Boy's family pleads for an end to their agony
Tyrone Walker
The Post and Courier
Friends and family gather Friday at a make-shift memorial for 9-year-old Tyler Capers near Ladson Road and Lantern Drive.
Provided
Fred Tyler Capers
To offer tips
The Highway Patrol is asking the person driving the car that hit Tyler Capers to surrender by calling troopers at 953-6010 or by going to the trooper office at 8740 North Park Blvd., North Charleston, near Rivers Avenue and Otranto Road.
w Anyone who can offer tips about either a dark Dodge Neon sedan or a GMC Jimmy with front-end damage is asked to call troopers at the same number or Crime Stoppers at 554-1111.
For the second day, the family of 9-year-old Tyler Capers waited for news of who might have struck and killed the boy on Ladson Road.
Like the day before, they got no answers. It was discouraging, said Capers' grandfather, Fred M. Capers.
"Anybody, if they have any know- ledge of who hit my grandson, please come forward," the grandfather said Friday. "That will help my family a lot."
Tyler, a fourth-grader at Oakbrook Elementary School, was struck by an automobile about 10 p.m. Wednesday where Lantern Drive, a residential street, meets Ladson Road. He died of a cervical spine fracture, said Dorchester County Chief Deputy Coroner Perida Moultrie.
Witnesses told relatives that Tyler had been with a group of friends headed toward Tranquil Estates on the other side of Ladson Road.
Bystanders described a dark GMC Jimmy sport utility vehicle and a dark Dodge Neon sedan. S.C. Highway Patrol troopers are asking the public to report either type of vehicle with front-end damage.
Authorities have released no new information about the case. Tips have been called into Crime Stoppers, and the investigation continues, Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Bob Beres said.
Just before dark on Friday, about 30 of Tyler's friends and family members gathered at the busy intersection where he died. They placed flowers, Teddy bears, balloons, a photograph of the boy and more on the grass nearby.
"It's really, really awful the way things happened. I don't know how somebody could just hit someone and keep on going," said Tyler's aunt, Kimberly Venning. "I'm going to miss everything about him. He was just a great little boy."
The family said Tyler's funeral is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday at a time to be announced at Olive Branch AME Church, 1734 U.S. Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant. The burial will follow at Greater Zion AME Church at 4174 U.S. 17 in Awendaw.
Smith-McNeal Funeral Home of Awendaw is handling the arrangements.
Reach Nadine Parks at 937-5573 or nparks@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
This article has 39 comment(s)
Posted by jolena01 on July 26, 2008 at 4:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is so sad, to lose such a beautiful little boy. It just makes me wonder does anyone watch the news and see all these people getting murdered. Why would a nine year be outside at 10:00 at all with or without friends. I am a mother of three and my kids dont leave my yard and my oldest is ten. Its not safe for any child that young to wonder the streets day or night. It dont matter where you live anymore. Its sad cause once their gone, there is nothing you can do to change it. I just cant believe a child that young out at that time of night on ladson rd which is almost one of the darkest roads in summerville. Its sad that something like this had to happen for parents to realize its not safe at night for a nine year old to roam the streets. Parents should know better because its better to be safe than sorry. I hope the person who hit this little boy turns himself into the police and honestly i feel that the parents of this little boy should have known better than to let him step foot out the door that late. I will pray for all the loved ones of this beautiful boy.
Posted by shoelaces on July 26, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am with you on this Genius. I don't really want to point fingers at the negligence of the parents as they have to live with the loss of their child. Nothing could hurt more than losing your child. But I would say some changes will probably result on Ladson Road from this.
It is sad that it takes tragic events to bring people together and to possibly change the area for the better...more lights..blinking lights. I would guess once the initial shock is over a lawsuit will follow somehow.
I think they will find the car/s that did this.
