharged a loaded firarm. Scarlet Wilson, the prosecutor for the case saw it fit to give them probation. It stuns me that they get probation, along with many other teens the commit armed robberies. You only know about this wando case, and cant compare it to others becuase there not on the news, or in the paper. The justice system is in need of serious repair, evrybody needs to be treated EQUALLY for better or for worse. in this case better. It is sad to see that Sean's life is just pawn in the prosecutor's political election game.
January 13, 2008 at 6:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
granny2 (anonymous) says...
Prayers are with the parents of these guys. I have grandsons and I just hope they stay out of trouble but one never knows what their kids may do.
January 13, 2008 at 6:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
konphidence (anonymous) says...
You people are not thinking right! This boy made a grown man decision to rob someone/business twice! where do you guys get off to say this is too harsh. I am so sick of this story. who cares put his butt behind bars for whatever time is given. Had this been someone from north chuck or the inner city, PC would not give those families "air time" to describe their christmas tree and having to raid their retirement, savings. Wow, this kid has definitely destroyed his families' well being, the public trust and deserves to pay society's price. What would each of you said if these kids were shot or killed by the BMW stolen from the owner's home...... his sentence would be forever. everybody wants to "turn their life around " once they're caught with a serious problem. Rebelious behavior doesn't include armed robbery. i hope the little creep gets 15 yrs or more. I bet you tyrone would get it for sure. knuckle up punk.......
January 13, 2008 at 6:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
konphidence (anonymous) says...
opps i mean shot by the owner of the BMW..... but he still has to go.
January 13, 2008 at 7:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Thinkstraight (anonymous) says...
Thats the thing im trying to get through to you people, the time is rediculous. Tyrone wouldent get 10 years, he would get sent to a youthfull offender facility for 1-6, im sure Shevlino would be fine with serving all of it. Its sad that it is going to be so unequal, but all you ignorant people think is that they are being treated better becuase there white, there actully being treated exponentialy worse.
January 13, 2008 at 7:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pirate42 (anonymous) says...
Now these boys should get the word out to other teens in our great country what A STUPID bit fun can do to the rest of there lives I hope Justice prevails for all involved...
January 13, 2008 at 7:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Radar24 (anonymous) says...
Quit making excuses for this guy. If we let violent offenders off people get upset, but when we actually give them time for their crime, people get upset! What kind of society do you want? He could have gotten 30 years for each charge, he should be content with only doing ten. And thank you for not wasting my tax payer money on your trial so we can put some of those other people who may deserve their day in court before you! And consider the victims, did they know he was a good teenager when he was pointing what appeared to be a real gun in their faces? Are you able to go through your work day without flash backs to that night? Just be glad you aren't having to live with that.
January 13, 2008 at 7:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suec (anonymous) says...
They are shocked and hurt hat his former friends won't talk to him now? They threw you under the bus buddy.
Plus, do you really think you need to be around them? If your "gang" had broken up before maybe you wouldn;t be in this mess.
As for the financial problems. Waaa waaa waaa.
I think 10 years is harsh for his age, but I do not feel sorry for him at all.
January 13, 2008 at 7:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
motherof3 (anonymous) says...
I agree..This 16 year made an adult decision to rob 2 stores. If he had access to a real gun would he have used it? yes, he would have. These people who were robbed at gun point had no idea he what type of gun he had and were terrified that they were going to die. They will have nightmares the rest of their lives. Both of these robberies were well thought out and planned. What the hell is wrong with these kids. If you do the crime you do the time...period..
Know where your kids are, who they are with, and what they are doing....If they get angry that you are meddling in their life ...tough...thats parenting...
I cant believe a armed robber doesn't want to go to jail with murderers and rapists... HELLO...Should of thought of that before you planned out and robbed these 2 stores and to do these jobs at gunpoint..
But dont worry..while in jail you can still receive an education and even graduate from college...
(mother of 3 boys- ages 7, 12,and 17.)
January 13, 2008 at 7:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Radar24 (anonymous) says...
As stated prior, they also stole a vehicle outside of their little two armed robberies, feel so bad for them now?
January 13, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Radar24 (anonymous) says...
At what point to they commit enough felonies to get ten years? I agree with Konphidence, they went on someone's property and stole their car in an situation outside threatening to kill people during robberies. Maybe you'll didn't think that involved in his sentence was probably the dropping of his other major crime offenses.
January 13, 2008 at 7:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
motherof3 (anonymous) says...
So..If this boy lives in park west, Im assuming money wasn't the reason he robbed the bank...So what excuse has he given..The thrill of it...
January 13, 2008 at 7:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
laine61 (anonymous) says...
I agree with konphidence. He was a kid, but he made a grown man's decision. Why shouldn't he get 10 years? It may be too harsh for some but to holdup 2 stores in one week with a gun? It doesn't matter if it was a pellet gun or not. They used it as a real weapon and they should be punished for it. On yesterday, I made a comment that the punishment was too harsh, but after careful review, I agree with most of you...If you are man enough to do the crime, be man enough to the time!!!!!
The judge was only doing what she was bound by law to do. Don't blame the judge for handing down a sentence that was agreed upon. If he went to trial and lost he would probably get a lot more than that!!!!
January 13, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Radar24 (anonymous) says...
Let's give all violent felons probation and community service! Until you are a victim of these crimes, you can't really speak about it.
What may have been accomplished is other teenagers might realize rebellion doesn't include their crimes and that they may think twice about committing them. Isn't that what jail time is for? Too many people aren't getting enough! That is why society deals with the same offenders over and over again, just like these guys!
January 13, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
karmann (anonymous) says...
I can understand a parent's desire to have some degree of mercy for their child when in this situation. This situation has very little difference than those whose families face eviction because of their actions. Too many youth, and adults, don't fully realize how one mistake can completely change their lives. At the same time, taking responsibility for one's actions is also real and necessary. A message needs to be sent that such actions have a real consequence.
January 13, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
Who the h#%& determined to try these KIDS as ADULTS?
This is so sad, very sad that the system is going to RUIN these kids LIVES!!
I agree in punishment, but this, IMO should HAUNT the ADULTS who made the decision to TRY them as ADULTS and put these kids in this position for a VERY LONG TIME!!!!
Yes, the kids put themselves there and yes, need punishment but the ADULTS and SYSTEM don't need to RUIN their LIVES for their MISTAKES!!
January 13, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
Elections can't come soon enough!!
January 13, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
And you know what? It's not just this kid, it's all kids across the state of SC!
Anyone that thinks sending any kid to ADULT prison as punishment and believes he will come out in 10 yrs as an outstanding fine, young citizen is crazy!
Are our tax dollars going to also pay for the addtional burdens, welfare, rehab IF and WHEN he comes out of his ADULT prison experience?
January 13, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
studley (anonymous) says...
My niece and nephew were robbed at gunpoint in their deli several years ago - the robbery was one of the 10 or so in Charleston County. The robbers were caught, tried and sentenced to 17 years. All the criminals were poor blacks. I don't recall anyone criticizing their sentences. I though the sentences were lenient.
The Wando gang was no less violent. In my opinion, because of their priviledged backgrounds, their crimes were more violent. Senseless but violent. Now, it is time to pay the piper.
Several posts are very critical of the criminal justice system. We don't need to fix the criminal justice system - criminals already have too many rights. We need a victims justice system - one where the person who had the gun, BB or otherwise, pointed at them gets to determine the penalty.
January 13, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Radar24 (anonymous) says...
So because they are 16, and some older at the time, with the ability to know right from wrong, that is the standard, we should not try them as adults. Interesting, I am sure they told them victims their age and asked for their forgiveness as they put the real looking gun in the victims faces. I am sure they wore no disguise so that their victims could see that they were only "kids", because only kids wouldn't think to disguise themselves. I am sure they didn't sit around and plan one of the events because only adults would have that much fore thought. Go buy walkie talkies, a pellet gun. No, I agree if the above is correct, but I don't think you can agree. At what point do you decide if they are "Kids", is your statement only because of their age?
January 13, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
According to S.C. statutes this CHILd, LEGALLY cannot consent to, or engage in, many very adult activities, regardless of whether he "makes a decision" to engage in the activity. For example: He cannot consent to sex(age of consent here is 18), cannot purchase cigarettes (again, legal age 18), cannot vote (again, age 18), cannot purchase alcohol(age 21),cannot be sent off to war (age 18).
Almost all of our laws and statues point to the fact and recognize that children are not adults, even if they are involved in adult activity. That is why we have JUVENAL Correctional facilities.
It is not logical, nor consistent with the purpose and intent of almost all our other laws, to "try children as adults".
January 13, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
10216340 (anonymous) says...
motherof3 wrote: I agree..This 16 year made an adult decision to rob 2 stores. If he had access to a real gun would he have used it? yes, he would have.
Good Point Motherof3. I truly believe they would have used a real weapon if one had been available.
I also agree with several other posters that commented how sick and tired they are of hearing that someone is turing their life around and doing all these great things now or how they were getting their life back together, etc, etc, etc. They should have been doing that all along instead of crimes against society.
Geechie wrote: I read all of your posts and I believe you would feel differently if these were some of your children or grandchildren.
Yes, I would feel differently. I would most definitely not want my son going to prison. I'm sure if we asked the parents of most all criminals who are currently residing in prison, they would give the same answer. They would not want their child locked up. Well, that's why punishment for crimes against society is not up to the families of the criminals.
I hope and pray everyday that my son will make the right choices in life.
My heart is breaking for the family of this young man. The fear and grief they must be feeling is unimaginable. However, a crime as committed and now punishment must be given.
January 13, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
10216340 (anonymous) says...
Several have posted comments about wanting to be able to elect judges. I am very much opposed to that. I don't want a judge having to worry about being reelected when he/she hands down a sentence. I want him/her to be able to apply the law without having to worry about how popular the criminal might be and the political fallout during the next election.
I've lived in a state where judges where elected. It was terrible and definitely had a negative impact on how judges did their job.
January 13, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Radar24 (anonymous) says...
I am sorry for the parents of these teenagers, sorry that they feel they must spend their life savings to defend someone so blatantly guilty of something but that is the choice they made. I heard the other guy in the case got discarded by his adoptive family because of his choices. That will probably make more of an impact on his life then the one made by Shevlino's family to try to pay for their son's crime. He will come out to them, don't worry about him not having support, but the other guy, he appears to have truly had to earn support to get a teacher to take him in. Shevlino is depressed because he doesn't have friends because other parents don't want him around? At least he has parents. Own up, do your time, and you'll find friends. No one has control of your life but you.
January 13, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
voyager12 (anonymous) says...
The sentence is excessive. A year in jail with another year of probation makes more sense to me. There is no prior record. He did not use a real gun and no one was hurt. I am not dismissing the mental trauma suffered by the robbery victims but come on people, have some perspective. The punishment does not fit the crime.
January 13, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Radar24 (anonymous) says...
Okay Skeptical, I hope you hold the same standard when your family is injured or killed by a person under 17 that steals a car and takes it for a joy ride with little regard for anyone else. Did you note they also stole a BMW? The law obviously allows for people under the age of 17 to be held accountable for major crimes and not be held in juvenile court. We are not talking about some kids ringing your door bell at 2 am.
January 13, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Radar24 (anonymous) says...
So Voyager, as long as no one was hurt and the gun was determined to be a fake, anyone committing an armed robbery should get a year and probation. That is exactly what is wrong with the system. Did you read the other articles and posts, there was other incidents, including other crimes to people.
January 13, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IsaacLC (anonymous) says...
The only reason people are able to speak out about this case is because the media turned it into a circus. These boys' faces and names were immediately plastered everywhere. The only reason their names and faces were thrown out to the public is because they are all from "affluent" Mt. Pleasant. Please! The only thing "affluent" about Mt. pleasant is the over inflated property values. This area is beautiful but it is no more or less wealthy than James Island, North Charleston, Summerville, Downtown Charleston, or West Ashley. It's true that if they lived in the projects, we may never have heard about them. That's not our fault. It's the fault of the local media. I am one person who believes that all children, regardless of their race or address, should be treated equally by the legal system in America. No child who committs a crime should be prosecuted in the adult criminal justice system. Anyone who believes the same should stand up and say so and should use this very publicized case to help spread the word and try to bring about change in the justice system. Laws need to be changed to protect youthful offenders. Our legislators need to be relentlessy hounded until one of them is strong enough to take on the challenge of getting these laws changed. Children are not disposable and can very easily be rehabilitated with the proper intervention. Throwing children away in adult prisons does not help the child or society. Adult prisons are places of punishment not rehabilitaiton. Yes, these boys committed crimes but they were not adults when they did it and should not be treated as such. They should be held accountable for their actions at the juvenile level. "Adult Crime, Adult Time" is nothing but purely ignorant thinking. Scarlett Wilson just lost my vote and if Judge Deadra Jefferson was an elected official, she wouldn't get my vote either...
January 13, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nochasgirl (anonymous) says...
You cannot make a "grown-up" decision, when you are NOT a grown-up. All of these boys should be treated as juveniles, because they ARE juveniles. They should not be jailed with adults, because they are children. I believe they should be punished, but how can you justify their sentence compared to lighter sentences handed down in other horrible crimes. I will be praying for all of the families involved. I cannot imagine what they are going through. I love my children dearly, and I know it must be heartbreaking to these parents to be so helpless.
January 13, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
"This 16 year made an adult decision to rob 2 stores."
Herein, lies the problem~ can you really say the 16 year old was even capable of making an adult decision?
The system tries to decide when a kid is an adult or "thinks" like one~
How can anyone state these kids acted like adults, are adults, should be tried as adults?
Who knows the "magic age" when a brain and maturity is fully developed and one begins to think liek an adult?
It is quite obvious these kids were not "thinking" like adults but yet they are thrown into the system as adults!
What are the determining factors and who makes the decision to try KIDS as adults?
January 13, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IOP4ME (anonymous) says...
The P&C has played this story to the hilt for maximum readership but regardless, this kid is getting a raw deal. Usually teens tried as adults have worn out their welcome in the juvenile system or actually fired a real weapon or something that can be pointed to that warrants adult treatment. What this kid did was extremely wrong and he will be paying for it the rest of his life either way. I think it has more to do with the fact that it happened here in MT P. that it is being treated this way. If it happened up in North Charleston, this kid, regardless of race would not be being made an example of in this way.
January 13, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...
I still think South Carolina can do better.
The average sentence in South Carolina for murder (including plea arrangements) is only 17 years, the sentences for Armed Robbery ranged from probation to 25 years.
Don't you think that probation for robbery with a Pellet would do?
If common sense prevails sending these two young men to prison with more violent and repeat offenders for ten years is a cruel mistake and serves no purpose what so ever.
And if you think they will return as normal young adults in 2018 fit to live next door to you, guess again.
Six years in the Marine Corp would be a much better alternative.
January 13, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IsaacLC (anonymous) says...
A child being discarded by their family, biological or adopted, isn't a good supportive thing. What kind of message does that send to a child?? "Oh, we'll love you as long as you aren't a pain in our backsides"??? Give me a break! America's parents need to do better than that.
