Suit says prison's managers at fault
Lieber officials failed to protect inmate, lawyer says
Belli
Previous stories
Slain inmate's mom claims negligence; Lawsuit filed against prison employees, Corrections Dept., published 07/20/08
Inmate convicted of killing; Fellow prisoner at Lieber stabbed, published 01/18/08
Convicted murderer arrested in fellow inmate's death, published 10/10/06
Inmate stabbed to death; Mother: Prison didn't do its job, published 08/26/06
The state prison system allowed an inmate-run extortion scheme to fester behind the walls of Lieber prison in Ridgeville, leading to the stabbing death of a 19-year-old inmate two years ago, a suit filed in Dorchester County alleges.
The case is one of two similar wrongful death cases against the Department of Corrections now working their way through state civil courts.
Among other shortcomings, this lawsuit accuses the agency of mistakenly putting James Belli Jr. in a wing with violent offenders, even though he had no violent convictions on his record. Once there, it says, understaffed, poorly trained employees didn't take necessary steps to protect Belli from the other prisoners.
"Our investigation has revealed at that this is a problem that starts from the top down," said Matthew Yelverton of the Charleston law firm of Thurmond, Kirchner and Timbes, one of the attorneys who filed the case. "The sad result of some of the deficiencies in the Department of Corrections is that a relatively short prison sentence was a death sentence. That's unacceptable and it was preventable."
Filed in St. George on July 3, the case is currently in the discovery phase. The Corrections Department has been served with the complaint but had no comment, communications director Josh Gelinas said Monday.
The suit was filed on behalf of Belli's mother, Diane DiLorenzo, by
Yelverton and David Savage of Charleston's Savage & Savage Law Firm. It seeks damages in an amount to be determined by a jury.
Belli was serving an eight- year sentence for burglary and other property crimes in Dorchester County. He was housed alongside hardened criminals, including convicted murderers. An escape charge on Belli's record, which would have put him in a higher-risk group, was dismissed when he pleaded guilty to other offenses.
Belli was stabbed in the neck while in the Ashley Unit A-Wing of the Ridgeville prison on the morning of Aug. 23, 2006. He died the next day. Though the Corrections Department originally reported identifying two suspects, only one person was charged.
In January, a Dorchester County jury found Jaquan Ferrell guilty of Belli's murder. First Circuit Judge Diane Goodstein sentenced Ferrell, now 23, to life in prison without parole. At the time of the stabbing, Ferrell was already serving a 30-year sentence for a murder in Colleton County.
In addition to the Department of Corrections, other defendants are Lieber Correctional Institution's warden at the time, Stanley B. Burtt Jr., who has since retired, plus unnamed employees and agents of the prison system. Ferrell and another inmate, Tony Rush, are named as well.
Belli had complained to prison officials about Rush threatening him as part of the extortion attempts, the suit says. Though officials briefly put Belli in protective custody, they later put him in a cell right next to Rush.
The suit has some striking similarities to another one filed by a Lowcountry family.
Daniel Preston Walker, 20, was serving a sentence at Lee Correctional Institution in connection with a fatal shooting in Moncks Corner when he was killed in June 2006. Reports show he was beaten and smothered in the Bishopville prison. No arrests have been made.
A wrongful death suit on behalf of Walker's mother in June was moved briefly to federal court, but is now back with the state's Court of Common Pleas, said her attorney, T.O. Sanders of Charleston.
Reach Noah Haglund at 937-5550 or nhaglund@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
I have been single-handedly fighting a criminal extortion scheme initiated and enforced by "officers of the family court" so this story is of no surprise to me.
September 9, 2008 at 5:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
10216340 (anonymous) says...
Sad story. BUT, he was in prison for a reason.....cause he was a criminal. Now we find out he wasn't the baddest criminal on the block. Lesson to be learned.....do the right thing and stay out of prison....you just might live longer.
September 9, 2008 at 5:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
armymom (anonymous) says...
RIGHT! When you're not in prison you get killed by people who should have been in prison or who should have stayed there...
September 9, 2008 at 7:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Of course and obviously, staying out of prison is best. Failing that, the government as our representatives takes on the responsibility to enforce the punishment that we dictate. The government must not kill or allow the death of anyone in their penal system until such time as instructed. Not only the murderer but also someone in charge is responsible through neglect or ignorance allowing this to happen. Our various levels of government continually fail to do what we say and skate.
September 9, 2008 at 7:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
squeakyclean (anonymous) says...
The system is designed for what the law makers want them to be and for whom they want them to be for. This mother lost a child while he was in the states prison. She never would have imagined that her child would be killed behind bars. yes, he had sticky fingers and was committing burglaries but, who are we to judge. The mother just wants answers that we all as parents would have wanted, have some sympathy for the mother.Her child made the wrong choices in life and was punished for it. just think about this. Was Thomas Ravenel JR. Placed in Lieber Corrections "NO". He committed a federal crime and the state made sure that he was taken care of. he was allowed to stay free after he was sentence and to drive himself to the facility in North Carolina on a date set by the courts and a time of 12:00 noon.You have several males and females sitting in the Charleston County Detention centers on federal charges and is not sitting at home waiting to drve themselves to jail by a certain time. Please pray for the mother of this young man. I do not know them but Iknow the system can be very messed up when you are seeking answers.
September 9, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
amandamac (anonymous) says...
If this kid went in there acting all tough and running his mouth then the guys in prison probably showed him who was boss. I know people in prison and it is rough. He did the crime so he should be put with the other criminals.
I do feel sorry for the mother, but I don't think she will get much justice.
September 9, 2008 at 7:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newto843 (anonymous) says...