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on July 26, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Boy's family pleads for an end to their agony"
They are in agony becuase they neglected to watch their child properly. If this little boy wasn't attempting to cross Ladson Road at ten oclock at night with friends he would probably still be alive. Speaking of the friends, none of them were hit? Not only the driver is responsible, so is his family. Who ever raises him should be charged with neglect.
Posted by MRSCVS on July 26, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Tyler.
Posted by greensummervillian on July 26, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How incredibly sad. He was a beautiful boy. I have a nine year old son and I can't even imagine the family's grief.
Posted by moonpie on July 26, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't blame it on the road! He was 9 yrs old and crossing a street at night? Enough said. I don't get people wanting to blame it on a dark rd. Very tragic but very preventable too.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Tyler
Posted by His on July 26, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I saw a street light where he was trying to cross and another street light across the street where he would have been going. We heard from one of the friends (on TV) that was with him. What about the others? Can they shed more light on what happened?
My heart is breaking for this family. Such a grief many of us have never experienced.
Posted by dianed43 on July 26, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
let this family grieve without harsh words and jugdement. the article does not say how old the friends were that he was with. it's summer time, kids stay out later....bottom line, the scumbag who hit him and ran needs to come forward. how do you sleep at night knowing you hit and killed a beautiful little boy? if the driver stopped that night and it was an accident charges would be minimal. now they are screwd.
Posted by eatmorecollards on July 26, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Even a nine year old would know better than to step out in that traffic. I see here a lot of unanswered questions.
Posted by wood_floors on July 26, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We, as parents, have to be accountable for our children and many times, their mistakes are our mistakes. My daughter is 16 and I don't allow her to walk ANYWHERE! My biggest fear is that she will raped, murdered...WHATEVER!!! The point is, I will do anything to keep her safe. That is my responsibility as a parent.
Here are the facts...
We have a 9 year-old walking a dangerous street at night with no "responsible" adult present.
The driver of the vehicle that hit and killed the child (I'm sure by accident). Now, let's focus on the driver...perhaps the driver was under the influence, perhaps an illegal...maybe both or maybe just a scared teenager or elderly person. The driver should be punished for at least leaving the scene of an accident and depending on the circumstances, perhaps to the fullest extent of the law.
However, what will be done regarding the lack of responsibility of the parents. It's my understanding that this family has several children in the home and based on what I've read, good honest values are not being instilled in these children. Will this tragic accident teach the family the importance of leading the children on the right path of life.
My point is...regardless of the circumstances involing the driver, what business does a 9 year-old child have on the streets at 10 pm!?!? It seems as though we are all very quick to place judgement on the driver. I have to say that I was driving down Ladson Rd. on Wednesday about 4pm and personally witnessed 7 or 8 young guys (12-16 years old) walking in the median and recklessly crossing Ladson Rd., paying absolutely no attention to traffic. Again, where were their parents?!?!? One of these boys could easily been hit because of their own recklessness!!!
It is not my place to say who is at fault in this and, eatmorecollards, you are correct, there are a lot of unanswered questions that may never be answered. My hope is that parents wake up and take control over their children. Stop making excuses and start taking action regarding the behaviors of our children.
Posted by cindy on July 26, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am so sorry for the family. I am sure it must be tearing them up. My Grandaughter Kaitlyn knew Tyler from scool and told us about what a nice boy He was. She said He got quite a few awards at school and was a A and B Honor Student. My Daughter went too Walmart's yesterday and They had too drive by where Tyler lost His life and Kaitlyn wouldn't even look at it because She is so upset. Please, let's all remember that Tyler's Family is suffering so much at this time and not post anymore hateful remark's. If You are the person who did this or know Who they are please turn Yoursef or Them in.
Posted by Brutus1 on July 26, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I drive that road everyday too and from work. It is a freakin racetrack. Oh, and all the roads around here at night is dark. Not enough street lights. Maybe another reason crime is bad.
Posted by JohnS on July 26, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Your son was under 10 years old. What was he doing on a busy highway this time of night? Ladson road is a dangerous road day and night.