Adults who committ armed robberies should be charged as adults. Kids who committ armed robberies should not. It's pretty simple. America has a juvenile justice system and an adult justice system for very good and logical reasons. Simply allowing a prosecutor to decide whether or not to bump a youthful offender up to the adult criminal system is a complete abuse of power.Incarcerating children (which 16,17, 18, and 19 year olds are) in adult prison facilities is nothing more than state sanctioned child abuse.
January 13, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...
You can be the Bishop England "3" will get probation and they beat the "$%&*" out of a 15 year old!
My take on that story and more at:
http://postandcourierblogs.com/life_f...
January 13, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Radar24 (anonymous) says...
First off, from what I read not all would have been considered juveniles when the robberies occurred. The other suspect is now 19 suggesting he was 17 when the robberies happened. In the eyes of SC law, you can be held accountable as as adult at 17. So, for all of you who view them as children, should one be held to a different standard than the others. Should the ones who were possibly 17 and over get adult sentences and the ones under 17 get juvenile sentences? Even though they were all friends and school mates? I agree, I wasn't all "grown up" at 16 or even 25 but I still didn't commit the crimes they did. Like I said, they appear to have done it out of thrill more than anything else and if they had not been caught, we can only sit and wonder if their crimes would have progressed. Luckily your local police and solicitor's office ensured the community is safe from any other thrill seeking!
January 13, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Radar24...Yes, the law allows for those under 17 to be tried as adults.
I was pointing out how illogical and unreasonable that is, relative to other laws on the books. Most law recognizes that adolescents are not fully "grown" and, accordingly, a different standard on many issues is applied.
It defies reason to have almost every law recognize that there is a point in a person's life when age dictates ability to consent, level of accountability, etc., but all of that suddenly becomes irrelevant when prosecution of a juvenile as an adult is a possibility???
If this same kid had had sex with, say any adult, charges could and probably would be brought against the adult even if the kid said he had initiated the sexual activity.
I have to wonder if the laws allowing for a juvenile to be tried as an adult are in place to protect the public or if they are in place so that on the whim of the prosecutor, another prosecutorial "win" can be added to a resume. The truth is that juvenile convictions are not as impressive on the prosecutor's win-loss history.
The law should be consistent and reasonable, and in this area it is not.
Please note: No where in my post did I advocate no, or even little, consequence for this kid's outrageous and criminal behavior. He deserves a very stiff consequence...but it should be served in a Juvenal facility.
January 13, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
I suspect the KIDS going to jail and placed in an ADULT facitly will no doubt suffer much more long term and lasting emotional distress than those that were robbed with a pellet gun~
IMO, in the end, 10 yrs from now IF they SURVIVE, the situation is going to be worse for all involved, including the tax paying citizens for making the decision to send these kids into an adult jail population~
I have to wonder for those who push the 10 yr adult jail, what exactly do you expect these kids to learn and benefit from such a harsh sentence and what do you anticpate for them from living 10 years in an adult prison population?
Do you really believe spending 10 yrs in an adult population is going to give them the opportunity to mature into the fine, outstanding citizens you think they will become and then settle in to live right beside you?
So, what are you going to do when the time comes for their release and they decide to come and live in your neighborhood, but they are so much more troubled due to living in an adult prison for the past 10 yrs?
I'd much rather have a child who spent time in a juvenile faciltiy and learned his lesson vs. a child who spent 10 yrs in an adult facitly and is released God knows how?
January 13, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IsaacLC (anonymous) says...
~The average sentence in South Carolina for murder (including plea arrangements) is only 17 years, the sentences for Armed Robbery ranged from probation to 25 years.~
Christopher Pittman who killed his grandparents at the ripe old age of 12, while under the influence of two very powerful anti-depressants, that have since been deemed unsafe by the FDA for ingestion by children under the age of 18, was sentenced to South Carolina's "mandatory minimum" for murder which is 30 years! According to the presiding judge, his hands were tied in the matter. And if ya'll remember, he was tried right here in Charleston County. South Carolina can do much better and should.
January 13, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Cold Beer-I see no one thinking that any of these kids, or what they did, was cute. A very stiff penalty is called for in this case.
However, placing this boy in the adult prison system more likely is not in the best interest of society in the long run, statistically speaking.
January 13, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hayhop (anonymous) says...
honor student 'chose' to 'steal' a car,'rob' a store then for
fun did it again a week later.omg his mother was quoted as saying "they are going to take twenty percent of his life and he didn't even hurt anybody.she should ask the people he pointed the gun at if they are hurt .Doesn't matter where this kid is from 10 years is a long time and i feel
sorry for him (for the mess he has gotten HIMSELF into)but he should have had enough sense not to do something so stupid
January 13, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
IMO, it's a really messed up system~
Child molester are freed, only to go and molest again or even murder~
Known parent child abuser are given their chilren back to continue the abuse or murder their own babies~
Spouse abusers are allowed to walk free and go one to further abuse or murder~
Women have been threatened, the system can't do anything to protect them, and those threats end up with a murdered girl~
Then you have KIDS tried as ADULTS and sent to spend TEN years of life in an ADULT population jail~
TEN years in an ADULT prison, while many others walk free and no one wants to face the music and reality of sending any YOUTH into an adult population and what will really happen to them?
And who will be there in TEN years, in 2018 to pick up and FIX the "trainwreck" the system created for the KIDS?
January 13, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Radar24 (anonymous) says...
For anyone who thinks 16 year olds should not be held to the same standard as adults, you have not been a victim of the violent crime they did. What I have not seen in the paper is their outpouring of remorse for what they inflicted on innocent people, some of them their classmates. Instead of being thankful for not going away for 60 years for the offenses he was currently going up for(he had more I understand), he instead marches out with his family's paid attorney while the guy with nothing (co defendant who acted as look out)accepts his 10 years. Why is no one looking at the difference in expectation or treatment there? Why is no one giving the guy who plead guilty and took his sentence any credit? Does their race play a factor? I applaud Mr. Anthony for realizing he got a good deal even though he played less of a role according to the paper than Mr. Shevlino. And I believe Mr. Anthony was 17, while Mr. Shevlino was considered a juvenile.
January 13, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coccougs (anonymous) says...
To SCGal - You certainly have every right to discuss your views, but I think you'd seem a little more informed if you did a little research. A 16 year old who commits armed robbery (or any other crime classified as "most serious" by the S.C. Code) is tried as an adult BY LAW. It is not a discretionary decision made by the prosecution, it is legally mandated.
As to criticisms of Judge Jefferson's sentence, and Scarlett Wilson's negotiations - the legally mandated sentence for armed robbery is 10 to 30 years. So Ms. Wilson negotiated, and Judge Jefferson enforced, the absolute lowest possible sentence one can get for these actions.
There was the possibility of lowering the charges (which was done for several of the less culpable players in this tragic situation) - but is that really the message we want to send as a society? "Commit armed robbery as a poor minority teen in North Charleston and get the book thrown at you, but commit armed robbery as an afluent Mount Pleasant teen and spend a weekend or two doing Public Service?"
I feel very sorry for these boys and their families. But their lack of prior records and family support were considered and resulted in them getting the MINIMUM sentence for their actions. In a hail of attention and criticism from all sides (from "give 'em life" to "drop the charges"), the prosecution handled this case with fairness and calm consideration.
In a tragic situation like this, no one leaves feeling happy about the outcome. What we deserve is a legal system that acts calmly and, most importantly, fairly - and a system that completely ignores the clammering storm of criticism from both sides and acts with quiet diliberation.
January 13, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
"sorry for him (for the mess he has gotten HIMSELF into)but he should have had enough sense not to do something so stupid"
BUT they did not and so they get to have a harsh, harsh, life and God only know what else will be experiend for the NEXT 10 years and who will be there to repair that damage in 2018?
IF THEY were going to a system/faciltiy THAT would only punish them for the crime and give them an opportunity to mature in a postivie manneer it's one thing BUT all of the EXTRAS that will come their way by being placed in an ADULT population is WRONG, just WRONG and this is were society if going to FAIL them miserably for thier mistakes.
You cannot go back and change thier mistakes but do should anyone really FACE adult prison and the EXTRAS as this age?
January 13, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
idennis (anonymous) says...
Coldbeer, I remember you, you were in charge of the Spanish Inquisition and the Salem Witch trials. Laud boy come in from that isolulated bubble you are in.
To the lady that said this boy could obtain his high school diploma and a college degree while he's there for 10 years, you have the state prisons confused with the federal system. The best you can do in the state institutions is a GED. Most likely he will get a degree in being institutionalized and will return the the prison system for not being able to cope with life on the outside and that will cost us more in our precious taxes that taking a chance on him now.
As far as the remark of serving six years in the Marines.. ya gotta have a high school diploma to do that.
January 13, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CarolinaWren (anonymous) says...
I just read some of comments posted through # 48. I was astounded that there are So many people who feel the law is punishing these boys too severely. Do you really honestly think they should have their hands only slapped after stealing a car, robbing two establishments, threatening people lives with what looked a real gun. Now we are supposed to feel sorry for them? How about their parents??? Have you any piety for them? Do you have any idea what they have been going through with a son who has been so very disrespectful by the type of behavior he has displayed in the pass that would have probably gotten worst if he were not caught? Read the article again. No, I do not feel sorry for these boys. What they did was their choice. I do feel compassion and piety for their parents who have been through hell and are still going through hell! Due to this boys disrespectful behavior his parents have spent their retirement saving and may loose their home! The only crime their parents have committed is that they love their son. He gets 10 years and they get life as they may lose everything they have worked for. Something is wrong with this picture!
January 13, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Radar24 (anonymous) says...
SCGAL, your points are making no sense, you say we let people off for violent offenses but when they get jail time your upset? The path these guys were on is no different than the ones you quoted. The system stopped them and gave them a pretty good sentence in my eyes. What are they supposed to learn from it? Jail, Prison is not somewhere we help people, it is supposed to be punishment to deter them from further crime. People getting too lax sentences has led to the situation we are in. It's like restriction as a kid, you do something wrong, you suffer the consequence. I as a tax payer am not putting them in prison to educate them, I am putting them there because their actions were dangerous and society is putting them on restriction! I bet if there was a little more truth in sentencing, people would think twice! Remember they were facing 60 years for the charges and had other ones to boot!
January 13, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coccougs (anonymous) says...
And one more angle on this story . . .
If half the population is outraged at this sentence as too harsh . . .
. . . and half the citizenry is angry that the penalties are too lenient . . .
Wouldn't that lead most reasonable people to conclude the sentence was fair?
January 13, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
coccougs, no critiscm of the Judge/Prosecutor~ but the system/SC Codes itself and again who is going to fix the problem in 2018 that has been created by this system?
What will 16, 17 yr olds who have spent 10 years in an adult prison population experiene during those 10 yrs and what personality will emerge in 2018 to possibly be your neighbor?
A juvenile sent to a facility for punishment or a juvenile sent to 10 yrs in an ADULT prison population?
Should these KIDS really deserve the ADULT JAIL "extras" for their punishment?
January 13, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChrisPia (anonymous) says...
If He doesn't like the Plea he has the opportunity to go to trial.I think that the plea was adequate to send a message to criminals.Their actions were not Bad Judgment or Spontaneous they were planned(intent)....Do The crime,Pay The time..Period
January 13, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Radar24 (anonymous) says...
Love your way of thinking Coug!
January 13, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
Perhaps, many are quite stupid about what will happen to these young men in the ADULT prison population.
They deserve punishment, BUT they do not deserve the reality of what is going to happen to them in prison.
It's sad to think anyone believes any child deserves that environment~
January 13, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CarolinaWren (anonymous) says...
Thank you ChrisPie.. You you hit the nail right on the head!
January 13, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Radar24 (anonymous) says...
What will emerge in 10 years? Not that any of these guys will serve that long due to overcrowding, but do you want bad guys to go away or should we forgive the ones that are nice outside of violent crime. SCGAL, to put these guys lives and feelings over those of the victims is sad.
January 13, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...
I think if they dragged them out to Marion Square and gave everyone a rock, the long term outcome would be better than having them spend the next ten years in a "correctional" institution.
January 13, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coccougs (anonymous) says...
SCgal - I am truly devastated for these boys, as you are, and I am well aware of the serious implications that it will have on their lives. As saddened as that makes me, it is the result of a CHOICE that they made. As to the argument that they were too young to make that choice - I just really don't think you truly believe that 16 - 19 year-olds really didn't know armed robbery was a serious crime. I just don't buy that argument. Our law on this issue, while far from perfect (who will ever agree on a "magic number" to start considering people adults?), does handle these issues rather fairly . . .
Commit most crimes while under 18 and you are considered a juvenile.
Commit a crime over 18 and you are considered an adult.
Commit a "most serious crime" (under our law - to name a few - murder, armed robbery, rape, trafficking narcotics) at 16 or 17 and you considered an adult.
Commit a "most serious crime" when under 16, and the prosecutor has the discretion to to try as an adult or a juvenile. (Usually, they decide juvenile unless it is particulary heinous like the Christopher Pittman case).
. . . while certainly not perfect - this is fair if applied across the board. (Like it was in this case).
January 13, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CarolinaWren (anonymous) says...
SC gal...are you speaking from experience???
January 13, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mysticlady (anonymous) says...
This is a very sad story! However consequences must be paid for negative behavior,& unfavorable choices, whether we change or not. Judge Jefferson is a fair judge. I have been in her courtroom and she is very thorough! She makes good decisions and does not leave one leaf unturned. I would have to say she made the right decision. This family is more fortunate than the family whose child sneaked out, and ended up in a fatal car accident. This child needs therapy, my hope is that he will get it wherever he goes, or he may end up desperate enough to hurt himself. He must understand that God is with him, and loves him and it sounds like he has family that loves him. When we are down to nothing Sean, God is up to something. When we sin we pay, & hopefully we learn from our behaviors! Prayer is the only thing I can offer this family. Fervent prayer and then "let go and let God". All things that look bad in the beginning do not always end up bad. God will intervene if you pray and something good will come for this child and this family! Just put your trust in God at this time and He WILL intervene!
January 13, 2008 at 11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
buttercup (anonymous) says...
ChrisPia How right you are. Their actions were not Bad Judgment or Spontaneous they were planned(intent)...
January 13, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PositiveSpeaker (anonymous) says...
To Sean's last statement "I would rather die of cancer because then at least people would still love me."
It makes me sick to think, that anyone could feel this way. Everyone needs love and foregiveness!
Sean- people DO still love you! Many infact. And the ones who say negative things are only ignorant people who don't seem to know any better. But remember, God will judge us all in the end.
I have loved you all your life and I will be here for you ever day. Always remember that you are loved and don't let people make feel otherwise.
I love you!
Aunt Nora
January 13, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JohnS (anonymous) says...
This kid robbed places twice. He knew this was wrong. Since this is a armed robery he will be doing hard time. Liber is not too far from Mt Pleasant. If he is lucky and behaves he can get a prison job which makes things go by quicker. The sad thing is he will be in with hardtimers who will take advantage of him. Liber does not seperate inmates unless you are on death row. The ones locked up 23 hours a day can not behave.