Send a thief to gladiator school and you may just produce a murderer and a thief. The same goes for drug offenders, these people get out of jail one day and they are much more equipped (not to mention demented) than when they entered. It is no wonder to me at all why we have such a parole and repeat offender problem. You can say prisons are supposed to be tuff but do you realize that we do not control the prisons and that inmates do? The truth is we have no idea how to reform people and instead we provide training and then release them.
September 9, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newto843 (anonymous) says...
They do get out though and if we do not care who they are when they do we are just kicking our own a**. They are back in your neighborhood more dangerous than they ever were (if they ever were). I guess that is all I am saying.
September 9, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whatelseisthere (anonymous) says...
Let's take a minute and examine the accompanying photo. He looks like a choir boy. That has swayed a lot of people's opinion. Here's another question.....what if Belli had been stabbed and killed when he entered someone's house or office to steal things? Would that put society on trial? His mother?
September 9, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suec (anonymous) says...
why didn't they use Belli's mug shot instead of the young angelic looking photo?
"Belli was serving an eight- year sentence for burglary and other property crimes in Dorchester County."
You don't get an 8 year sentence for stealing a pack of twinkies. He was obviously a repeat offender and the court felt he was a danger to society.
The boys who shot Deputy Compton were burglars to start with.
September 9, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suec (anonymous) says...
and why should the family get money? Maybe they are hoping to recoup some of the money that their little darling stole from them over the years or attorney fees they paid to get him out of trouble over and over again. It's not like he was a source of family income.
September 9, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Larz13 (anonymous) says...
This guy was no Al Parrish.
September 9, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
If the family does get money they should be forced to give it to those people that were victimized by young Mr. Belli!
September 9, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cpienciak (anonymous) says...
When the full story comes out you will all be amazed. James was my nephew and yes he knew he did wrong. He just wanted to do his time and come home but never had the chance. "JUSTICE FOR JAMES"
September 9, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
I still say the money, if the family wins, should go to the people he victimized. Why should the family cash in on this whole thing?
September 9, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
luckylady (anonymous) says...
The young man is dead, and in my opinion, at his own hands. He certainly knew the risk he was taking each time he took things from other people. It caught up to him. He paid the ultimate price for his deeds. Do I feel for the family - yes I do indeed. I am sorry that he chose this life knowing full well that bad things happen in prison. Prison is not set up to be a social setting. It's hard - and getting harder all the time. Stay straight and live.
September 9, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
How about JUSTICE FOR THE PEOPLE JAMES VICTIMIZED?
September 9, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
The fact of the matter is that there are rules & laws which which govern our system of prisons. Clearly some on this thread believe that is a silly thing, but nonetheless the rules & laws ARE in place.
As long as the rules & laws are in place, the various entities in the prison system are bound, not merely by duty but by law, to follow them. Seems to me that those who see law & order as such a simple concept would be able to grasp that fact.
September 9, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
abitskeptikal,
I agree that there are rules to be followed and if the prison system failed to follow those rules and laws and the family wins their lawsuit, the money should be divided among Mr. Belli's victims to compensate them for their loss. It was not their fault that Mr. Belli decided to rob them of their hard earned possessions, but it is Mr. Belli's fault that he landed in prison and his family should not be able to get paid because of his choice.
September 9, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
The way I look at things are - they are criminals. You put them into prisons and they are still criminals. They didn't stop their criminal behavior outside the prison, so therefore, they probably won't stop their criminal behavior inside the prison. "The man" couldn't make them stop being criminals outside the prison, so I have no reason to believe that they can make them inside the prison.
Solution, don't be a criminal.
Oh, and he got 8 years? He was given a few chances before it came to that, I am sure.
And also, why is it that no matter what the subject, lillycollette tries to make statements about family court?
The solution to family court - support all your children.
September 9, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeff61 (anonymous) says...
Posted by forget on September 9, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And also, why is it that no matter what the subject, lillycollette tries to make statements about family court?
The solution to family court - support all your children.
If you were to read her post on that subject you would understand why. The case she makes statements about screams for justice far more than this case.
September 9, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
Just wondering why they are on every article. I have things I feel strongly about, too, but figure there's a time and place.
Besides, I've been to family court. Most of the people with "problems" there, have brought the "problems" on themselves.
Notice I said MOST, not all. Not looking to get attacked by someone that thinks $100 a week is too much to support a child.
September 9, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
Prison is not (and should not be) a place one would want to return to. It should not be comfortable in any way. With that said, the rogue criminal element should not be allowed to victimize other criminals (I.E.; only the strongest survive).
Prisons should be managed like boot camp. No priviliges earned, none offered. Prisoners marched and not allowed to talk, grab-ass, or congregate (the liberals/ACLU would go off the wall). Only allowed in the "yard" for group exercise.
Violent crimes attempted/committed while in prison should be grounds for capital punishment.
But then again, liberals would never allow that to happen. In a perfect world, there would be no liberals, thence reduced crime.
September 9, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
James_CC,
The scared straight idea is a good one as well. However, My husband and I implement our own scared straight program in our household and it works wonders. I hear my kids telling their friends all the time "my mom/dad doesn't play that" or " my mom/dad would kill me if I tried that." Yep, scared straight parents' edition! I say that all parents need to try it and make sure their kids pass the program with flying colors. And don't bail them out or make excuses for them when they get in trouble. That is one of the worst things a parent can do for/to a child; let the child know that he/she can do no wrong in their eyes. That, to me, is stupid and creates miscreants and criminals and punks!