I bet he also had on dark clothing and no flashlight.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on July 26, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Very well said wood_floors!I love how people are saying"Oh that poor family."Well folks,what about that poor child?He is the one who suffered the most.And his sufferig was due to a lack of parental supervision.Period.I am saddened by the fact that these parents allowed their child to run the streets at all hours and their child paid the ultimate price.Maybe the family is guilt ridden.But we as parents are ultimately responsible for our children.
Posted by ysillyme on July 26, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
evilgenius~
Again, I think you are going easy on the parents. Their agony is self imposed, complicated by a hit/run driver. The parents should be arrested and thrown in jail for parental neglect. Sometimes we allow our emotions to govern our intelligence. I can't think of anyone I know who doesn't treat their pets better than this child was treated. To deter other parents from such poor judgement--throw the book at them and let some liberal do-gooder comfort them[in jail of course].
Posted by jeff61 on July 26, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You people better watch the comments or you will also be accused of having something to do with this. You are not to question this. You are not to question the parents or point out inaccurate statements or facts that are made. If you do there are some that will suggest that you are involved. You people need to forget this is a comment section. Consider yourselves on notice.
Posted by motherof3 on July 26, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is horrible. My youngest is 8. He knows how to look both ways when crossing the street in our subdivision but I still find that when hes playing with other kids, talking, or is excited he neglects to look both ways. I still watch him cross the little street in our small subdivision and one of his older brothers (13). None of my children are out after dark by himself or with friends. Summer or not summer kids still have to have supervision and guidance. Not to mention stranger danger. How many times have we seen on the news about abductions, shootings, etc.
I still remember a group of kids between 7- 13yrs riding their bikes in front of their house. A truck stopped and grabbed one of the kids (10yr old girl). The stranger grabbed her before the others knew what was happening or could react. The abductor was never found. She was found mutilated and dead.
Know what your kids are doing, where they are, and who you kids are with.
Posted by jeff61 on July 26, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
wood floors,
Your comments are very close to mine. You also must have some involvment in this as well as many others here.
Posted by 10216340 on July 26, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dianed43 and cindy.....I just can't seem to work myself up to feeling any sympathy for these parents. They are the cause of this tradegy. I feel sorry that a little boy is gone but the parents let him roam wild so his blood is on their hands. I will save my sympathy for more worthy parents.
Posted by beckymonroe54 on July 26, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a beautiful child. My prayers are with you and Tyler is with his Lord. I can only imagine your pain at this time. God bless you all. I will be praying for you.
Posted by wood_floors on July 26, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To jeff61 - You and I definately have some of the same views on this issue. I don't have any involvement in this situation but as a concnerned parent and citizen of this community, it bothers me to know that parents are not keeping a watchful eye on their children.
Our home was broken in to a couple of months ago and I have no doubt that it was kids in our neighborhood (not the same neighborhood this child lived in).
I personally feel that mandatory curfews should be set for children under the age of 16. This, perhaps, would eliminate some of the crime and other incidents from occurring. Unfortunately, many parents won't place curfews on their children, so perhaps our law officals should.
I orginally felt that the parents were given a bad rap, so to speak, but after really thinking this situation through, all I can do is ask what in the world was this child doing roaming Ladson Rd. at 10 pm!?!?! And, I agree that these parents should be held accountable for their actions. I am not sure if criminal charges should be filed because I truly believe their pain is real and punishment enough. However, if our legal system started prosecuting the parents for the childs' wrong-doings, perhaps parents in general would place stricter rules on their children!
Posted by wood_floors on July 26, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you coolfreaknbeans...We definately agree that the parents should have taken a more active role in where their was going and who he was with...Thanks again for you comment!