I do not agree with putting the special needs young man who is black in prison for 10 years. This young man needs real help and prison is not the place for him. His IQ is about 70 they say.
January 13, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
2dogs1bear (anonymous) says...
10 yrs seems very harsh for a first offender esp a juvenile who used a BB gun for heaven's sake. Probation and community service would have been a better sentence I think.
January 13, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wonderdog (anonymous) says...
coccougs, great posts!
The pellet gun used may not be a "real" gun to some, but it is a weapon and one that IS able to inflict bodily injury or death at close range, as in these crimes. I don't see any problem with treating this crime the same as if he had a 9mm (I have shot both pellet guns and hand guns).
This is tragic for ALL involved, but these guys need to be punished according to current law. Judge Jefferson has proven to be a smart, fair judge over the years, and I'm sure she was not happy to hand down these sentences. If we believe the laws need to be changed, we are free to contact our representatives and work for change.
January 13, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
What 16, 17, 18 yr old from MT. P SC really knew and understood the consequences of 10, 20, 60 yrs in an ADULT prison? Sorry don't buy it that they did know!!
CCSD, local law enforcement, any community program out there offer any classes, lessons to middle school/high school kids on the subject? NOPE, any Drug Awareness programs started in 5th grade~ nope, any sex ed- very little in "health" class~
Please do tell us about what kids are being taught about crime, the consequences, drug awareness, drinking and driving, et. al.
In today's society it sometimes takes a village to raise a child~
January 13, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IsaacLC (anonymous) says...
~~Why is no one looking at the difference in expectation or treatment there? Why is no one giving the guy who plead guilty and took his sentence any credit? Does their race play a factor? I applaud Mr. Anthony for realizing he got a good deal even though he played less of a role according to the paper than Mr. Shevlino.~~
I think that Michael Anthony had no other choice but to accept his plea "bargain". His sentencing is grossly excessive. I think that everyone here is speaking of both Anthony and Shevlino. I cried when I read that Micheal Anthony plead and will now serve ten years in prison. It doesn't matter to me what color his skin is. He is getting a raw deal. These boys were not adults when they committed these crimes and should not be treated as such. The laws may state that the age of 17 is considered to be adult age or that if a 16 year old committs a violent crime, he is suddenly an adult, but those laws are fairly new and were put inplace to crack down on the alledged "super predator" teens who were starting to "take over the country" back in the 80s! They are laws created by over zealous legislators who needed a topic to run on during elections. Stop the crazed teens! Lock them up for life without parole! Throw them away so that they will no longer annoy their parents and society! Deem them adults and treat them as such, that will certainly save society... I think that time is proving that these laws are backfiring, horribly. These laws do more harm than good. These laws serve no purpose.
If one of these boys had been raped by thier father or by a neighbor, their rapist would have been sentnced to fewer years in prison and would be released back into society to rape again... Heck their rapist may not have even spent any time in prison but been required to seek psychiatric counseling instead...
The laws are warped and horribly unbalanced. If any of you who agree with these laws actually did some research, you would find many stories of children who have committed non-violent crimes and were still prosecuted and sentenced as adults. These laws are being greatly abused in every state in this country.
January 13, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
SC gal...are you speaking from experience???
Grew up with law enforcement my entire life~ family members have worked many a riot at the Big House~ these kids lives will be nothing but H#&% if they survive~
And to think adults want that life for them~ and truly believe they "deserve" it~
January 13, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Beerkrugul (anonymous) says...
The boys were old enough to know what they were doing was wrong. I see nothing wrong with the sentences. However, I believe that thet should serve thier time in a minimum security facility.
January 13, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Radar24 (anonymous) says...
I can say I have said nothing negative about Sean that he did not bring about himself. A little bit of remorse to the victims in the P&C would have helped but instead I get to read how he equates his experience to wishing to be a cancer victim. Yeah, these guys got exposure, but why is the reported GUN MAN in both charges getting so much sympathy? He took a lot of guys down with him, they didn't "dime" him out, they told police what happened, why is that bad that they decided to take accountability for their part in something so they can move on.
January 13, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
In the months since his arrest, Sean has worked hard to turn his life around, pursuing a high school diploma and steering clear of his former friends and co-defendants, boys he once considered his brothers, his father said.
"Now all of that is for naught," Peter Shevlino said. "They're just throwing him away."
I would sincerely hope, Mr. Shevlino, that you don't think him leaving behind the other boys, continuing his education, and altogether bettering himself was not "all for naught". I would think that would be using good common sense! Many "boys" who do lesser crimes sit in jail from the moment they are arrested. They sit and wait, sometimes many months, for sentencing, without the opportunity to struggle to make an impression on a judge who, quite frankly, has seen every trick in the book. Your son was lucky to have a few extra months of freedom.
January 13, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
buttercup (anonymous) says...
SCgal These 16,17,18 yr old young men know right from wrong and no one will ever make me think any different.Chirspia said it all. Their actions were not Bad Judgment or Spontaneous they were planned(intent)...
January 13, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carolinabeachgirl (anonymous) says...
Sure wish the solicitor would work as hard on putting the drug dealers and murderers behind bars.
January 13, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
idennis (anonymous) says...
Being treated as an adult, their crime being a violent crime they will have to serve 8 years of the 10 year sentence under the 80 percent law. Also being a violet crime they will have to serve it at Lieber or another level 3 prison.
Not a good place for the hardened adult, but for these two it's going to be bad. Not something you recover from...
January 13, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
Right and wrong is completely different than KNOWING and UNDERSTANDING the complete and total consequences of the SC Code of Law and Judicial system~
January 13, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IsaacLC (anonymous) says...
Okay, sorry to place anything on Judge Jefferson. But, I will say that the plea "bargains" that these boys were offered came from the late prosecutor who Scarlett Wilson has replaced. In taking over the position as prosecutor did Ms. Wilson not have the abiltiy and authority to change the plea bargians? If so, why not give it serious consideration before proceding with this case?? I just find it interesting that the case didn't move forward until EVERY child involved was of legal age to be transferred straight to an adult prison facility. In South Carolina, any juvenile that is charged and convicted as an adult will be held in confinement away from both juvenile offenders and adult offenders until their 17th birthday, at which time they will be transferred directly to an adult prison faciility. They will be put into the general population there unless their life has been threatened.
Does this make sense? A 15 year old is convicted on adult charges, but is too young to be placed in an adult facility and is now considered an adult so he cannot be placed in a juvenile facility either. Therefore, he spends his time sitting in a confinement cell for 23 hours a day until his 17th birthday... Is this 15 year old a kid or an adult? Even the people who make these laws can't figure it out...
January 13, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Radar24 (anonymous) says...
Not sure what your post means SCGAL, but for all of you who say we should put them in the military, should our military be a dumping ground for VIOLENT FELONS? Being raised in the service and serving in it, I am offended you would offer that as an option. They are going to a prison with Violent Felons, is that not what they are? And why do people keep saying it is different because they presented a BB gun? When you are sitting in a car or in a business and someone presents what they did, it looks likes a gun and has the same effect, which is what these suspects wanted. If it looks like a duck, acts like a duck, it is a duck. Put them with the ducks.
January 13, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IsaacLC (anonymous) says...
~they didn't "dime" him out, they told police what happened~
If I was a teen in legal trouble and being told by my interrogators that if I cooperate there will be leniency, I would spill my guts, too. I wouldn't know any better. None of these kids expected to have adult criminal charges brought against them if they were honest about what happened. They were all sucker punched with adult charges AFTER they cooperated with authorities... The definition of leniency is not "adult charges"...
January 13, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
Post was in response to "SCgal These 16,17,18 yr old young men know right from wrong and no one will ever make me think any different"
Sure they knew right from wrong but bet none of them had/have any idea what Lieber it all about and what their life will be like for the upcoming years~ thus they did not understand the full extent of the consequences coming thier way~ had they known would they have still chosen to do what they did?
Take those same kids back a few years, roll them through a "Scared Straight" program educating them on the reality of prison time and then asked them what they would have done~
idennis is dead on regarding the reality of the outcomes~
January 13, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PositiveSpeaker (anonymous) says...
For those of you who don't kow these boys and are quick to judge...What do you care anyway? Instead of spending your time on your computer talking crap about things you don't know..why don't you do something usefull and go mentor some boy or be a big brother. Stop waisting everyone's time with your nonsense of "Do the crime, Do the Time" and try doing something positive with your life!!
And for those of you who feel sorry for the parents and family, I thank you for your kind words and urge you all to take action and change the future. Let's all join together to get this law changed so that other boys won't have to face this horrible sentence.
January 13, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Reader (anonymous) says...
SCGal -
I've gone back and read your posts, but I'm still not clear on what you think SHOULD be done in cases like this.
If you are unwilling to put these criminals in jail, who SHOULD the jails be saved for? Will someone put into jail for ten years at the age of twenty be any less a burden on society when he is released? Should we imprison only those people old enough that we can expect them to die while serving out their terms?
If you are unwilling to find these criminals guilty of felonies, who would you find guilty? Does guilt really turn on an ability to understand the penalties if caught? Does the offender's recognition of the risk make his crime any more or less serious? Should be really penalize most harshly those who comprehend the risk of their behaviors? At what age do you think someone can understand the idea of being put in jail?
January 13, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Radar24 (anonymous) says...
Guess what Isaac, just because they were juveniles does not mean that they could not have been eventually transferred to an adult facility, which usually happens when they turn 18. These guys,most of them, had the benefit of a family that could bond them out to secure their appearance in court. Many juvenile offenders of major crime sit in "juvenile" facilities until they can be transferred to adult prisons. One armed robbery, maybe to be considered a stupid mistake requiring that, to follow it with auto theft and a another robbery, conscience decision. I am not going to say that our system is not flawed, but more flawed in that people will justify these guys actions over the poor kid who does the same thing. The murder at the Boathouse back a couple years ago involved a 19 year old. Should we put that guy in the military or in a short term program? The victim was shot in the back through closed door. Should the fact that the door was closed mean they didn't have intent? Where are you going to draw the line?
January 13, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mon_Kie (anonymous) says...
"a youthfull offender facility for 1-6, im sure Shevlino would be fine with serving all of it"
Too bad we don't ask felons what sentence they would "be fine" with serving, and at what facility they would prefer to spend their chosen sentence. If we did, we would have much happier inmates.
Sean, cut the sniveling right now. It's not gonna have the same effect on your new roomies as it does on Mommie and Daddy.
January 13, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
Reader~ I don't have an answer as to what should be done, other than yes, they need to be punished, yes, they knew right from wrong, no the community, CCSD, local law enforcemnt as far as I know offers nothing to students to teach them the reality of crimes and the judicial system in SC, so IMO, these kids had no idea what could be coming their way, and 10 yrs @ Leiber, be it SC Code of Law is going to do for more damage than good for these KIDS~
January 13, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PositiveSpeaker (anonymous) says...
It's so funny how everyone on here can talk crap and yet they are all (anonymous). How come none of you with your high opinions ever signs his name????
January 13, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Iwonder (anonymous) says...
In 2004 My 14 year daughter was raped and left tied in a empty house. The 28 yr old man who had at that time 4 pages of criminal records was featured on the news as armed and dangerous, At his trial he recieved a 5 yr sentence and was paroled exactly 18 months later. This sentence was given even after they found other evidience at the house there had been other victims. Now while I agree these Teens deserve punishment Shouldn't the time fit the crime? My child has a lifetime of a sentence but her rapist got 18 months and then was told to be on his best behavior. These boys deserve way less of a sentence then a rapist got also way less of a sentence then a drug dealer gets. Charleston County needs to wake up and make the crime fit the time.
January 13, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wonderdog (anonymous) says...
Iwonder, your situation is a prime example of how screwed up and inconsistent the judicial system is. I will keep you and your family in my prayers for health and inner strength.
January 13, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
idennis (anonymous) says...
Positive .... this is my real name... and if anyone wants it I'm not reluctant to give my phone number... but then again I don't run my mouth to simply be heard...
By the way... I'm on your side
January 13, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
USC_Alumni (anonymous) says...
Don't drop the soap Sean, ask for soap on a rope in your care package!!!! From what I've been told by the friends I know that work in correctional institutions, the older inmates are very fond of "young guys". If your lucky they will put you in a cell with someone close to your age at first until you get use to jail life, or until you piss off the wrong guard.
Don't worry you'll be out in about 3 to 5 depending on your behavior while your in. The hard part will be when you get out and realize you can't find a decent job or decent housing because you've been convicted for armed robbery.
January 13, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PositiveSpeaker (anonymous) says...
Thank you Geechie. And no disrespect intended for idennis.
January 13, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
These boys are being sentenced based on their place of residence. They do deserve to be punished without a doubt. Whatever happened to the Youthful Offenders Act? There are places where kids like this can be placed, and where they will serve appropriate sentences. They do not deserve to be put in prison with murderers and rapists.
I feel for the parents of all of these kids, as I am sure that they did not raise their children poorly. It is not their fault that their sons chose to commit a crime. I cannot help but feel compassion for them being a mother myself.
As so many people have posted, there are criminals out there that have committed horrible crimes and received much more lenient sentences. These boys will be screwed over simply because they reside in Mt.P. Sentence a person accordingly, but don't make examples of them based on demographics.
January 13, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hail_To_Reason (anonymous) says...
He was NOT a first time offender. He commited one armed robbery at the Food Lion and more than a week later he commited a second armed robbery at the Subway. He was the one armed in both. I think his proposed sentence is more than fair for someone that has twice commited armed robbery and takes into account his age. If this was someone in their 30's who'd commited two armed robberies I would hope the sentence would have been even harsher.
There are a great many more people in this world deserving of sympathy than this little punk.
January 13, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wonderdog (anonymous) says...
It's too bad Shevlino didn't get some kind of intervention BEFORE he committed two armed robberies. It certainly appears that he was headed that way.
Before I get jumped on about the difficulties in raising kids, let me state that I have raised two children myself since they were in elementary school after divorcing my alcoholic spouse. I got sporadic/minimal child support since the ex was too lazy and drunk to work. It was hard, especially financially, but I never felt that I had a choice. One of my kids graduated from college with honors and works in a job requiring a high security clearance, and the younger one is an honor student in college. Both kids worked, played sports, and maintained good grades in high school. I was and still am involved with my kids, and I told them when they were growing up that there was no big bank account to hire a lawyer or bail them out if they got in trouble, and that if they were to get in trouble, the police would be the least of their problems.
FWIW, I wouldn't let my kids hang around with someone like Shevlino either!
January 13, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IsaacLC (anonymous) says...
~It doesn't matter how sorry they are, they committed armed robbery, and if they had access to a real gun, somebody might have died.~
They did have access to real guns. They have friends, and probably some family members, that are hunters... They very easily could've gotten their hands on real guns if they wanted... They could've, actually, shot their robbery vicitms with pellets if was thier intent to physically harm someone. Pellet guns can inflict great injury, too...