September 9, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
Just this past summer, one of my daughter's friends wanted her to do something she knew she shouldn"t. I don't recall what it was at this point, but I do recall it was minor. But she told her "oh no, my mom always finds out, and she doesn't play that"! She told me about it a day or so later and that she didn't do it because she knew she would be in trouble. I proceeded to tell her what would happen to her, and she said "yep, I knew that would happen".
September 9, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
I remember reading this and I felt bad for this kid and his family. We're not talking about a hardened criminal who committed a violent act. We're talking about burglary. Does this mean that he shouldn't go to jail? Absolutely not. But I don't think it warranted him being put in with violent offenders, especially if this was his first offense. A repeat offender? Someone who committed robbery? Yes. But a non-violent first offender shouldn't go in with the worst of the worst.
Or, as someone mentioned, a 'scared straight' program.
What this story does tell me is that they, meaning the authorities, have no control over what goes on in prisons.
September 9, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
James_CC, I received this in my email and I remember laughing and then finding it very sad that this is what we have come to in today's society. Messed up...really!
September 9, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
Oh, they forgot to add that the teachers have to take diversity classes to understand their students better.
September 9, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nochasgirl (anonymous) says...
This child was sentenced for the crimes he committed. He was serving his sentence, and was murdered. I am amazed at how many people feel that every criminal deserves the death penalty, no questions asked. But what is being done about criminals walking around every day....people who shoplift, people who write checks on closed accounts, people who run red lights, who speed, who drive home after having a few drinks, people who are selling, buying, or using drugs, and the list can go on forever. Obviously, there are degrees of punishments for different crimes. He was sentenced to 8 yrs, not the death penalty. And by no means do I excuse the actions that put him into prison, but it just seems like someone who is serving their punishment should be able to do so without being someone's target for whatever goes on in prison. People make mistakes. I have no idea how he behaved in prison. I'm just amazed at the hard hearts people have. I have read stories where people are cleared after years in prison, and I hate to think of what they went through. I just have a problem with the abuse that goes on in prison.....and yeah, I know, don't do anything to get in trouble, and you won't end up there.
September 9, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
This "CHILD"? Obviously, the young, innocent photo got to you! This "CHILD" COMMITTED A SERIOUS CRIME! Enough with the tears and sobs.
Criminals go to prison! He should have thought about the consequences before he committed those CRIMES!
September 9, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Dmoney (anonymous) says...
This story should be read to every kid in school. maybe it will scared some of them str8
September 9, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
James_Crackcorn, I'm so glad that I'm not in high school in this era. I was in high school in the mid-90's and I can't believe how much things have changed just since then.
September 9, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rggr (anonymous) says...
This kid did deserve to go to jail. Once in state custody, I think the state needs to be able to keep them safe - not comfortable, but safe. I'm all for making them work all day long, but they should not be subjected to being victimized like this.
September 9, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ln1959 (anonymous) says...
JC..
They also forgot to mention parents suing the school cause little Johnny scraped his knee playing at recess.
September 9, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Great job James_corn: I'm agreement with almost all of it. The only thing I wouldn't bring back is paddling. I'm a firm believer in corporal punishment and have practiced it, according to my kids, far too often. ;-) However, the days of allowing a non-family member to touch your children are long gone. It's sad but true, better to err on the side of caution especially in our litigious society. What needs to happen is the government to step out of our personal lives, i.e. DSS, allow us to discipline our children even if it means driving to the school to paddle the lil' darlings in front of their friends. It never dawned on me growing up that I could "call" someone if my parents spanked me. Hell, my mom would be under the jail for the crap she did to me and my brother. Of course we're successful adults because of it.
I feel sad for the family. They wanted their son to serve their time and hopefully finally learn from his mistakes. They did not want him murdered by a fellow prisoner. I can completely understand. Also, I must disagree with several of the posters that this young man DESERVED to be killed in prison. What he deserved is to be able to serve out his sentence, preferably in a tiny cell with no amenities and doing hard labor, working somehow to compensate his victims. He did not deserve to be murdered. In that respect I can understand the lawsuit; however his family does NOT deserve a cash judgment. What should happen is the courts hold the prisons' administration responsible for following and upholding the laws already on the books. If the prison administration is allowed to create and sustain chaos then not only are the prisoners at risk but so are the corrections officers that work day in and day out on the prison floors. I have no real sympathy for the prisoners, but control MUST be maintained to protect the very brave men and women who protect US by keeping the worst of humanity behind bars.
September 9, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ysillyme (anonymous) says...
I don't have a dog in this fight but why was that rares comments removed? Not knowing all the details of the story, some pretty nasty comments wre made by others on this thread. No one likes prisoners but man sounds like not much empathy for the survivors.
September 9, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
Eyfig,
I agree with you totally. I should have made it clear in my posts that I don't think he deserved to be murdered and yes, the system should do their jobs and make sure the rules are followed.
September 9, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ashleyatwork (anonymous) says...
Belli may have been a criminal and deseved to be incarcerated for his crimes but not put into a gladiator pen and be used like a bull to be slaugtered. I personally have dealt with Stnley Burttt and his crew. They are complete idiots. I was always amazed at how he got his position at Lieber. He must have known someone because it wasn't on intelligence. The staff there currently are so stupid its scary.
September 9, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
Wow, I didn't know that the COs at MacDougal were not allowed to carry guns. That is crazy. How are they supposed to keep order when the inmates get out of hand? Put them in "timeout"? They need to revamp a lot of what is gong on in the system.
September 9, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missing_Home (anonymous) says...
CHINA!!!!
Thats where all you people that say "oh, well, He was a criminal", should move to.