Posted by stanish on July 26, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My condolences and deepest sympathy to the family. May God bless and keep you under his love and care during this most difficult time. With that being said however, I hope all parents learn from this most tragic and preventable loss. Yes I said PREVENTABLE because that's exactly what it is. Why in God's name would you allow your child or any child for that matter to be roaming the dark streets that time of night unsupervised? Growing up in the 70's even as a teenager my father had strict rules set in place, and we KNEW to obey them or answer to him which was NOT a pleasant situation to be in.
I hope the parents learn from this and any other's out there
that allow this behavior to exist. I hope the driver turns him or herself in for this most heinous crime. Again parents, please DON'T allow your children out at nite UNSUPERVISED! I wish this family had DONE this before and we would NOT be here commenting on such a SAD crisis.
Posted by scbiker1 on July 26, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If that area is as dark as you say it is and the speed limit is 45 miles per hour do you think that it is possible that the diver did not realize that he/she hit a child? Isn't that area somewhat wooded?
Posted by wood_floors on July 26, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To scbiker1 - The area where the boy was struck and killed has homes on either side of Ladson Rd. In fact, he was struck at the corner of Lantern and Ladson...a well traveled and lighted area. There is also a sidewalk on both sides of Ladson Rd.
Posted by jeff61 on July 26, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
scbiker1,
Now, Now...I mentioned the same thing and I was accused by some that I must have been somehow involved. You should be ashamed for asking such questions. You must be deeply disturbed and have some deep rooted problems for asking the same type question or making similar comments that I and several others have made.
Posted by alwaysamazed on July 26, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Um, maybe we can focus on the fact that someone hit this little boy, and left the scene. Yep, he shouldn't have been out at that time of night, and it was most likely an accident, but someone out there hit him and left. That's the bottom line. Even if the person was horrifed and devastated, they still could have dialed 911 and told them what happened.
All of this talk about not having sympathy for the parents, and that they are to blame will not bring this boy back...and is irrelavent at this point, unless DSS is going to step in. I think that what bothers me the most about this story is that someone went on home and hasn't picked up the phone, or driven to the police station to turn themselves in...I don't know how they're sleeping at night.
Some of the posts sound like since he was out late at night, that basically this was deserved...I find that really disturbing. Mom and Dad may not have been keeping an eye on him, but by God, the person that hit him should have stopped and done the right thing. Since nothing else was done right, that would have been the least that this person could do.
Posted by verbose1 on July 26, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"alwaysamazed" - very eloquently said.
That poor little boy - what a terrifying way to spend his last few minutes on earth. The devastation the family must feel - I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful child.
Let this horrible story be a lesson for all of us; "do we know where our children are?" and "have we done what's Right today?"
And please, guilty one, turn yourself in.
Posted by jeff61 on July 26, 2008 at 11:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by EvilGenius on July 26, 2008 at 7:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I saw on the news at 6, that there was a cook out to raise money for T-shirts to put this boys face on. The money raising has begun. Unbelievable.
Raise money for what I wonder????
Posted by reality_woman on July 27, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The parents should never have allowed this child out that late. I would not want to cross Ladson Rd. let alone think that a child of 9 should be doing it with adult supervision. Parent need to do what they are meant to do, PARENT. Sorry for the young boy, but the parents should have been doing a better job of keeping their eyes on him.
As for the drive of the car who hit him, TURN YOURSELF IN!!!!
Posted by jeff61 on July 27, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
alwaysamazed,
I beleive everyone agrees the person should have stopped or turned themsevels in by now. I do not think anyone, to include me, said or feels this child deserved to get hit. There are several that appear to have known him and felt the need to make posts on this child's past behavior. I have not be one because I did not know him. With that said the reason for many comments to include those post metioned above is maybe DSS needs to take a look at why this child was out along 4 lane Highway at 10:15 at night. This was one of five children in this family. Part of the focus here is to prevent something like this from happeining again.
And Yes the driver or possible passager (Has anyone thought there could have been more the one person in the car) in the car should turn them selves in.