~These criminals need to be locked up until they are too old to commit any more crime, period.~
Just how old do you have to be to not commit a crime??
~If these tactics worked, then you would see a decrease in juvinal crime, not the increase we've seen over the last two decades.~
The increase in juvenile crime during the past two decades can be directly linked to the the very laws that allow authorities to prosecute children as adults. The majority of these laws have only been put in place during the past two decades. Have we seen a decrease since the laws have been inacted?? NO. Youthful offenders are no longer being rehabilitated, they are being punished and abused by the adult judicial system.
January 13, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
"Radar" I agree.
This was as pre-meditated as you can get. SO what if it was a bb gun. Who knew? What if someone they held up had died, then we would be looking at murder. Some of us make stupid decisions in our youth and get away with it and some don't. Of course I don't know any that did this type stuff. Is it not mandatory 7 years for armed robbery in SC? They commited more than one robbery. I feel for the boy but you made your bed now lie in it.
But I also wonder why this isn't one of those "youthful offender" cases?
Oh yeah "positive speaker" didn't catch your name?
January 13, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IsaacLC (anonymous) says...
~He was NOT a first time offender.~
He is a first time offender. He had never been in trouble with the law prior to his arrest for these two robberies. He had never been convicted of a crime prior to this, therefore, he is a first time offender... Adult charges in this case are excessive punishment.
Children are NOT adults no matter how they behave.
January 13, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IsaacLC (anonymous) says...
~Let's all join together to get this law changed so that other boys won't have to face this horrible sentence.~
Amen!! Let's do it.
January 13, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
walleyedwoman1215 (anonymous) says...
SCgal, you said" "I suspect the KIDS going to jail and placed in an ADULT facility will no doubt suffer much more long term and lasting emotional distress than those that were robbed with a pellet gun~"
I'm a little late to the party, but... are you kidding me? These "kids" planned and executed a violent crime not once but twice. They had their victims in mortal terror. And you presume to quantify the depth of the victims' fear, not to mention their flashbacks and panic attacks? You really think you have a handle on how much these people suffered emotionally?
This teen thought he was grown. He made an adult mistake. Now he is going to pay the adult price. Will he come out of prison a better person? The statistics are against it, but HE PUT HIMSELF THERE. He was not framed. He was not railroaded. He pointed a gun at helpless victims twice, and this, my dear, is what you get.
January 13, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...
Just a public service announcement:
Thank God USC doesn't always stand for CAROLINA!
or to put it another way to quote John Wayne:
"Those are pretty big words for someone with such a little gun"
January 13, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IsaacLC (anonymous) says...
http://www.justiceforjuveniles.org/
Check it out. Read some of the articles on the home page. Get an idea as to just what is happeneing to juvenile offenders in America's "justice" system.
January 13, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...
Handing down this level of punishment for crime committed by juveniles armed with a single toy gun, trivializes the serious crimes committed by real violent repeat offenders who use real guns that are given considerably more lenient sentences.
If this forum is valid poll, the defense might want to consider taking this to trial. Looks like a jury would be dead locked at about 50/50
January 13, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hail_To_Reason (anonymous) says...
Quote
Posted by PositiveSpeaker (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For those of you who don't kow these boys and are quick to judge...What do you care anyway?
End Quote
Geez . . . Why would law abiding taxpayers care if criminals are punished or not?
Maybe to reduce our chances of being a crime victim ourselves?
I hope that you're a child PositiveSpeaker because, no adult has a right to be that stupid.
And the comment from this kid about how he wished he were dying of cancer instead is incredibly obnoxious. You want somebody to feel sorry for? Feel sorry for the people in this world who really are dying of cancer and other terminal diseases. Not this kid.
You think he doesn't deserve this punishment because he's young? What about the young 21 year-old Marine being sought for killing the 20 year-old pregnant Marine? He's young AND he's served his country. Should we give him an extremely light sentence or free pass too?
January 13, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chrystal (anonymous) says...
This is far too extreme! Many of us were insane as teens, but this generation is far gone. The children are a reflection of the adults. I don't just mean their parents, I mean all of us! Society as a whole! It is one bad story after the next! We are suppose to be fighting for our youth, not tossing them away!
God bless the parents for fighting for their children. But we are all suppose to be fighting for all of them!
How I pray that some miracle will reverse this and these CHILDREN will not have to spend a decade in prison!
We should protest this decision, then protest the rebellious nature of our youth!
January 13, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
ColdBeer, Radar, others advocating the "lock the door,throw away the key" mentality: Your opinions would have more credibility if you provided reasonable discussion rather than sarcastic comments & inaccurate sweeping statements about the opinions of others as well as the facts in this case.
Stating that those who advocate age appropriate prosecution and sentencing are defending the actions of these kids, think they are just cute precious children, have sympathy for them, believe they deserve merely a slap on the hand, or that one must be the victim of a crime committed by a juvenile to be able to properly think this issue through is not constructive.
Comparing the 10 yr sentence to "the 60 years" he could have gotten does not mitigate the inconstant application of our laws where children are concerned.
Personally, I have not defended the actions of these kids, nor do I feel "sympathy" for the fact that they were caught and prosecuted, nor do I believe they deserve only a slap on the hand. I fully agree that the consequence should be harsh. I just happen to see that the only entity really benefiting from prosecuting someone for a crime committed when he had just turned 16 is the prosecutor. The victims nor society is any safer with these kids in an adult state penitentiary rather than a juvenile facility.
ColdBeer-the fact is,this kid will be released one day and statistically speaking, we as a society would be better off if he had been sentenced to a juvenile facility.
January 13, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hail_To_Reason (anonymous) says...
Quote:
i love u dogg best wishes to familiy and all!!!!!
sorry it had to be this way. you r my boy love till the end.
-Bobby Taylor
End Quote:
Oh, and Sean, make sure you continue to act like your friends and talk like a hip hop star in prison. Your fellow inmates will love it when a privledged young white kid calls them "dogg" and "my boy". Just think of the "street cred" you'll have with your little friends when you leave prison. Although I guess there's a chance that your little friends, who will be in their mid-twenties when you get out, will have outgrown that fake, hip hop, gangster talk you all so enjoy now.
January 13, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IsaacLC (anonymous) says...
Wow, HailtoReason, why so bitterly angry? Why do you take your frustrations out on young strangers?
January 13, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
Never say Never!! College days are coming for your boys!
January 13, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IsaacLC (anonymous) says...
Wow MouthoftheSouth, for a father of three, you are greatly lacking in reasoning and compassion.
I am the mother of three kids and although I do my best to keep them straight they can still get into a bit of trouble here and there. I am not at all a parent who thinks "not my kid" and I pray that they never put themselves into such a position as to end up on the receiving end of an ambitious prosecutors whim.
People don't seem to understand that even if a child happens to witness a crime, they can still be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. If your child happens to be hanging around some other kids who committ a crime but your child doesn't particpiate in the crime at all, they still run a great chance of being prosecuted just for witnessing what happened. The laws governing juvenile offenders are skewed and dangerous. The laws need to be changed.
January 13, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jocelynsmith30 (anonymous) says...
Sean-
Remember you are truly loved by your family and friends! Keep your head up and never give up!!!! Don't listen to anyone who has any negative feedback... their own lives are so sad that they have to sit on the computer all day and speak nonsense!!!
You can come out of this ok as long as you keep your faith! you have a lot of people behind you- supporting you 100%.
January 13, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IsaacLC (anonymous) says...
And Mouth, your kids may "NEVER dream of committing a crime like this" because they know you'd just as soon see them hung by a $5 dollar rope if they did. It sounds to me like your form of disipline is just the same as armmed robbery; intimidation and fear are used to gain the results you desire. If that's the way your children are being raised and disciplined, then I hope that my kids never run into them...
January 13, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
idennis (anonymous) says...
Dont worry Issac, Mouth's wife will be home soon and he will POOF...
January 13, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillady (anonymous) says...
We need to decide if 18 is a legal adult.. or if 17 is.. or 16 and cut the crap of making judgement calls on each individual case. If they can twist the law here, where else can they twist it? I don't care if these kids are from MP or not. Or what their income is. 18 is legal adult status. This boy is 16. I look at my daughter of 16 years old and she is in no way an adult. The law is the law is the law...and 16 is not an adult.
January 13, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IsaacLC (anonymous) says...
Go Geechie!
January 13, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nochasgirl (anonymous) says...
Any parent who says that their children have been properly warned about the consequences they face, and that in fact, if they commit a crime, they would want them to serve their punishment......well, we know the tune they sing would be different if they were in this situation. People, please don't think it could never happen to me. Life may just disappoint you, and those harsh words would be hard to swallow. My parents were VERY strict when I was growing up, and I still did stuff that was wrong. You cannot spend 24/7 with your children, and they may be doing stuff you may never find out about.
January 13, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NightHawk (anonymous) says...
Children, let's go back to the beginning and see how little Sean got himself into this nasty mess. Read the article with an open brain.
"The Shevlinos said the crimes took place during a worrisome, though brief, period of rebellion in Sean's life. He put his friends before his family and became unruly, sneaking out at night and partying with his friends. His parents took him to counseling. But Sean took off one night after his parents unexpectedly arrived home in the midst of a party he was hosting."
This one paragraph told me all I needed to know about the situation. Mommy and Daddy started having problems with little Sean when he was about 15 so they "tried" counseling. This could mean one session or ten, who knows? Then, knowing little Sean was deep into bad behavior with his friends, they go out somewhere because, obviously, what they had to do was more important than keeping up with Sean. (Ah, now we start to get some insight into Sean's problems) Then, when they come home and catch him having a party, he "took off" as if letting a 15 or 16-year-old child take full control of his life is understandable. By law, they had the right to have the police go find little Sean and bring him back home. But, obviously, they didn't want to be bothered with Sean's problems. They will just live their lives and hope little Sean will gorw out of it.
Now we're starting to get a clearer picture of how little Sean got to this place in his life. Mommy and Daddy don't know where Sean is or whom he's with or what he's doing until they get a call from the police. Then they start getting involved in little Sean's life and they blame the system and other people for Sean's problem. (Another clue)
And now, after committing two armed robberies and stealing a car, little Sean has learned the adult behavior and he feels so sorry for himself and blames the system and everyone else.
Little Sean, unfortunately, is equivalent to Ole Yeller. Everyone loves him but he is a monster and must be put down (in Sean's case, put away) for the safety of the rest of society. This kid got the maximum break. His parents should be sent to prison with him.
SoGal, you are the epitome of the people my husband, a 20 year career prosecutor, calls the people who "love" their relative into prison. They feel so sorry for every scrape they get themselves into and it is no punishment after no punishment. The offenses get worse and worse and the family just can't bring themselves to be "hard" on the perp. Then one day, the offense is one that being sent to prison is the mandatory punishment for. The family cries as he's lead out of the courtroom "but he's a good boy." And, here we are.
January 13, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
Justice for Juveniles wants to let kids like Christopher Pittman go free. These kids are no Pittmans!
Never say never when it comes to what your child will do.
Most of these parents are shocked, as they have thought the same thing about their kids as most of us would think about ours.
January 13, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NightHawk (anonymous) says...
Oh, by the way, the only thing that made little Sean's period of rebellion "brief" was his arrest for two armed robberies and a car jacking.
January 13, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lighty (anonymous) says...
how many of you that think 10 years is too harsh have ever had a gun put in your face and robbed? Do you think that it is fun? Do you think that your life after an encounter like that is the same? I was robbed less than 2 months ago, two pieces of shi* stuck a gun in my face as I was leaving my job. My life after this has changed, I hate the thought that I now live in fear of any AND every person I see coming towards me, I view EVERY person as a threat. I don't care what color they are, I don't care where they grew up. I do care that my life will never be the same. To me, 10 years for what they did is NOT enough time. In 10 years I will still be the same, still leary. Personally I hope their families lose EVERYTHING. When you raise useless pieces of shi*, then shi* is all you deserve in your life. STUPID choices by these young men. I do not feel sorry for the parents, they raised them. You reap what you sow.
January 13, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guiffb (anonymous) says...
What's the objective here? Apparently just as a deterrent (example) to others (and hopefully not something like, furthering someone's career goals). It would be a shame if this teenager or any of the other kids would have found a cure for breast cancer or Alzheimer's. Ten years of community service might serve all of us better than paying taxes so they can be used as an example. Ten years in AmeriCorps. It just doesn't seem like 10 years in jail is justice. Wonder how the victim's feel about this sentence.
What's next six months in jail for going 37 mph on Coleman?
January 13, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
10216340 (anonymous) says...
SCgal wrote: "CCSD, local law enforcement, any community program out there offer any classes, lessons to middle school/high school kids on the subject? NOPE, any Drug Awareness programs started in 5th grade~ nope, any sex ed- very little in "health" class~
Please do tell us about what kids are being taught about crime, the consequences, drug awareness, drinking and driving, et. al."
SCgal, you are completely out of line here. Why is it the schools responsibility to teach kids that committing a crime will result in a punishment. That is crazy talk.
The schools have way to many other things they are responsible for that have absolutely nothing to do with education and now you want to make it their responsibility to teach this as well. No wonder we are on the bottom of the education heap. It is the parents responsibility to teach their kids this.
I'm not saying that some of the information that is given to kids at school doesn't touch on this subject, but don't make it the schools responsibility.
Parents are ultimately responsible for everything their kids should learn.
January 13, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hardog240 (anonymous) says...
Im a retired police officer who always carries a 45 cal. when im out and about. If i was present during those robberies, guess what. These kids would not be worrying about any jail time right now,thats because they probably would be dead.Just proves how serious a crime they committed even with a bb gun.The time fits that serious crime.Lets not forget the victims here who experienced a life changing ordeal because of these knuckleheads..
January 13, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nochasgirl (anonymous) says...
Mouth...with your logic, then you would agree that the Gadsden Green mothers should go to jail along with their children???
January 13, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tisktisk123 (anonymous) says...
Mouth of the South - shut the hell up! What good are your comments making? I hope you never need any mercy. He's a kid - you are an adult - act like one!
January 13, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
The inability of both Sean and HIS parents to have any empathy at all towards his VICTIMS, is unbelievable.
Even now, they feel, he didn't HURT anyone.
Perhaps if they had made it clear when he was young, that if he ever shoplifted or got into trouble with the law, that they wouldn't bail him out, he wouldn't be where he is today.
Perhaps if they had told him about young men having to deal with BIG BUBBA in jail, he wouldn't be facing it today.
TOUGH LOVE works...
January 13, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tisktisk123 (anonymous) says...
PoisenIvy - what did your parents do to you to make you such an evil human being? Obviously they did something wrong - now they are stuck w/your rotten ass!
January 13, 2008 at 5 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nochasgirl (anonymous) says...
I would never turn my back on my child. I love them unconditionally. Maybe when you are at your lowest, this is when you need your mom the most.
January 13, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
There you go people hear it from a cop(hardog240) and a victims (lighty)! These guys are very lucky and getting the minimum sentence is light enough.