We have laws in this country that provide for equal protection under the law. If you think we should become some extreme country like Saudi or China with Harsh Punishment for the most pettiest of offenses than MOVE there.
September 9, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missing_Home (anonymous) says...
Cold Beer, I disagree.
When we as society took the persons freedom and said "we're locking you up" He became our responsibility.
This was a young kid that made some dumb mistakes, did he deserve to die?
September 9, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
Not one of us said he deserved to be murdered. But when he committed the various crimes that he did, he put himself in the position to be put into harms way. His family should not receive one cent, but the prisons need to use this as a learning tool.
September 9, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
berthelot (anonymous) says...
Isn't it nice that everyone has an opinion. Good thing the law has something to say concerning the protection of inmates.
Everyone go read Farmer v. Brennan (92-7247), 511 U.S. 825 (1994)
September 9, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
bethelot,
Having a law does not negate our opinions it just adds to them, now we have an opinion of that law. :-)
September 9, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cpienciak (anonymous) says...
Iceman1978: Thank you for understanding how our family feels. As to all of you that are passing judgement on James the reason he was but in Leiber was to also get the medical attention he needed. He was Bi-Polar, ADHD, and had other mental problems. He was placed in the Ashley Wing because of bedding problems and never received any of the help they claimed he would receive. Do not pass judgement on our family because we tried for many years to get James help.
September 9, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BigSargeofSC (anonymous) says...
"Belli was serving an eight- year sentence for burglary and other property crimes in Dorchester County. He was housed alongside hardened criminals, including convicted murderers. An escape charge on Belli's record, which would have put him in a higher-risk group, was dismissed when he pleaded guilty to other offenses."
Not like we lost a model citizen.
As for blaming the prison for not controling the inmate population, I have one question: Are you kidding me? The officers are out-numbered by at least 50-1, depending on how the dorms are set-up. Inmates can take an officer or a prison anytime they want to. I say, before they carry on with their law suit, the family members of Belli should serve one year as a correctional officer. Lets see how well they can do.
September 9, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
He was 19. He wasn't a young kid he was a young ADULT. "He became our responsibility" Missing_Home said, when was he going to become responsible for himself? for his own actions that resulted in his unfortunate incarceration?
September 9, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missing_Home (anonymous) says...
Forget and Lovely one:
"Justice for the people that James victimized"?
I would say he has paid and then some. What more do you people want.
They got his life, A Life we as society said we would protect, Even in Prison.
September 9, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
Missing_Home,
The people he victimized didn't take his life.
September 9, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missing_Home (anonymous) says...
Forget,
When a Judge says he is remanding you to a facility, he is saying "I am making you a ward of the state". I
You will not choose, we will choose for you. You will go and do what we want. You will not have freedom, but you have a right to live. We are taking responsibility of/for you.
Thats why his parents can sue.
September 9, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
Why didn't his family get him the "help" he needed for 19 years before that? I know that if my 16 year old needs help for a medical condition it is MY responsibility to get it. Not wait until they are 19 and have committed crimes and now want the government to treat a mental illness.
September 9, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
Missing - you must have someone you know that also is "unfortunately incarcerated".
September 9, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
What mental illnes makes someone go out and burglarize homes and/or businesses? Was just wondering...
September 9, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missing_Home (anonymous) says...
RW, I'm pushing 40, and have had my share of crimes committed against me.
I'm not some liberal yelling yee haaww for the cause.
I just don't believe this kid deserved to die, The prison should have protected him better.
Who are we to say the kid deserved what he got, Maybe the Judge was making an example out of him and threw the book at him.
September 9, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
Nobody said he deserved to die. A person doesn't deserve to die at the hands of others.
But for every action, there is a reaction. I knew long before I was 18 that if I committed crimes that I would go jail. I'm sure that he knew what a jail was, also. But he decided to throw caution to the wind and commit those crimes anyway. Everyone knows jail is a rough place (I'm sure he wasn't the only one that never heard that). His actions put HIMSELF in harms way.
Don't forget, that jails are full of CRIMINALS. They don't stop being criminals when they go in. They continue their criminal behavior.
The way to prevent this from happening? Don't go to prison.
September 9, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missing_Home (anonymous) says...
Forget, No, i don't have any loved ones in prison, I am thankful for that.
To the other guy that said in other countries they do not live in fear. WRONG, Have you ever been to any other country?
But I challenge each and everyone that reads this to take a few minutes and think about this;
What if it was Your Son, Brother, Father, Nephew, Grandson or Uncle in Prison and they didn't protect them?
Would your family deserve 0 compensation?
Don't answer right away, take the few minutes, think about it. Also think what this country stands for.
September 9, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
cpienciak, I'm sorry for your loss. What happened to him is on the hands of prison officials. They have a responsibility to maintain control over what goes on in their prison.
Missing_Home, Anyone who knows me on these boards knows that I believe in being tough on crime. However, I don't believe in taking non-violent offenders are placing them in with the general population who is violent. It places them in danger and it runs the risk that when they get out they will be even more dangerous. In the long-run this will cost more money on the taxpayers as they keep going in and out of jail.
A scared-straight program would have been better here. If this was his first offense then they had a chance to really rehabilitate this kid and get him to change. There are reform programs all across this country which help people like this.
September 9, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Bigsarge: my point exactly. There is chaos in prisons. Our CO's are in danger everyday because of the lack of foresight of the government and prison administration. If chaos isn't contained, there will be far move deaths and it will not be the prisoners that will die.
Again, I have no sympathy for criminals, however criminals not sentenced to death should not be killed in prison. Sometimes it takes lawsuits to bring issues such as these to the forefront.