Posted by restless on July 27, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You know dam well you weren't in bed on a summer night and your son at 8:30pm stop the dam lie .Now tell the truth it will set all of us free.
Posted by DARKKNIGHT76 on July 28, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well I'm sure the parents are suffering from there loss, but I will tell you that for those who live in this neighborhood we are suffering too, because we can't even drive into our neighborhood, from all of his friends and family that gather in the street, even late at night they are all in the street, small kids and older ones, even a guy drinking a beer, walked right out in front of my car, acted like I should have moved. They graffitied the road with spray paint with Tylers name all on the road and graffitied Ladson road with spray paint, and they don't seem to care that others live there and want to go home. If they want to grieve over Tylers death they need to move it to their yard not out on Lantern which is the main entrance to our neighborhood, have some respect for us, as we do you. This gathering has been in the street since his death, I understand you all will mourn over his death, but you can do that in your yard, no need to block traffic and risk more lives, don't believe all of you are there for the mourning of this child think some of you just want to stir up trouble. Also 3 guys were in handcuffs over the weekend standing on the corner with the group of partiers that are there for the support of Tyler. Why are they really out on the street, if you feel bad for the boy then why are you drinking in the streets, you would think you would have more respect for the dead. A child died this is not a time to gather together to have a huge party.
Posted by jeff61 on July 28, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Very true restless many of us weren't home tucked in our beds at 8:30 on a summers night but I am sure many of us was not out along a 4 lane Highway at 10:15 p.m. at 9 yrs old
Posted by momof4greatkids on July 28, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As a mother of 4 (oldest is 12), I constantly worry about my children getting into harms way. I do my best to ensure they do not but I remember one incident where my child said "hey mom, can I go to so and so's house". It was 6:30 pm and of course since it is just down the street I said yes. I had to run some errands so I told my husband where our son was and I left with the other 3 children. I got about 3 miles away and find my son and his friends at a gas station. They had to cross 2 major highways to get there. I was so angry. The point is; you cannot always control where and what your children do. This family must be in agony and these posts are not going to help. I am amazed at the cold-heartedness so many people here have. I hope they catch the cold-hearted kid-killer as well but a lot of your posts prove that many of you are not much of a better person.
Posted by SCPDBLUE on July 28, 2008 at 7:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Terrible tragedy. Now we have a cookout fund raiser to get T-shirts with the boys pic on it. Which photo are they going to use.The one with him that is on this story,,the one with the fake dimond ear ring or my favorite one, the picture of him wearing red (crips color)flashing gang signs... Also for a mother to lose a young child she she is holding everything back,very little emotion. Just wait till they find the person who did this. Can you say lawsuit,Ring,Ring, Bill Green I needs a check.
Posted by SCPDBLUE on July 29, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to make a correction on my above comment:my favorite one, the picture of him wearing red (crips color)flashing gang signs.. I ment to put BLOODS instead of crips. BLOODS wear RED and CRIPS wear BLUE. My bad.
Posted by nettie6566 on July 30, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This was not a dog someone hit and left on the side of the road, it was a child. The parents claimed they had went to bed, and that's where the child was also, in bed. He snuck out without the parents knowing. Should they have tied him up to his bed or put an alarm on their doors for just such an incident?? I have two grown boys and though they never snuck out at age 9 or 10 they did at 16 or 17. So don't judge the parents unless you've been where they're at. They are living a hell here on earth and now all you " great people" are adding salt to their wounds! They didn't leave him in a hot car and forgot about him, they put him to bed where HE chose to leave. As parents we can not supervise them 24/7. Boys (and girls) start making choices at an early age and this child made a terrible life descion when he left his house after dark. Go after the B#@% who hit him and left him on the side of the road like a dog to die, and give the parents a break!
Posted by blackwoman on August 11, 2008 at 10:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a preventable tragedy. What was a nine year old doing near let alone crossing Ladson Road without an adult at this time or ANYTIME of day? My heart aches for the family but more for the innocent life taken.