I think the people blaming the parents should stop that. They too have suffered enough. You teach your kids in the way they "should" go but it doesn't mean they will. I think this was a game to these kids that went all wrong. But now you gotta take the punishment. Are you telling me none of them asked the "what if" question???
January 13, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
How sad it is that expecting todays youth to be responsible, law abiding citizens, who are respectful to both others and their property is now considered EVIL.
The world is truly upside down...
January 13, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tisktisk123 (anonymous) says...
PoisenIvey - they EVIL part comes when you start talking about BIG BUBBA - what the hell is that accomplishing? Just keep your nasty words to yourself!
January 13, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IsaacLC (anonymous) says...
~~I think the people blaming the parents should stop that. They too have suffered enough.~~
Exactly. Everyone involved has suffered from the victims to the kids' parents and siblings. Now the kids are going to suffer, a bit excessively in my opinion, though. People should be offering their prayers to both the vicitms, the families of these boys, and, as hard as it may be for some, to the boys. Everyone involved in this situation needs strength and support from this community.
January 13, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
Sometimes kids need to be scared straight.
Telling them about 'BIG BUBBA' is warning them about what WILL happen to them if they go to jail.
How is telling them the truth EVIL?
January 13, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tisktisk123 (anonymous) says...
IsaacLC - thank you & your prayers are appreciated. Please try to remember when you write horrible things about these kids and their families that there are people who love them reading your words. Some of you I know are too cold to give a damn - and that really stinks.
January 13, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tisktisk123 (anonymous) says...
PoisenIvy - I'm done talking to you - good luck spreading your word about BIG BUBBA - I hope it does your children a service.
January 13, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CariBarichello (anonymous) says...
Sean proved he could change his life around, even on his own without the help of the juvenile system and none of that mattered.
I understand that these boys need to be punished but what is next? Will they start arresting 6 year-olds for playing with toy guns? These boys seem like prime candidates for juvie yet they choose to treat them like dogs.
It is worse because with a plea, there is no chance of appeal. Ten years is harsh and now they are tainted for life. Do any of the rest of you folks have rebellious kids or do you all live the perfect life? People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Warehousing these boys will not only cost taxpayers tons but what do you folks think will return to society after being warehoused with hardened adult criminals? Sean proved he learned from his mistakes, he changed his way of thinking, his actions and worked on him. He became the model citizen you all wanted and still got slapped in the face by our screwed up judicial system.
Please visit www.justiceforjuveniles.org
Justice for Juveniles is a grass roots group of concerned parents, grandparents, teachers, scholars, internet professionals, legal professionals and many others dedicated to ending the prosecution and adjudication of children as adults.
The goal of our organization is to inform and inspire other citizens to get involved in the effort to bring about these changes -- always keeping in mind that children are never adults. We join with other advocate groups to use a global, national, and local approach to bringing American juvenile justice into line with other international child rights standards.
Community support, redirection, diversion, and treatment are the foundation of our policy goals.
Please join us as we join others, in changing the political tide that encourages state sanctioned child abuse.
January 13, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
Thankfully more and more schools are realizing that 'SCARED STRAIGHT' programs are now needed in the schools.
Sadly they wouldn't be needed at all, IF parents did their jobs.
January 13, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nochasgirl (anonymous) says...
Here's a little motherly advice to those of you who did not learn it from your parents. Oh wait, maybe your parents did teach you, but you ignored their advice. If you don't have anything nice to say, say nothing at all.
January 13, 2008 at 5:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
nighthawk, let's hope your and the bunch are there each day these kids receive more than what they deserve in prison over the course of 10 years~
and God forbid, if they are killed , please show up at the funeral and profess need to state "they deserve it"
10216340 many, many locations, with great success begin programs in elementary school ~ oh yes, how could one forget we ARE in SOUTH CAROLINA- we can't even get the education straight let alone have programs in school regarding the use of drugs, alcohol, "Scared Straight" to help teach the kids to become responsible, respectful citizens
Takes a village to raise a child~
January 13, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bankz (anonymous) says...
U know this is a sad situation and i do feel sorry for the kid. But lets look at the employees these kids scared the crap out of. If it is stated in the law that you could get 10 years for armed robbery, why are there so many condolances on this site.
Look you commited the crime now you have to do your time. And before anyone says what if this happens to you.The same would apply to my kids b/c it applied to me when i was growing up.
January 13, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
anothernobody (anonymous) says...
It's really a blessing that these robbers or victims didn't get killed during the perpetration of this crime. From everything I have read the robbery was planned and purposefully executed.
I have only read a few comments with any concern for the victims in all of this. Did these perpetrators ever apologize and express any remorse? Have they considered any of the nightmares that these crime victims will have to go through? I've read a lot of self serving and self pitying comments, but very little, if any remorse.
Yeah it's a horrible YET PREVENTABLE sentence that these guys are receiving... but the key word is PREVENTABLE.
I'm glad the parents and their loved ones are standing beside their kids now ...they need to ... thats what loved ones and parents are supposed to do...and it's a little late now, but maybe they should have been there more before?
January 13, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tisktisk123 (anonymous) says...
Mouth of the South - the way you speak makes you come across as a "scum bag." It sounds as though you are not even a parent. You sound like one of those people who are a great parent - until they have children!
January 13, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jsmith8993 (anonymous) says...
I do not feel sorry for any of them. They did an adult crime and must do adult time. Pellet gun or not, a weapon was used twice and this is very serious matter that everyone wants to dismiss as nothing. These students just learned a very important life lesson: the law is the law (even as grey as it can be at times), but the law none the less.
January 13, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nochasgirl (anonymous) says...
Actually, he is saying he beats his children.
January 13, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wonderdog (anonymous) says...
It appears that Shevlino decided to turn his life around AFTER he was arrested and facing prison for 2 armed robberies and other crimes. I wish there were some kind of prison for these teenage criminals rather than putting them in with lifers, but that's the law, and those who committed these crimes are subject to it. As I said before, this is tragic for ALL involved. I still don't see any indication of sympathy for the victims from the perps or many of those posting on this board. So no one got "hurt"? Does that mean if I try to hurt/rob/murder someone with a weapon but am unsuccessful, I can claim no harm/no foul?
January 13, 2008 at 6:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
candygirl (anonymous) says...
Do the Crime,Do the Time.
He has 10 years to think about it.
" Where were the parents ,when all of this was happening ? "
January 13, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
How do you know the world will be a better place without them?
Had they not chosen the path they chose, perhaps one of them would have become a doctor and found the cure for cancer.
Unfortunately we will never know, and we will ALL now, have to pay the price...
January 13, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tisktisk123 (anonymous) says...
Mouth of the South - I am happy that you have such great children - my children are great too. Be greatful for what you have & be happy that for now - you have no problems. You never know what tomorrow will bring. I would think that at your age, you have learned not to run your mouth so much - it can come back to bite you.
January 13, 2008 at 6:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Jsmith..I don't see where anyone is "dismissing as nothing" what this kid did.
What I see is that many are questioning the discrepancy & inconsistency in how laws are applied relative to age of the defendant/convicted.
I also see that some on this forum take a perverted delight in imagining what terrible violations against this boy are likely to occur to him in prison. As tragic & disturbing as this boy's behaviors & choices were, it is rivaled by the mentality displayed by more than a few posters here. How sadly ironic.
January 13, 2008 at 7:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nochasgirl (anonymous) says...
abit....I couldn't agree more. Makes you wonder.
January 13, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nochasgirl (anonymous) says...
I can't imagine someone who is a happy, content person wishing something bad for anyone.
January 13, 2008 at 7:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
Mouth, one can only hope that in 10 yrs when these kids are out they don't run across your happy little boys~ who knows what and how these kids will be after spending 10 yrs with rapist, murderers, hardened prisoners~ not such great mentors for KIDS but they will be thrown back into society ~ good luck with that one~ hope you are there to offer your generous support in 2018 since you are here now showing offering your support!
Scary, what they are going in as and what they will come out as~
KIDS should be tried and punished as KIDS not adults~
January 13, 2008 at 7:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
There is a big difference between wanting them to be punished for their crimes and wanting EVIL to be done to them, and you as a CHRISTIAN should know that...
January 13, 2008 at 7:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tisktisk123 (anonymous) says...
Mouth of the South - You honestly have no idea what you are talking about, but it obviously makes you feel good to keep spewing your crap. You better go check on your perfect little children - they may be due for a beating!
January 13, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nochasgirl (anonymous) says...
Amen. What Daddy don't know won't hurt him. They may not be as perfect as he thinks. Maybe they're just getting away with it.
January 13, 2008 at 7:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
anothernobody (anonymous) says...
Kids throw spitballs and ring doorbells and run or possibly flatten a tire or write on a wall somewhere or even steal a candy bar or drink a beer and throw up ... Adults plan and commit armed robbery.
Yeah I'll keep them in my thoughts and prayers and sure I'll worry for them and hope against hope that against all odds they come out better than they went in. ( For our benefit as well as theirs . )
But what they go in as and what they come out as is as much determined by them as it is the system and the people in it. Yep, I'm sure they'll have hard times and maybe even terrible times ... maybe even as bad a time as looking at a weapon that could take your life and change your life forever as well as the lives of the people who love and care for you as well as depend on you ...
And of course there is also the thought of just what would they have tried to do next if they hadn't gotten caught.
January 13, 2008 at 7:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
Mouth = naive, IMHO!!
Poor mouth babes~ wait til they finally get to taste some freedom~ boys gone wild!!
January 13, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
How many niave people can one location have? spitballs???????
January 13, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
10216340 (anonymous) says...
scgal - you need to go back and read my post. I did acknowledge that the schools do manage to provide information about drugs, alcohol, right and wrong, sex ed., etc. My problem with your post was that you brought up the question previously about ccsd. What the heck does the school system have to do with this issue.
Yes, schools do provide information on those subjects but that is not their primary mission. If the schools had to do less parenting then they could do more teaching and we wouldn't be on the bottom of the educational heap.
It's people like you (and you are not alone by any means) that try to put so much responsibility for raising children onto the schools.
Instead of asking where ccsd was in this situation you should be asking where were the parents, grandparents, extended family, siblings (if he has any), neighbors, friends, church family, etc.
Don't point your finger at the school system.
Also, to the poster that talked about how he was "turning his life around". To that I say...You need to get a life as well as some common sense. Almost every single person that gets in trouble and/or is killed in a place or situation they shouldn't have been in was supposedly "turning their life around" or "just getting their life back together".
That is an old song and dance and I'm surprised that people still fall for it.
January 13, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
Parents, community, schools, et. al need to be involved and no CCSD offers very little and is poor compared to other districts in educating children to be responsible adults~, CCSD can't even establish and earn respect or discipline in their classrooms~
A child spends 6 or 7 hrs at school and yes, educating the children in becoming responsible citizens is part of the entire package~
January 13, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
I pity the world if the NORM for teenagers is now considered to include ARMED ROBBERY.
What is next to be added to the list...MURDER?...RAPE?...TERRORISM?...
January 13, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
shelleysh (anonymous) says...
Let's talk about equity. . .
I don't know how many of you know this because it was not widely reported, but a week after these boys were caught, two other boys from the same school and the same ages, mind you, robbed the Dollar Store in Mount Pleasant with a gun. Same scenerio right? Well, those boys:
Did NOT get expelled from Wando
Did NOT serve time--they got probation and community service
The only difference I'm aware of is that both of those boys were black and NOT deemed affluent.
That's what really burns me up. Where's the equality in that? Aren't we all supposed to be judged equally regardless of race or where we live?
January 13, 2008 at 8:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
http://www.esrnational.org/index.php?...
January 13, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
anothernobody (anonymous) says...
If it takes a village to raise a child... just make sure the village has a jail for the armed robbers.
January 13, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
http://www.aypf.org/programs/developm...
January 13, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
buttercup (anonymous) says...
SCgal.you need to go watch TV and leave the comments alone. You can't remember what you say from one post to the next .There is a real good movie on tonight. You put me down for saying that these young men know right from wrong and you turn right around and say the same thing.
January 13, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
greyrider (anonymous) says...
No one thinks he's actually going to spend 10 years in prison. If he gets paroled after 5 years, that's more than fair, and he'll still be young enough to get his life back on track. It's that's "oh, he's just a kid" attitude that makes kids think they can get away with things like this, and next thing you know, you have a career criminal on your hands. I think in the long run Scarlett Wilson actually did this young man a favor by not backing down.
January 13, 2008 at 8:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
http://www.ncpc.org/programs/teens-cr...
January 13, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mon_Kie (anonymous) says...
I would be willing to bet that Sean committed many more crimes where he was not caught. No one starts off with armed robbery. I bet that he is a shoplifter, repeat vandal, or burgler too, but he just wasn't caught.
Two armed robberies in two weeks,
and grand theft auto....
wake up!....Those aren't crimes for novices.
I hope Sean enjoyed his wilderness school experience, that will be the last fresh air he will be inhaling for a while.
Hey Sean, do you like B.O.? Too bad, get used to it.
You will never..... NEVER have a decent job.
I take one look at applications from people who have
supposedly, "DONE THEIR TIME" and I say,
I don't need this headache,
into the "CIRCULAR FILE" for you!
January 13, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
Teens, Crime, and the Community
The Teens, Crime, and the Community (TCC) initiative has motivated more than one million young people to create safer schools and neighborhoods. The program helps teens understand how crime affects them and their families, friends, and communities, and it involves them in crime prevention projects to help make their communities safer and more vital.
January 13, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
svESinKW (anonymous) says...
My husband used to work with juvenile offenders a number of years ago. He says that it's common knowledge in the criminal justice field that a person who uses a gun to rob someone - and doesn't fire it - will eventually do so during the commission of an armed robbery -- just to prove to themselves they can do it.
If this boy wasn't stopped now, who knows what he would have done the next time, perhaps with a larger weapon. For those who say "it was only a BB gun," have you ever been hit by one? I haven't but I would imagine that it doesn't tickle and that a "well-placed" shot could do serious damage. In this case, it doesn't matter. When a person is looking down the barrel of any weapon, it is terrifying. And the nightmares will live on for a long time.
For the father of the boy to say that all his hard work and good behavior in the past few months is now "all for naught" points at the exact problem. The father apparently didn't think his son should behave and work hard unless it's to influence the judge. Sad.
The crimes committed by these young people cannot be justified in any way.
January 13, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nochasgirl (anonymous) says...
I agree that getting caught when they did probably saved the lives of these boys. I don't think they were a gang. I don't think they are evil. I think their sentence is excessive, and that they should have been tried as juveniles. I remember the Dollar Store robbery, because I think they thought it was done by the same guys at first. Very interesting, why different sentences? Was this story in the paper?
I believe most of the people who are posting such ugly comments are just happy because it happened in Mt Pleasant. Nobody chooses what family they are born into. One poster even commented that they couldn't need the money if they live in Park West. Do you really think that kids in Mt Pleasant receive hundreds of dollars in weekly allowance? Just so you know, there is poverty in Mt Pleasant. There is a vast range of economic status in Mt Pleasant. Within a mile of each other can be a million dollar house and a shack.