I cannot speak to the true motives of this family for filing suit. I can only hope that if it goes to trial that the incompetence of prison officials and the ineffectiveness of the policies and laws concerning the funding of prisons and the protection of the CO's be exposed.
The entire prison system needs to be overhauled. We no longer need to be concerned with rehabilitation but more so punishment. Do away with the frivolous entitlement spending and use the money to build more prisons.
September 9, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missing_Home (anonymous) says...
To Forget, I agree the best way to avoid the problem at all is to not go to prison, but if one does go to Prison and they are not given a death sentence for burglary than the prison should do everything in its power to make sure an 8 years sentence (that probably would have meant 3 years (parole) ) does not turn into a death sentence.
September 9, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
I just looked up this young man on the Dorchester County site. There are NINE different charges against him. One of them being a weapons charge. This def. was not his first rodeo.
September 9, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missing_Home (anonymous) says...
Iceman 1978, I know what you write on the boards. I sometimes do not agree with everything you say, But this time I do.
This is a waste, the 19 years old (how old was he when he got sentenced (committed the crime) boy could have been saved.
September 9, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missing_Home (anonymous) says...
Forget, Really?
Please post the URL so we can see for ourself?
September 9, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
WWW.DORCHESTERCOUNTY.NET
September 9, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whatelseisthere (anonymous) says...
you can also check out other criminal charges at www3.charlestoncounty.gov
September 9, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
amandamac (anonymous) says...
My brother is a detention officer. He tells us everyday how the detention officers are out numbered. His family should not get anything. If anything the families he stole from should be compensated.
September 9, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missing_Home (anonymous) says...
forget, is this the exact URL?
September 9, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Lovely_One-I agree-the family should not benefit monetarily from the death of an inmate, even if it is classified as a "wrongful death".
Unfortunately, sometimes the only way to get people's attention & make them "care" about following rules & law is through the pocketbook. This seems to be the case especially w/ big business & the government--which IS big business.
Whatever money that is rewarded certainly should 1st be offered to Belli's victims.
What also should happen however, is that if it is determined during the course of the civil case that this inmate died as a result of prison officials not doing the job the way the laws dictate it be done, &/or encouraging or taking part in other criminal activity, then they should be charged criminally.
The prison system in this country is rarely held accountable to anyone. When crime & corruption occur w/in its walls, who is there to reveal this but the inmates, who have no credibility?
All we have to do is look here to see how even their families are treated when they raise a voice about probable crime &/or corruption occurring there, not just among the inmates, but within the structure of the officials.
The attitude here seems to be "Your son committed a crime. This means you have no right or business to complain about any other crime that has occurred, especially if it is within the prison system."
It is disturbing that so many seem to think that a crime perpetrated on a criminal within the "system" is acceptable. These same people say they want law & order, but they forgot to add "except where I personally do not care if it exists.."
Many here think, or seem to think that whatever happens to an inmate within the prison walls is either OK or his/her own fault for being there. Perhaps in principle, that is true. But the law says otherwise.
An inmate's criminal history is not a logical justification for allowing & accepting other crime within prison walls.
September 9, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drp7773 (anonymous) says...
BigSargeofSC says, The officers are out-numbered by at least 50-1, depending on how the dorms are set-up.
Very true, when I was a guard it was 80 to 1, thats one reason I let them keep the job and left. The state and public are to blame for this mess, they build prisons because thats what people want but then the people will not give the tax money to support it, It is sickening to see what takes place in prison. No one deserves to be raped and mutilated just because there are not enough gaurds to go around, if this is ok in prison then by some of these posters it should be ok outside of prison. A drug dealer or taxevader or a thief should not be put in with the murderers and rapist, and a 19 year unless he murdered or raped someone should not be put in with these guys for no reason. Like CB has stated many times , 8x10 cells that you don't leave till it's shower time, and not let any and all walk among themselves knowing someone will be killed or raped at any moment, not if but when. I don't think this family deserves to sue but I do know that big changes need to be made and the gaurds should rule the prisons not the inmates.
September 9, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
The URL goes to the main Dorch. County page. Then hit online case search and go from there...
September 9, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
We didn't say his criminal history was justification for allowing other crime. We were saying that his family shouldn't get a dime because his actions (over and over again) I might add put him in that position. He didn't just have A burglary charge against him. There was a weapons charge, and a few "malicious injury to animals" charges. Whatever those were about... And, if you ask psychiatrists what it means if someone purposely causes injuries to animals, we all know the answer to that one...
September 9, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CaptPete (anonymous) says...
This is how it has it has always been. When you have a love one go to prison expect to pay $20.00 a week to someone to help your love one stay safe. These people usually have nothing to loose in asking for this money. When you stop paying you put your family member at risk.
September 9, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nana666 (anonymous) says...
Sorry SqueakyClean-Mother doesn't want answers-answer is her son was a thief who got caught and punished, unfortunately the only thing you can do to criminals is either let them go for the next crime or put them in prison-yeah it's a bad place coz it's for bad people and no one should be held responible for what happens to the people in them if it's caused by other inmates because we had no choice but to put them there-Mother wants money. I don't need to wish her luck because I'm sure she will get it, and where does this money come from? Why from you and me who are out there working hard to try to earn a living and support our families. So it's a no win situation for us but don't worry about Mother because she'll have plenty of money to ease her pain.
September 9, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
abitskeptikal,
I agree with everything you said. There are laws and rules set up in the prison systems and those should be followed otherwise the result is what we are discussing now. I must say that I am not one of those who feels that the family should not bring the misdeeds of the system to the light, I just don't think they are entitled to any money. And we agree that the victims of Mr. Belli's crimes should be compensated should the family win their suit.