January 13, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
10216340 (anonymous) says...
scgal - Again, you are making my point for me. You are pointing your finger at everyone except the people that are responsbile.....his family, friends, etc.
Sure, it's great if the schools can do that type of stuff....but you are completely out of touch with the tremendous load for raising kids that has been put on our educational system.
Because schools are required to devote so much time to parenting is exactly the reason why they don't have the time and resources to provide as much of the 3 Rs as the kids need. If parents sent kids to school ready to learn than we wouldn't have a problem in the world with our educational rankings.
So, I say again.....stop pointing your finger at any school or school system as being part of the reason why this young man committed this crime. You are so completely off base you aren't even in the ball park. Earth to scgal....hello.....
January 13, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
Any teen that does an adult crime outside of the norm of teenage behavior, SHOULD be tried in adult court.
Whether or not their family choses to throw their life savings away on lawyers for the indefensible, should not make them feel, they are entitled to get a slap on the hand and community service...
January 13, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cypress (anonymous) says...
what the HELL these boys thinking about? They did what they did understanding full well what they were doing. You talk about only being 16::: I WENT INTO WWII AT THE AGE OF 16! THEY KNEW FULLWELL WHAT THEY WERE DOING. They were just lucky that somone with a real gun was not there, to preseve there rights.
January 13, 2008 at 9:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
buttercup (anonymous) says...
10216340 you so right about scgal::. I told her to go watch TV it has gotten to the point that she is making a fool out of her self. I don't understand what she is trying to prove all the posting in the world will not change a thing. These young men did the crime now they have to serve the time.
January 13, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonnative1963 (anonymous) says...
Having been a teacher I have seen countless crimes of 16-17 years olds who did a WHOLE LOT WORSE and were tried as juveniles. The solicitor is wrong on this one. Is it possibly discrimination because they are a little wealthy and she wants to prove something...10 years in adult jail for a 16 year old is excessive. Research has proven that the brain is not fully developd until 25. These cases should have been tried as juveniles. MORE SHAME ON SC..wait until the big news guys get a hold of this
January 13, 2008 at 9:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonnative1963 (anonymous) says...
Radar24 Ihave to disagree with you. I have a lot of experience (first hand I might add) and if they had been poor kids who keep repeating over and over and over they would have been tried as juveniles and served 45 or so days and possibly be given a juvenile (17 year old) sentence and released at 21
January 13, 2008 at 9:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
willtex (anonymous) says...
10216340- I agree, the school system has it's hand full of enough crap from the system that they should not have to teach the kids morale issues. That's done at home.Parents should know where their children are, what they are doing and who their friends are,etc..
Yes, the sentance is too harsh, 5 years probation would be plenty for these boys.We live and learn. I pray that these guys get through this mess.
January 13, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonnative1963 (anonymous) says...
THose of you that are SO quick to say 10 years is ok...think about this. If he served a juvenile sentence , got out as a reformed young adult and went to work..he contrbutes to society...after 10 years in jail ( or even 7 and parole) he will be a hard criminal that only knows how to cheat to survive and we pay for him for the rest of his life..after that many yeas in an adult jail at his age, he will not make it. LIfe wasted...now ask: What would jesus do...I thought so...you want to get up each Sunday and dress up, sit in a pious church service and then come out and judge everyone's actions...This is about as bad as the stupid comments the post and courier publish in their letters to the editor section by a former school board and legislative member of our state house...
January 13, 2008 at 10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CarolinaWren (anonymous) says...
I made an adult decision and got married at age 16 and 38 years later my husband passed away! I raised my two younger sisters and two adopted children when I was not much older than those boys! Don't tell me they did not know what they were doing! When they decided to rob the stores, point a gun, (And I don't give a Rat's petunia that it was not a real one) and steal a car, they knew exactly what they were doing! I also knew what I was doing at age 16! Today's young children are allowed to call adults by their first names which I was never allowed to do when I was growing up and are very disrespectful and who is to be blamed? The parents are to be blamed who do not teach their children manners or to respect authority. There are far too many parents who are too busy trying to be their child's friend instead of being their parent! Then their child does something stupid and gets into trouble and we are supposed to baby them. You all can but I refuse!
January 13, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
buttercup (anonymous) says...
Charlestonnative1963 you need to go back and read the story. This is what Sarah from Subway hold up had to say.
"I was so scared," Subway worker Sarah Panther told The Post and Courier last year. "I kept wondering, 'Is he going to shoot us? Is he going to kill us?' "And you think 10 years is too much. I don't think 10 years is long enough
January 13, 2008 at 10:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NightHawk (anonymous) says...
If Daddy had gone out looking for little Sean and brought him home to his bed where he belonged at his age, Sean wouldn't be looking at prison right now, would he? I don't care if Daddy has to put bars on his bedroom window and sleep across the threshold, he owed Sean and the community that level of commitment. But, it's the fault of the village for little Sean's plight.
The age of emancipation in SC is 17. That means a parent is responsible for a child under that age unless he has been legally emancipated by the court. Why haven't these parents been brought up on charges for allowing an underage child to be out on the streets without supervision? It looks like all of them got a big break to me.
I have no doubt Sean's father and mother love him and are heart broken over their son's plight. They now regret their neglect of Sean's upbringing and want to do a better job. Sean's father and mother are not irresponsible kids. They are adults who made the adult decision to take the easy way out and turn their heads, hoping Sean would "grow out" of his rebellion. I guess they thought the village would keep Sean out of trouble. Guess what? The village is really busy keeping their own kids out of trouble.
We raised three children and didn't expect one other person but the two of us to raise our children and teach them right from wrong. Not the school, not our church, not our neighbors, etc. If you don't have the commitment to raise a child, don't have it. It's that simple. Raising children is hard work.
January 13, 2008 at 10:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
Well said Buttercup, I totally agree.
We need to make laws tougher, so this next generation, realizes crime isn't an acceptable life choice...
January 13, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
phoenixdown (anonymous) says...
Wow, I truly no longer feel sorry for him. I can't believe how they are trying to downplay this. Honestly. This kid held a gun to my face, and he is making it sound like HE IS THE VICTIM?? What the HECK is up with that?
January 13, 2008 at 10:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alwaysamazed (anonymous) says...
Wow...South Carolina is at it again. The problem here is that the power of the judges to use discretion has been taken away. Our law-makers, in their infinite knowledge(yeah, right) made these mandatory miminums and the judges can't do a thing about it. It's not right to treat a kid like an adult...but, South Carolina has been proudly doing it for years...and no one said a word. Now, it's hit a little closer to home, and it doesn't feel good, does it?
To the Mouth of the South: You are one of those people that has to say nasty things to shock people. You poor little, attention hungry person. I have one question for you...you said: ~ The parents are 100% responsible for how these scum bags turned out. Period!!!~Does that mean that if you're kids ever do something stupid, and end up on the wrong side of the law..that that is your responsibility? Or do you just take credit for the good stuff? Just wondering. And be careful what you say about other people's kids...because the world is round, and it'll come back to bite you. Always does.
A child is not an adult. Period. And shame on South Carolina for what they did to Christopher Pittman too. It's disgusting that the took a 12 year old, hyped up on drugs...and the best that good ole South Carolina could come up with was 30 years in and adult prison? Unbelievable.
January 13, 2008 at 10:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NightHawk (anonymous) says...
WJD? What would Jesus do?? Jesus did a perfect job of teaching by example. As he hung dying on the cross, the robber next to him said "remember me to your father in Heaven." The thief showed remorse, repentence, and a plea for redemption. What did Jesus do?
Did he instantly free the robber from the cross? He surely could have. He could have given the thief a chance to live the rest of his life with his new found repentence. In his compassion and love, what did Jesus do?
Jesus said "today, thou shalt be with me in paradise." The price had to be paid for the wrong committed against man's law. But, salvation was given in Glory.
We are Christians but being a Christian doesn't free you from responsibility. It INCREASES it.
Amen and Amen.
January 13, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
I think all these kids learned their lesson, lock 'em up for a month or so to scare them and put them all out on juvie parole or something....
10 yrs? and what was it 17 for the other kid??
Glen Mc judges need to be voted in so we the people can hold them accountable as well... it's the people's decision, not yours or your committee's
I know you like history, but don't keep us living in it too much longer... it makes us all look stupid...
January 13, 2008 at 11:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NightHawk (anonymous) says...
Good Gawd ..... have you thought that through at all, jammer? Polls show elected officials have an approval rating of about 23%, up recently from 14%. Do you really want our judiciary to be the same way?
An elected judge would not have had any more power over a mandatory minimum than an appointed one does. The people elected the legislators who created that law. Sure you want the people electing your judges, too? I didn't think so.
January 13, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SeamusShevlino (anonymous) says...
I am Sean's brother and I can testify to all of this information.
January 13, 2008 at 11:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
I am of the opinion that if, even at 16, a boy is able to hold a gun, real or not, in the face of someone obviously experiencing terror, he is definitely not someone I want walking the streets...that he did it TWICE tells me he enjoyed the rush of it, the horrific looks on the faces of his victims, and he was gratified by it. Real gun, fake gun, being on the other end of it and not knowing? What it was is of no consequence. The fear that Mr. Shelvino put in the hearts of his victims is enough for me to say that I'm more than glad that he's gone for 10 years. He's going to be up the road with other kids, 25 and under, who also LOVE to put guns in people's faces. Maybe when he's released, he'll understand what terror really is, and choose to live right, before someone puts a bullet in him.
January 13, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
phoenixdown (anonymous) says...
I honestly still don't see why everyone cries for this kid. He brought this upon himself, he knew what he was doing, and he did it well.
January 14, 2008 at 12:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
Been lucky enough to have experienced great school systems and do understand what impacts the educational system does and can make for children as far as respect, responsibilty, becoming mature citizens, et. al~ too bad SC hasn't figure it out yet~
So many want to blame, but no one takes the time to figuyre out why or wants to fix, and then can't understand why the kids in today's society are so screwed up!
January 14, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reality_woman (anonymous) says...
Okay it is easy for all of us to be judgemental since this child is not ours. But, I agree that the time should be served, but not as an adult in an adult facility. He stands no chance with the general population. I have seen how older inmates prey on young terrified kids. They are bullied beaten and battered. That will make the kid a hateful man by the time he gets out. Older men that deal with this type of life can't handle it let alone this messed up kid.
January 14, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lexie (anonymous) says...
Sean,
You know I support you and will be working to help you as much as I can. The point of a legal system is to make sure that laws are upheld justly and appropriately. This incident does not fit your punishment and politics are swaying people in the wrong direction. Alot of people here can't even use their real names. People look out for themselves too much and Scarlett Wilson unfortunately has control. If anyone truly knew you, they would know that what you are getting is not in your best interest. Anything that I can do from this point on, I will. You have alot of people supporting you- always. Keep your head up.
Love,
Lexie
January 14, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...
Ten years is insane.
My take on the Bishop England 3 is here http://postandcourierblogs.com/life_f... but I'll expect they get probation though their victim was beat so badly that he required two trips to the hospital.
Something is just not right about this.
Come on South Carolina we can do better than send these two kids to prison.
January 14, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ladylike1964 (anonymous) says...
This boys mother says they want to waste 20% of her son's life "and he never even hurt anyone." I am sure the person who he had the gun pointed at would beg to differ with you...physically hurting someone is not the only way to hurt an individual. Pointing a gun at a person and not shooting them can mentally hurt someone. It is ashame this all happened but I believe he if the boy would have stopped to think about losing all his friends and what it would be like to do some jail time, perhaps it all could have been avoided!
January 14, 2008 at 10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CarolinaWren (anonymous) says...
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Ex-marine, 71, shoots robbers, kills 1
From The Miami Herald
PLANTATION - A 71-year-old ex-Marine opened fire on two robbers at a Subway Sandwich Shop in Plantation late Wednesday night, killing one and critically wounding the other. The shooting occurred just after 11 p.m. at 1949 N.Pine Rd. According to Plantation police, two masked gunmen came into the shop. There was a lone diner -- the retired Marine who was finishing his meal. After robbing the cashier, the two men attempted to shove the ex-Marine into a bathroom and rob him as well. But then the ex-Marine pulled his handgun, opened fire, shooting one of the thieves in the head and chest and the other in the head. When police arrived, they found one of the men in the shop. K-9 units found the other in the bushes of a nearby business.
Both men were taken to the hospital, where one died.
The ex-Marine is not expected to be charged, police said.
Their Guardian Angels were looking over these boys. They could be heading to a cemetery instead of to a prison! Get on your hands and knees and thank God they were not shot and killed!
January 14, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kerry (anonymous) says...
Following the logic of many posting here: if a "juvenile" walks into a school with an assault rifle and mows down everyone in sight, then he should receive probation.
Only the victims deserve any sympathy here. The parents, who obviously did a poor job raising this spoiled, partying punk deserve to suffer right along with him.
January 14, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kerry (anonymous) says...
Scarlett Wilson you have my vote.
January 14, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
konphidence (anonymous) says...
Too all of those supporting and giving Sean love. That is what you are supposed to do. However, have any of you happen to tell Sean he has F'd up big time. It amazes me that everyone is thinking he shouldn't pay harshly for the crime he committed. What about the sinking of the hearts of the victims? Aunt Nora, tisktisk123??? While I agree that I don't know Sean personnally however he is a criminal, period. His parents should have whooped his ass long time ago to let him know where the line is drawn. This kid didn't have any boundaries to confine him into any sense of respect for authority. I can bet you his parents wanted to be his "friend" and not a parent. I am sorry but he has to go......... This situation has touched alot of people. We the "community" have a right to express our thoughts about what has happened in our "community". I am sorry this sheds a poor light on your family but this is something that daddy and mommy can't sweep under the rug to save Sean's feelings. I am sorry for all you........
January 14, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
"Posted by NightHawk (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Gawd ..... have you thought that through at all, jammer? Polls show elected officials have an approval rating of about 23%, up recently from 14%. Do you really want our judiciary to be the same way?
An elected judge would not have had any more power over a mandatory minimum than an appointed one does. The people elected the legislators who created that law. Sure you want the people electing your judges, too? I didn't think so."
ahemmm YES would be the answer to that, what do you think the current judges ratings would be IF they could be rated? far less I'm sure, and you can't get rid of them
at least if they were elected we could get rid of them if desired... of course everyone would actually have to practice their free right to vote to help the results out, which never happens... but we would at least have a choice
I take it you either work for one of the lifetime judges or the likes to even make a comment directed at my small meaningless post like that
judges are elected everywhere else in this country, why do you think that is? I'll give you a hint, it might be because it empowers The People !!! you know, us?
January 14, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kling (anonymous) says...
I think taking 10 years of this young man's life is excessive, given the fact he did not have a prior record. He seems to have turned his life around and putting him behind bars will ruin his life. He should had been tried as a juvenile!
January 14, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CHRISJIII (anonymous) says...
He belongs in jail. He didn't rob once but twice!!!!
January 14, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tisktisk123 (anonymous) says...