You are so right about the fact that the inmates, whose credibility is shot by them being in prison, are the only ones (and maybe some honorable guards who aren't afraid of backlash) that can reveal the corruption in the prisons. I also agree that this lawsuit could be a way to get the government to step up to the plate and make sure all rules and laws are being followed within the system.
September 9, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dianed43 (anonymous) says...
for all of those who pass judgement....james did receive help for his mental condition during his life. he started to receive help and medical care at the age of 5 when he was 1st diagnosed with his mental illness. he went to childrens psychiatrists and was on medication his entire life. he was in three rivers mental hospital a year prior to his conviction. as a mother.....i did help him. you try to teach your children right from wrong and hope they make the right choices. he did not. i know that as his mom...he knew that. he had a right to serve his time and try to turn his life around. the drugs that he was addicted to caused him to steal to support a very tough addiction. anyone that battles any type a addiction knows how difficult it can be. for those of you that are ignorant to mental illness......documentation from professionals show that people with ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and depression are more likely to use drugs and steal, all of which james was diagnosed with. as far as the weapons charges and the chas county charges.....he was not charged with any of those. after investigation they were dropped. as to those who make a comment about his picture and him looking like a choir boy... that was james. none of you know that heart that he had. it was huge. he made mistakes in life. we all do, some worse then others. as far as him paying back his victims.....that was in the plan. he wanted that when he was alive. as far as doing the right thing and trying to make something good come of his death, his organs saved 4 peoples lives. as far as blaming the system. ALL prison systems are suppose to follow FEDERAL mandate on the amount of employees and have a employee:inmate ratio they are suppose to follow. they don't. they lack equipment and staffing all needed to keep everyone safe. the prison was made aware of the threats that james received and knew he was in danger. they did nothing about it. they need to be held responsible. they failed.
September 9, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Perspective (anonymous) says...
The victims of the crimes he committed should immediately file suit against his estate. That way if they do get a settlement from from the state they will have to fight the victims for it!
How are you entitled to money from the state when you raise a criminal who gets killed in jail. If it wasn't a dangerous place, they would call it "camp".
September 9, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
"...as far as him paying back his victims.....that was in the plan. he wanted that when he was alive."
dianed43, I have said on other stories that I am sorry for your loss and I mean that. I just have to ask you this because you stated it in the above quote. Are you going to follow your son's wishes if you are compensated monetarily?
September 9, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suec (anonymous) says...
dianed, you have my sympathy. I am sure that losing a son is unbearable.
I don't mean to be harsh but it sounds as if he has had excuses made for him his entire life.
Why do you think that he would have turned his life around after prison? How many times had he already promised you that he woudl straighten up.
He didn't turn it around after being in the mental hospital. I doubt if he would straighten up after prison.
He had to be receptive to the help for it to work.
September 9, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missing_Home (anonymous) says...
Dianed43, I am sorry for your loss.
If I was on the Jury you would be getting a substantial amount. In my opinion the prison officials did not do their Job. Unfortunently, unless you win a substantial amount, the prison System won't change and others may suffer the same fate, maybe next time (God Forbid) it will be one of our loved ones.
To Suec, you have no class.
Criminal or not he was in the care of the state, As South Carolina Citizens, He was in our care.
September 9, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
We're very sorry for your loss Diane. I know it must be hard to read some of what's said on this board.
September 9, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suec (anonymous) says...
I just re-read my post and it did come out way more harsh than I intended.
I am not sure what I would do if I had a troubled child. Would I be able to follow through with the tough love doctrine? I really don't know.
September 9, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
L_O--I understand your position.
I was just making a general observation about a mindset that always appears when there is discussion of "criminals", prisons & crime that occurs in prisons.
For our system of justice to work properly, there has to be fairness & consistency.
People are distracted from the real issue here, which is possible crime & corruption within the prison system.
The mantra has become, "Well it is prison. It ain't no camp"...as if that tired old cliche pardons any crime & corruption that is occurring under the authority & color of law by the "powers that be" within the prison system.
To accept criminal behavior from the very people who are in charge of a population who has been incarcerated for criminal behavior is the height of hypocrisy.
September 9, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
"To accept criminal behavior from the very people who are in charge of a population who has been incarcerated for criminal behavior is the height of hypocrisy."
abitskeptikal, this is beyond the truth!!!!
September 9, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChrisPia (anonymous) says...
Diane, take a Breath and walk away from the Keyboard...Your son did not deserve to die for his crimes in jail...it was their responsibility to protect your son and they failed...
These people are cruel knowing that you would be monitoring this article (as You have done in the past). I hope this makes the system change.God, bless You and Take care of yourself.
I have always been against crime and criminals and believe there should be stiffer sentences...Managed Properly and Things could Change for the Better.........I hope Your Lawsuit will Bring about real Change for the better of Inmates ,Guards and the safety of the community.
I also hope you find some closure.Keep the faith.
September 9, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
singleroni (anonymous) says...
THE WAY I SEE IT HE GOT SOMETHING THAT HE WOULD HAVE DONE TO ANYBODY ELSE THAT GOT IN HIS WAY. SOUNDS LIKE JUST CAUSE TO PREVENT SOME ONE ELSE INNOCENT FROM GETTING HURT. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF HE WALKED IN ON SOME CHILD OR KID,
September 9, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missing_Home (anonymous) says...
To ChrisPia - - - "I hope Your Lawsuit will Bring about real Change for the better of Inmates ,Guards and the safety of the community."
Ditto
September 9, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missing_Home (anonymous) says...
singleroni ---
What are you talking about?
September 9, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
"These people are cruel knowing that you would be monitoring this article (as You have done in the past)."
Why? Because we are doing what we do on a daily basis? Post our thoughts and opinions on articles that are written in the space that is provided for that reason? Like I said yesterday, when my cousin's story was run I didn't view the comments because I know the kinds of things that we as posters with opinions and no inside information or connections to the parties involved say on these blogs, so I chose not to subject myself to those things. There is nothing anyone can say or do to change someone else's opinion or to stop them from posting them. When my cousin's story was in the paper I didn't expect anyone to be less than open with their comments and post as normal which is why I never came on and told them that she (Kim) was my cousin.
I am not saying that people shouldn't let others know their relationship to the persons involved, just expect there to be more backlash because people don't like being told what they can and cannot say here.
September 9, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missing_Home (anonymous) says...
Lonely one,
Who was your cousin?
September 9, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
The young mother from St. Stephen who was killed last month while she was asleep in bed.
September 9, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missing_Home (anonymous) says...
That sucks, sorry for your loss.
September 9, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
Thanks, Missing_Home.
September 9, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
If people are interested in expanding their knowledge beyond their own opinions, they should read some of the material written by or about people who were in the prison system as inmates, for various lengths of time, but were innocent of the crime with which they were charged (& finally exonerated). Their perspective is eye opening.
September 9, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BigSargeofSC (anonymous) says...
I caught my step-son doing something that came very close to being illegal on the internet. As such, he is banned from ever using the internet in my house again, and his mother agreed. I told him that if gets caught doing what he was doing and got arrested, I'd wave at him as he gets hauled off to prison and yell at him,"I told you so!" I do not care if this criminal got killed in prison. One less that the tax-payer is responsible for feeding, clothing, and making sure they have cable TV. I managed to serve in the US Army for most of my life with ADD, so don't try to hand me that mess about how it makes you do evil things. Doing wrong is a choice and this criminal's choices put him in a position to be with very bad people. I'm fed up with all the excusses for criminal behavior. There is no excuss.
September 9, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
'Some people!' snorted a man standing some distance behind me in the long line at the grocery store.
'You would think the manager would pay attention and open another line, 'said a woman. I looked to the front of the line to see what the hold up was and saw a well dressed, young woman, trying to get the machine to accept her credit card. No matter how many times she swiped it, the machine kept rejecting it.
'It's one of them welfare card things. Damn people need to get a job like everyone else,' said the man standing behind me. The young woman turned around to see who had made the comment.
'It was me,' he said, pointing to himself.
The young lady's face began to change expression.
September 9, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
Almost in tears, she dropped the welfare card onto the counter and quickly walked out of the store. Everyone in the checkout line watched as she began running to her car. Never looking back, she got in and drove away.
Several minutes later a young man walked into the store. He went up to the cashier and asked if she had seen the woman. After describing her, the cashier told him that she had run out of the store, got into her car, and drove away.
'Why would she do that?' asked the man. Everyone in the line looked around at the fellow who had made the statement.
'I made a stupid comment about the welfare card she was using. Something I shouldn't have said I'm sorry,' said the man.
'Well, that's bad, real bad, in fact. Her brother was killed in Afghanistan two years ago. He had three young children and she has taken on that responsibility. She's twenty years old, single, and now has three children to support,' he said in a very firm voice.
'I'm really truly sorry. I didn't know,' he replied, shaking both his hands about.
The young man asked, 'Are these paid for?' pointing to the shopping cart full of groceries.
'It wouldn't take her card,' the clerk told him.
'Do you know where she lives?' asked the man who had made the comment.
'Yes, she goes to our church.'
September 9, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
'Excuse me,' he said as he made his way to the front of the line. He pulled out his wallet, took out his credit card and told the cashier, 'Please use my card. PLEASE!' The clerk took his credit card and began to ring up the young woman's groceries.
'Hold on,' said the gentleman. He walked back to his shopping cart and began loading his own groceries onto the belt to be included. 'Come on people. We got three kids to help raise!' he told everyone in line.
Everyone began to place their groceries onto the fast moving belt. A few customers began bagging the food and placing it into separate carts. 'Go back and get two big turkeys,' yelled a heavyset woman, as she looked at the man. 'NO,' yelled the man.
Everyone stopped dead in their tracks. The entire store became quiet for several seconds. 'Four turkeys,' yelled the man. Everyone began laughing and went back to work.
When all was said and done, the man paid a total of $1,646.57 for the groceries. He then walked over to the side, pulled out his check book, and began writing a check using the bags of dog food piled near the front of the store for a writing surface. He turned around and handed the check to the young man.
'She will need a freezer and a few other things as well,' he told the man.
The young man looked at the check and said, 'This is really very generous of you.'
'No,' said the man. 'Her brother was the generous one.'
Everyone in the store had been observing the odd commotion and began to clap. And I drove home that day feeling very American.
We live in the Land of the free, because of the Brave!!! Remember our Troops of Yesterday and Today!!!
A great example of why we should be kind and patient.
Kindness is the language the blind can see and the deaf can hear.
Never judge someone...until you have walked a mile in their shoes
September 9, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ysillyme (anonymous) says...
After reading comments from Mr. Beli's Mom and others I am starting to see things in a different light. I asked earlier why a guys posts were removed. He, I guess its a he, made some very valid points. I am bewilderded why this 19 yr old child/man was butchered in our state sponsored system. Is raregar a relative of James Beli? Has his Mom assured any monies would go to the victims? Why all the hate and horrible posts? If Mr. Belis Mom is trying to change the system isn't that a good thing?