Konphidence - The Shevlino Family has not tried to "sweep things under the rug" - and they could care less about "shedding a poor light on the family." Just as you have a right to express your thoughts about the goings on in your community, we have a right to defend our loved ones. When people pick the article apart they seem to miss the part "His parents understand that some punishment is warranted, but they felt he should have been tried as a juvenile offender and not as an adult" Your cry for "harsh" punishment could have still been carried out with a juvenile sentence.
January 14, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Cid95 (anonymous) says...
Sentencing is not about what is in "the best interests" of the CRIMINAL!
January 14, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
buttercup (anonymous) says...
Scarlett Wilson if I lived in Charleston County you would have my vote. Keep up the good work get the punks off the street not just these but all of them. They think they can go out and commit a crime and then get a slap on the hand. They don't stop to think about the victims when they commit these crimes. The victim has to live with their fear for the rest of their lives .Like the victim from subway she will never be the same she will always live in fear and looking over her shoulder and wonder if this or that person is going to hurt her. They are lucky that you worked with them it could have been worse. I have a family member who is a police officer and he is sick and tired of putting the punks in jail and then a few weeks later he has to go to court and watch them get a slap on the hand. It is about time that the system started working for the victims.
January 14, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nochasgirl (anonymous) says...
Please understand:
Nobody thinks they should go unpunished.
Nobody thinks they did not know right from wrong.
Nobody thinks that the victims were not traumatized.
Parents who think they are perfect, and that their children are perfect should be thankful and count their blessings daily. One mistake could change everything.
I do not know any of these children. Because I have children the same age at Wando, I can empathize with these families. The parents are heartbroken, because they love their child, and they want to help him. There is nothing wrong with that.
January 14, 2008 at 11:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
akkomplished (anonymous) says...
Whatever! He gets what he deserved. He robbed a store at gun point TWICE!!! He did an adult crime so he deserves adult time. And like someone said earlier... if he had a real gun he probably would've used it. Let's think about the victims in this situation. Imagine how you would've felt if someone had a gun to you demanding money. At that point they didn't have time to think about if the gun was real or that this kid was having issue... they were only concerned about their lives! And not to turn this into a racial issue... but had this kid been a minority many of you wouldn't have seen a problem with the sentencing. The other kid got ten years so why sohouldn't he get ten years!?! This should be a lesson to teens (of all races) across America... The justice system is cracking down on stupid acts such as this!
January 14, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...
Carolina that would be former Marine
Kerry hits it dead on MY VOTE!
Don't think for a second that is not part of the reason. She's looking for the tough on crime supporters to do the backing.
This case could easily been made a theft charge where probation would be the norm. These kids are being made into goats (lambs if you will) and they are being sent to the wolves.
Don't misunderstand these kids are lucky but you know I have a feeling the 71 year old former Marine would have checked his weapon and not fired given he would know a BB gun when he saw it and let's just say the 2 guys that messed with the Marine were are a disadvantage.
January 14, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...
Posted by Kerry (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Following the logic of many posting here: if a "juvenile" walks into a school with an assault rifle and mows down everyone in sight, then he should receive probation.
Kerry I'm sorry but your skill set seems to be lacking.
No one here has suggested that we let juvenile mass murders off with a time out.
The general concensus here (192/48 at my last count) is that 10 year is too harsh, for juvenile BB gun robbers.
January 14, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
freedomtolive (anonymous) says...
Love you Sean.
-Sammi Brown
January 14, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
Does anyone know of any of the teens apologizing to the victims of their little tirade?
I thought I read that one of the employees at Food Lion had a heart attack after the robbery? Maybe that was another story but correct me if I'm wrong please.
I think these boys planned on what type of punishment they might get if caught right along with planning their crime and get away, but Scarlett Wilson aint playing!
All of us has been 17 years old before and knew when we were going to get in trouble and what did you tell some of your friends then. "My mom/dad is going to be mad and punish me, but hey I will be okay." So I do think they knew what they were doing and I think they also tried to downplay the seriousness of what they did by using "I'm still a kid" as a defense.
What's the saying- laugh now cry later.
January 14, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
captivated (anonymous) says...
This kid had it all going for him. A loving INTACT family, nice home, friends, things a lot of teenagers could only dream of having. Then he throws it all away for what? Attention? To prove he is a man? To impress his friends? His father mentioned that he had turned his back on his family in favor of his friends. When they confronted him after the party he hosted without telling them, he bailed. It is commendable the progress he has made since the "mistakes", however, he has made his bed and I hope he can learn how to sleep in it on his back with one eye open for 10 years. Can't do the time? Then, don't do the crime!
January 14, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
buttercup (anonymous) says...
Geechie I have children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. My son owns his own business and the other one is a police officer. I raised my children to know right from wrong. My grandchildren are all grown up no problems with them they were taught right from wrong. Now it is their turn to teach their little ones right from wrong. By the time the little ones are big enough to commit grime I will not be here to see it. Their parents will have to deal with that. If they are not smart enough to teach their children morals and right from wrong then they will have to deal with what ever happens..
January 14, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
phoenixdown (anonymous) says...
Geechie, if he really honestly did not want to go to an adult prison, he probably should not have done what he did. I think the punishment fits the crime very well.
January 14, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CarolinaWren (anonymous) says...
I am confused and perhaps some of you can explain to me how this boy has turned into the victim. I honestly thought the ones who were robbed and had a gun (Oops, Excuse me I forgot, A Toy Gun) stuck in their faces were the victims. Who were the victims of this crime????? I know these boys were just being boys and meant no harm to anyone so that makes them the victim but they are no longer little boys but are old enough to have known right from wrong. I was young once and thought I knew more than my parents also. I still remember my mother telling me," you make your bed and you will have to sleep in it." She also told me to stand on my own two feet and not hers. That was tough love and it worked. I grew up fast knowing I would be on my own if I screwed up. We all want our children to have the best and try to protect them from harm. These boys are still trying to stand on Moms and Dads feet. I am sorry but they have made their beds, now they will have to sleep in them. I am not a hard person and it breaks my heart that they have to pay for their stupidly by going to prison but that is the law. May God watch over them?
January 14, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
akkomplished...regardless of your disclaimer, you sound exactly like you are trying to stir the racial issue pot.
How presumptuous to state that many of us who have commented on this have taken an interest based on the race of this boy.
Also, if the other kid who received 10 years was "under age" at the time they committed these crimes then everything I have said regarding Sean should apply to him as well. The article we are commenting on highlights Sean.
What exactly is an "adult" crime?
January 14, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
anothernobody (anonymous) says...
MotoryachtSoCo:
The general concensus here (192/48 at my last count) is that 10 year is too harsh, for juvenile BB gun robbers.
I'm sorry but your skill set seems to be lacking...
A quick and informal but more legitimate statistical analysis of the responses would show that of the 88 respondents*: 47 ( or approximately 54%) were for the most part in favor of the punishment as it stands as opposed to 33 ( or approximately 38% ) against the punishment as it stands and 7 ( approximately 8%)who expressed no really discernible opinion on the matter and yet posted.( i.e. Posted by Mayor...Ya'll need to smoke a fatty!)
*By calculating responses alone you allow someone who posts, for example, 10 times with a particular opinion to "count" as 10 responses in favor of that opinion as opposed to counting them as only one opinion ( expressed 10 times ).
(The percentages were calculated very informally and rounded off with standard round off methods and would probably be only accurate to + or - 1% and I am sure that someone using a more intricate and detailed criteria could probably draw some slightly different conclusions but probably only slightly.) ( calculated when the posts were at 258 responses )
January 14, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
walleyedwoman1215 (anonymous) says...
First of all, the defendant will not serve 10 years. Secondly, he will be segregated from main pop for a long time. If he then asks for protective segregation to be continued, officials will honor that request or transfer him to a prison that can. He will not be thrown to the wolves because there is no corrections administrator on earth who wants a teen inmate's murder on his watch. I think he will suffer, and justly, but I doubt he'll be repeatedly raped or run into the wrong end of a shiv.
January 14, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nochasgirl (anonymous) says...
What lovely thoughts. Do y'all get excited over every person who is sent to prison? Are you concerned with the sentence of every convicted felon?
January 14, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CariBarichello (anonymous) says...
Sean proved he could change his life around, even on his own without the help of the juvenile system and none of that mattered.
I understand that these boys need to be punished but what is next? Will they start arresting 6 year-olds for playing with toy guns? These boys seem like prime candidates for juvie yet they choose to treat them like dogs.
It is worse because with a plea, there is no chance of appeal. Ten years is harsh and now they are tainted for life. Do any of the rest of you folks have rebellious kids or do you all live the perfect life? People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Warehousing these boys will not only cost taxpayers tons but what do you folks think will return to society after being warehoused with hardened adult criminals? Sean proved he learned from his mistakes, he changed his way of thinking, his actions and worked on him. He became the model citizen you all wanted and still got slapped in the face by our screwed up judicial system.
Please visit www.justiceforjuveniles.org
Justice for Juveniles is a grass roots group of concerned parents, grandparents, teachers, scholars, internet professionals, legal professionals and many others dedicated to ending the prosecution and adjudication of children as adults.
The goal of our organization is to inform and inspire other citizens to get involved in the effort to bring about these changes -- always keeping in mind that children are never adults. We join with other advocate groups to use a global, national, and local approach to bringing American juvenile justice into line with other international child rights standards.
Community support, redirection, diversion, and treatment are the foundation of our policy goals.
Please join us as we join others, in changing the political tide that encourages state sanctioned child abuse.
January 14, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
501687 (anonymous) says...
The reports make it sound like Michael was abandoned by his family in his time of need. That's neither fair nor accurate! Michael had a stable and loving environment provided by his adoptive mother, who put his welfare above her own, more than ten years ago. After the arrest and whilst in a safe place, Michael's supporters intervened by bailing him out. A private family situation became a community effort. It's fair to say that he was afforded resources, which he may not have received from his mom. He has benefited from his friends who have assisted him-so thank you. Over the months he has continued to receive limited help and offers from his mom, but wasn't as appreciative to her efforts.
Most parents tried to do the right thing, so blaming them is not useful. Try as you might, you can't guarantee the whereabouts of your child 24/7. At some point you have to extend some trust to them, remind them of the rules and consequences, and hope they act responsibly. In Mike's case, he increasingly abused the trust extended to him, and he knew right from wrong. The celebrity status that Michael and others enjoyed after being involved in the "H'way 41 Wando in the Woods Party" was a false dawn. For sure many parents took away privileges such as driving, cell phones and freedom of movement after this event. I'll bet a majority of the parents even pleaded with their kids to "please consider that further harmful behavior might be followed by bigger punishments" I am telling you, that Michael was pleaded with. He ignored the plea, along with some of the other kids.
Yes it's a shame these kids have now found out that society doesn't function according to what they want and think they are entitled to. From reading the comments some of the kids still haven't learned a thing, and can't be helped, no matter what! In the days following the robbery, I saw several of the kids riding around laughing, speeding, and carrying on with no signs of humility or regret. Mmmmmm what did that tell me.
January 14, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...
Nobody's numbers are fair except I counted those who seemed to agree that 10 years was a little harsh and put those who clearly stated "hang em high" as being the much smaller amount.
So what are ya'll saying that is getting deleted? The comment count was at 278 and now it's back down to the 260's?
January 14, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
501687 (anonymous) says...
Someone asked what the victims thought. I know that the Food Lion employee was very angry; it was the second time he had been robbed at gunpoint whilst working there. The gang included a former employee of Food Lion who probably even knew of the previous robbery. The two victims deserve enormous credit for how they have handled themselves since then. The Food Lion kid is trying to move on, bears no malice. He is also not in control of the consequences, which are tragic in this case. The families of all the kids involved don't need to be preached to, let them get on with their situations.
In summary, bad choices and behavior were followed by warnings to shape up or beware. More bad choices and look where we all landed! Our legal system is bigger than most of us think! It's not perfect, and it is what it is. I sincerely hope that kids, who have been rebelling against their parents and our system in general, will heed this wake up call, and start showing a bit more respect. If you are a trouble maker, it's time for you to move on and grow up::::. because if you get caught, you don't get to choose the punishment.
January 14, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CariBarichello (anonymous) says...
Also please visit the South Carolina organization that advocates for children tried and convicted as adults. Wonderful websight with wonderful people who care about what our judicial system does to it's children. No child is an adult!
www.juvenilejusticefoundation.com
January 14, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IsaacLC (anonymous) says...
~~Let's talk about equity. . .
I don't know how many of you know this because it was not widely reported, but a week after these boys were caught, two other boys from the same school and the same ages, mind you, robbed the Dollar Store in Mount Pleasant with a gun. Same scenerio right? Well, those boys:
Did NOT get expelled from Wando
Did NOT serve time--they got probation and community service
The only difference I'm aware of is that both of those boys were black and NOT deemed affluent.
That's what really burns me up. Where's the equality in that? Aren't we all supposed to be judged equally regardless of race or where we live?~~
What I heard about this case is that the boys were loitering outside of the dollar store, debating whether or not they would go inside and rob it. The staff inside saw them, locked the doors, and called the police. I assume that the mere fact they couldn't make their minds up before they were locked out is the only thing that saved their butts. Had they been desicive and gone inside and actually robbed the store, they would most likely be in the same position that Sean and Micheal are in today. They went there with bandanas over their faces and toy guns in their hands with the intenion of robbing a business and terrorizing it's staff, so, why did they get off with merely a slap on the wrist?? I don't think it has to do with race because the prison system is is overloaded with minority inmates. The ratio of blacks to whites in America's prison system is greatly unbalanced. You would thik that if race was a factor, the Dollar Store boys would've been charged and sentenced as harshly as Shean and Micheal.
I do agree with you that Sean and Micheal and the others involved in this case are being made examples of because of where they live. People keep referring to Mt.P. as "affluent" and all of these boys as "well-to-do". These descriptions are just plain inaccurate.
January 14, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
patricia (anonymous) says...
Punishment Yes, but ADULT COURT AND ADULT PRISON SENTENCES - NO! Please go to this petition site and help get these laws change, http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeac...
South Carolina has mandatory sentencing; South Carolina does not have a minimum age for adult sentencing; and South Carolina does not have a minimum age for mandatory life sentences. It is time to change these laws. You can do it as a community, students, parents, everyone.
January 14, 2008 at 5:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
patricia (anonymous) says...
for some reason the full petition site didn't get printed:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeac...
January 14, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nochasgirl (anonymous) says...
I read the petition. Does this only impact children under age 14?
Also, another thought....If you are an adult at age 17, why do people have to pay CHILD support until the CHILD's 18th birthday?
January 14, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UnoCubanito (anonymous) says...
So does this petition speak a lot of the other young man also. Many times people have said on other cases that "Youth who committed such crime should see what will happen" Well why is this NOT the same thought. I am sure he and other young man regardless of there ages understand what they did was wrong. I am sure they learn a lesson along with actions that will come from it. Reality check so when they were thinking about doing this crime what did they think would have happen afterward. Slap on the wrist.
January 14, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
patricia (anonymous) says...
South Carolina state laws deem children 14 and under not culpable for their crimes. This petition was written on behalf of a child under age 14 that was tried and sentenced as an adult. Because of this loophole in South Carolina a child of 6 could be tried and sentenced as an adult. This is just a small step in trying to change the law for children up to age 18. If you really want to make a difference in South Carolina start writing your legislators now.
January 14, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SmileyRiley (anonymous) says...
Sean,
I hope you know that you ARE loved and you have lots of support. We're going to get this all figured out. I'm going to miss you a lot. Just stay strong. I know you will. I'm really proud of the way you've grown the last year. You're my brother through it all. I love you and hope to see you soon.
Nicole Riley
"Don't worry about a thing, cause every little thing is going to be alright." - Bob Marley
January 14, 2008 at 9:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JSISK (anonymous) says...
So Mouth of the South, let me see if I can get this right, you say basically give them an adult sentence,lock'em up and throw away the key and hope they never see the light of day.
I believe the reason for the criminal justice system was suppose to be to protect the safety of its citizens first and rehabitate the offender in the process of their incarceration.In order to achieve this rehabitation has to be a service offered in the system. In adult prisons rehabitation is a GED. So no education, no counseling and no rehabilitation.
How can you honestly say that any kid deserves your idea of justice. I see it as pure vengence, Sure these kids did something stupid, no disputing that at all. Sure these kids need punishment for the crime they committed, no disputing that as well. But their punishment should be to achieve a postive outcome for the offender and the state corrections dept. along with incarceration or whatever the judge could elect to do with them. Treating them as adults takes all that out of the judges hands and you are left with mandatory sentencing guidelines which accomplishes nothing for the offender or the state.
South Carolina law is suppose to focus on what is in the best interest of a child, rehabilitation more than the crime itself, with the main concern on can a child be rehabilitated in the juvenile justice system.
These are kids, no matter which way anyone wants to try and twist it around, they are considered a child in every aspect of the laws in the United States with the exception of the criminal justice system. One stupid act does not define a kids character,nor does it make them undeemable either, but if these kids are to learn anything from their mistakes they have to be in the correct environment with the correct people and tools to learn what is needed.
I dont know why people think the juvenile system will be a slap on the wrist for kids, in juvenile they have less privleges than in adult prison, the only postive to it is it does offer rehabilitation, education and counseling ,a chance for these kids to get straightened out. Adult prisons do not.So what is it that we want to accomplish here for offending kids? Them actually learning from their mistakes or just pure vengence?
January 14, 2008 at 10:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Well then Mouth...too bad we don't have a time machine to transport you back to a time when these boys "simply" would have been hung from the neck until dead for their crime.
January 14, 2008 at 11:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nochasgirl (anonymous) says...
How many posters would love Mouth to stay off the computer??? Must love the negative attention, how sad!
January 14, 2008 at 11:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nochasgirl (anonymous) says...
How did you ever miss my posts that I had children at Wando? Maybe you should go check on your little angels.
January 14, 2008 at 11:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JSISK (anonymous) says...
That is where you are wrong A 16 year old kid does not stop being a 16 year old kid just because he committed a crime. He then becomes a offending juvenile. It is then up to the family court depending on age or the prosecutor in the criminal justice system to decide which way he will be sentenced. Because the prosecutor has the discreation they automatically waive most of the juveniles up to adult court. This being because of the present laws in South Carolina give them that power.
The juvenile wavier is based on the Kent Factor in determining to retain a juvenile or to proceed to general sessions, if they were no longer considered a juvenile in the courts eye at that point, this would be an unneccessary procedure for the family court.
And Yes the criminal justice system is supposed to be based on incarceration as well as rehabilitation for offenders,while they are protecting society and serving justice , but you left out just and fair.
As far as the criminal justice system being misunderstood by many, I don't think so >>may I suggest you go on the DJJ website as well as the SCDOC website and while you are at it ,you may want to go in the SC legislature website and stroll through the laws concerning children. They may enlighten you a bit. If that is not enough maybe even look up the US Supreme Court decision Roper verses Simmons. Seems our Supreme court judges can tell the difference in culpability differences between adults and children.
As far as being soft on society, no 20 years ago mandatory sentencing was created to get tough on crime, 20 years later the results are out and more and more states are now reviewing their own laws concerning juveniles and the best possibile way for rehabilitation, and this consist of treating them as juveniles not adults. The stats are in and adult prisons for juveniles have done more harm than good.
There is a change in the air and the tide is changing on how we treat our offending juveniles,South Carolina already has a stigma to last generations the hanging of a 14 year old African American boy at the turn of the century and sentencing a 12 year old CHILD as if he were an adult in 2005. You should be proud >>
I surely hope you or yours are never even involved in an auto accident and someone dies from the result, because if so you or yours will become a Criminal to face the sentences you so defend. But then I would imagine that would be a different story, but you say a criminal is a criminal plain and simple.
There is only one being that I know of that is perfect, and when he died on that cross he didnt take all the christians who would suffer behind,he took the Criminal that was nailed to the cross beside him
January 15, 2008 at 12:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tisktisk123 (anonymous) says...
Mouth - I'm just curious because it seems you have nothing to do but be on this article day and night - does this paper pay you to just sit and try to fire people up? We all understand your point of view on Sean Shevlino - you can move on now.
January 15, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JSISK (anonymous) says...
And exactly how do you know so much about these kids or what they think and feel ? Unless you are personally involved with them you have no idea about any of these kids to even make a judgemented opinion like that to begin with. Your responses are based off nothing of substance. You have no idea what the potential of any child is or is not.
Every person adult or child deserves the opportunity to better themselves and learn from their mistakes while in the criminal justice system. You seem to think this is a bad idea, you would rather have them sitting in a jail for the rest of their lives or the better part of it, and then be returned back into society as the scum you say they are? Will that really make you happy to know you have accomplished nothing in the process?
Children are not legal adults in this nation until the ages of 18 and 21.The criminal justice system is designed for adults not kids. And there is no magic number floating out there that defines when exactly a child matures into adulthood with all the wisdom and knowledge of a 30 year old.
The juvenile justice system was created for this very reason, to provide a seperate place of incarceration away from adults in an environment for offending kids that would have positive results for the kids and society.
You say their lives are ruined and actually seem to be delighted at the thought.
January 15, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
patricia (anonymous) says...
Even two of the victims felt the sentence was too much, http://www.counton2.com/midatlantic/c... . As I speak with people regarding children/youth receiving harsh adult prison sentences, they are still shocked and had no idea that this was happening in the court system today. We must make a difference, read what JSISK is saying, and please sign the petition, or create one of your own, and circulate it in your communities, the laws have to change,http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/429258617
January 15, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scpalmetto (anonymous) says...
I personally know Sean and his family; these are good people who have been put under a lot of scrutiny. What Sean did was wrong, but he's remorseful and has done things to straighten out his life. Ten years in an adult prison...what will that accomplish? I question whether this sentence is more about political posturing than justice.
January 15, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JSISK (anonymous) says...
I can tell you first hand from responses from elected legislators ,it is not about just sentences for offending kids. I have recieved statements along the lines from SC legislators that a 12 year old child should be executed !!! This in only one of many recieved.That is the value of a child to South Carolina officials.
In order for any type of change in South Carolina , there has to be a hugh outcry on how we are trying and sentencing our offending children without any regards or concerns to rehabiliate them. You are going to have to demand change or elect officials into office that will through your votes.
I urge anyone with these concerns to join togeather and make your concerns heard, call your district representatives and legislators and ask them for yourself what are they going to do to change the laws.
January 15, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CariBarichello (anonymous) says...
JSISK well said all the way around.
MOUTH OF THE SOUTH you need a reality check.
I too had a rebellious teenager at age 16. Up until that age he was a good kid, raised with two parents, stay at home mom to cater to all his needs, attended private Catholic school all 16 years, was an alter boy and had a paper route.
At age 16 he became rebellious, wanted nothing more than to grow up fast. Lived for excitement and became very impulsive. He didn't want to follow rules, ran away numerous times and skipped school repeatedly. We too got my son the type of help Sean's family did and he too changed his life around.
Once he realized how he was hurting himself and those who loved him, he realized that was not the life he wanted for himself at all. He worked hard between the age of 17-18 to become the person he wanted to be.
Today he is a UNITED STATES ARMY SOLDIER!!!!! He fights for your FREEDOM OF SPEECH Mouth Of The South! He also fights for your freedom! If children can grow up and do that for us, we as American citizens should do the same for them.
January 15, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
margaritaville32789 (anonymous) says...
Okay.
I attended Wando High School last year when this scandal came out. I have graduated, so I am no longer a student there. But as a student of WHS when all of this happened, it was very shocking and embarrassing. I'm not going to lie, I was VERY angry that anyone would even think about doing this. I was a student athletic trainer for the football team and I knew most of the guys because a majority of them played football. I knew every one of those boys that committed the crime. The football players involved in this crime were leaders, standout players. They let their team down, including the coaches, the players, the community. When I found out about this, I was in disbelief and very upset. I wanted nothing for these boys to be locked up and to serve the time that they deserve. But as time passed, I realized that maybe some of them were actually trying to turn their lives around, and became prevalent who was and who wasn't. Sean was in the process of doing that. I never saw him out partying or being rebellious. Some of the other guys, whom I'm not going to name, I would go to a friends house and they would be drunk and smoking and it was obvious that they weren't doing anything to help themselves. That made me upset that they can commit a crime and just blow it off like its nothing and just keep on with their rebellious ways. I do believe that EVERYONE, yes everyone associated with this crime, deserves to serve some kind of punishment to show that you have to the time if you do the crime. But I do believe some of the sentences were very harsh, including Sean's.
I'm not going to get on here and fight with everyone with my views, I'm just letting people know about how a student of Wando High School felt when all of this happened. I've never been so shocked in my life to get a call from my grandmother in Washington DC saying that she saw this all on the news up there. I never believed that a group of guys would decide to do something to wrong and then believe that they won't be punished. Sean's sentence is very harsh, VERY harsh. But that's what they gave him. It might be unfair, it just might be, but that's the reality of it all right now.
January 15, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IsaacLC (anonymous) says...
Please Mouth, save us your biblical banterings. One minute you're spewing evil, vile, hatred and the next you're a bible thumping Christian?? Give me a break. Give us all a break. The Bible states, "Love the sinner, not the sin". I don't think that you practice the teachings of the book you like to quote so frequently...
January 15, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tisktisk123 (anonymous) says...
Maybe we should start ignoring Mouth of the South. I honestly believe he is paid to say crazy things and get everyone all riled up.
January 15, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
patricia (anonymous) says...
I appeal to all of who are outraged by these boys' sentences,to please join together as a community, sign the petition, start writing letters as these are your children and your state and you should have a say so where your money goes and how your children need to be punished and rehabilitated within a juvenile system. The laws need to be changed where no child under 18 is tried and sentenced as an adult. The mandatory sentencing laws must be done away with for our children. This is your chance to join together and let your voices be heard.
January 15, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
patricia (anonymous) says...
I urge all of you who want change to join hands with all of us and start with signing the petition, http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeac...
It's a beginning of citizens working together to help change the laws of sentencing children under the age of 18 as an adult, and changing the mandatory sentencing laws. It will take time, a lot of hard work, but people working together can make a difference.
January 16, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rob_1 (anonymous) says...
Mouth of the South said:
By the way, Mr. Pretty Boy will have many opportunities to make new friends where he is going. He will be VERY popular in prison.
What a sick sick thing to cheer. And yes you clearly enjoy the thought of this kid (look up the definition instead of making up your own) being raped in prison. This and constantly campaigning for hanging should concern those around you.
As for your way of arguing your views, look up the word truthiness. You state things as fact that have all been disproven, because they feel right to you and support your sadistic views. And using the phrase "not once but several times" to describe using a pellet gun twice is just pathetic.
People who commit serious crimes can be rehabilitated, especially juveniles. Proven fact no matter how many times or how vehemently you deny it. Rehabilitation will prove far less costly than years in prison, though I admit it might cost a little more than your five dollar rope.
January 16, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Show_me_someone_who_cares (anonymous) says...
Mouth_Of_The_South actually made a good point, wow I didn't think that that person had any sense but if you go by whatever statistics that he is using then that would show that they are not helping these kids at all by sending them somewhere where it's only going to make them worse and corrupt their minds even more. Prison does not straighten people out exp. South Carolina's Prisons system. Thanks DA... Mouthofsouth that is.
January 17, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JSISK (anonymous) says...
Wow !!! I bet the reason may be because there is no rehabitation in the adult criminal justice system.
With the mandatory sentencing guidelines many fall into long prison terms where rehabitation programs are no such thing.
In order for something to fail it must be offered first !
January 17, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rob_1 (anonymous) says...
Mouth of the South, what source are you using for your statistics? If it is a web site then what is the url?
January 18, 2008 at 1 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
http://www.juvenilejusticefoundation....
January 22, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kitecabrinha (anonymous) says...
Had Shawn Held up the one store, become remorseful and turned himself in I would agree that 10 years in an Adult prison is excessive; but the fact of the matter is that he held up two different stores on two separate occasions. I guarantee you that his crimes have had lasting effects on the clerks to whom he held his gun and demanded that they clear out the cash register. It is all well and good that he has begun to try and turn himself around, but in all honesty Charles Manson began to write children's books...Should we let him go easy?
January 22, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KnowAllSeeAll (anonymous) says...
Cry me a river. Spoiled brat robs store and now wants me to feel sorry for him. Sorry, not gonna happen. Not here, no way. 2 + 2 = 5 is a mistake. Armed robbery is a Most Serious offense, and he committed this offense twice. Then he stole a BMW and bragged about it to his friends. Now he wants to cry about how no one wants to be his friend, and mommy and daddy couldn't use their money to keep him out of jail. Life is about choices, and you made a very bad one, son. Stay strong in prison, you're going to need to. Hopefully you're going to come out all the wiser, because this time you're getting a real education in life. Too bad it had to come to this, but it was your decision.
March 22, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ericaly (anonymous) says...
Everyone here has got it wrong-- arguing about whether his crime is worth 10 years. The point is, that armed robbery carries a mandatory prison sentence in SC, meaning that a child charged as an adult will get the same mandatory prison sentence as an adult charged with the same crime without taking into account the unique mental and environmental circumstances that goes along with being a 16 year old in high school.
We need individualized sentencing in this state, especially in juvenile cases because JUDGES with their years of judicial experience (often on both sides of the desk) should be making these decisions NOT THE LEGISLATURE. Sending this young man to prison for 10 years is not going to help him become a more productive citizen, it's likely to lead to much more devastating circumstances.
The point of prison should be REHABILITATION and NOT PUNISHMENT. It's obvious that punitive prison sentences do nothing when you look at recidivism rates of offenders coming out of those prisons.... but look at those leaving rehabilitative programs- much lower recidivism rates. This said, Sean will not be rehabilitated by going to prison for 10 years. There is no reason that he should be forced to associate or affiliate with dangerous and manipulative adult criminals.
December 17, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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