September 9, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
I wanted to post this to share with everyone. Have a good day! It's a nice humane story to share.
September 9, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
usna04 (anonymous) says...
our prison systems really need to get their act together.
September 9, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newto843 (anonymous) says...
My condolences dianed43 and best wishes in the fight to come, I believe your cause is just. There are no excuses for crime but unless someone is sentenced to death they do not deserve to die while doing their time.
September 9, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ysillyme (anonymous) says...
Newt~
That's a nice post. I also believe her cause is just. I am a parent and I'd never sleep sound again replaying what her son's last few hours on this earth surely must have been like. God bless dianed43.
September 9, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whatelseisthere (anonymous) says...
No, he didn't "deserve" to die. I'm not sure anyone does except maybe the inmates who have been convicted of murder and then commit murder while in jail. Why is Ferrell allowed to live? What's to stop him from killing again? He has nothing to lose but his life. Is execution the answer for these type of people? It's the age old question....do you kill the killers and what does that say for society? I don't think bigger prisons are the answer. If killers/rapists and violent offenders can't be "reformed", then just what the heck are we doing with them and why?
September 9, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeff61 (anonymous) says...
Girly,,, that was a very beautiful story. I hope it was true... and I see your point...
Ok,,, now I read and followed this all day,, from what his mother posted if this young man had all these "mental" problems he should have been in a controlled environment such as an institution or adult assisted living facility. He did not appear to be stable enough to be in open society with what was known about this kid. I think all will agree this was not a first time offense for this kid and again based on what was posted his troubles were identified years ago. But I must ask, did he truly have "mental" issues or was the mental issues a result of drug use? I do not think this young should have died in prison for his crimes. I do think the prisons have a certain obligation to ensure the safety of inmates. How can they do that,,, I do not know. I will be the first to say prison should not be cable TV and all that. I have no respect for people that commit crimes as a way of life. I have no tolerance for the rapists and murders but I do not think it is a place where people who are sent to prisons for things other then that should be brutalized and extorted on a daily bases. With all that said, if the purpose of this lawsuit is to bring attention to this and force some changes for the good then maybe it is warranted. If it is to collect money from his death, which I am sure the lawyer, will, then I could not endorse it.
September 9, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
Thank you jeff61 for your (10:11 AM) comment:
"If you were to read her post on that subject you would understand why. The case she makes statements about screams for justice far more than this case."
No one is interested in attacking you forget (10:15 AM):
"Not looking to get attacked by someone that thinks $100 a week is too much to support a child."
The picture is far different than what you portray forget. An unmarried disabled man had been illegally forced for years by a corrupt family court to pay extortion for the support for another man's bastard.
It wasn't a $100. per week-IT WAS OVER $1,300.00 PER MONTH.
AND NOT ONE CENT OF THAT MONEY WAS OWED OR LEGALLY ORDERED.
September 9, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeff61 (anonymous) says...
I will say this....I do think murders, rapists, child molesters and other violent criminals should be housed in separate prisons...
September 9, 2008 at 6:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
usna04 (anonymous) says...
I agree Jeff. And I think they should all be share the same cell.
September 9, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
usna04 (anonymous) says...
ugh. sharing*
September 9, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WestAshleyMomma (anonymous) says...
Our state should follow the lead of the Prison Director out in Arizona, I think it is. Make them live in tents, wear pink boxers, pink socks and pink shower shoes. No TV, no books and no eminities. The prisoners have to pay for their food, so they ahve to work for it. They get bologna sandwiches for dinner. The prison official tells them that our solders live tike this, AND they did NOTHING wrong. From what I hear, there are NOT very repeat offenders at that prison!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Make it an unpleasant place, and they will NOT want to come back!
September 9, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
abitskeptical, have you read John Grisham's nonfiction book, "An Innocent Man"? A very interesting read.
September 9, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mythoughts2 (anonymous) says...
you are not sent to a max security for following the law. He was sent there for a reason. There is more to this than the family or papers are letting us know. If he had followed the rules in prison he would still be here and by not following the rules he put staff a risk. The same staff that work there and pay taxes to feed and house the inmates. There has to be more. Did he get drugs from another inmate and then couldn't pay? Should his family get money? Well i guess that will be up to the juriors and a judge and hopefully not because he put himself there when he a a choice number 1 not to comment a crime, and number 2 not to escape.
September 9, 2008 at 8:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeff61 (anonymous) says...
Intesting Mythoughts.....Base on your post I can see that this could have happened outside of prison as well as in.. not saying I advocate that he was killed in prison but I do see the point your making....
September 9, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dianed43 (anonymous) says...
mythoughts... there really is no more to the story. an escape charge was on his paperwork that he was not convicted of and it landed him in max. he did not do drugs in prison....as a matter of fact drug tests showed he was clean. at the time of his death he was clean which is why his organs were able to be donated. guards have come forward and said that he was an " ideal inmate ". guards came forward and said he should have never been placed there. there is so much more to the " whole story " that if you truly knew the facts you might feel differently.
September 9, 2008 at 9:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dianed43 (anonymous) says...
chrispia.....thanks!
September 9, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
RTC-yes I've read that book. It actually is one of the pieces I had in mind when I made the previous post.
The story from the perspective of an inmate who, in truth is innocent of the crime for which he has been convicted & sentenced, has a credibility like no other.
September 9, 2008 at 10:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeff61 (anonymous) says...
Ok. With all do respect to some of my fellow posters who I do hold in high regard,, I have given this issue much thought. I will take this position and stand by it,,, for what is worth I think dianed has come fore, regardless of here association to this and has presented the facts to this issue...I will say based on some of the facts posted, I wonder if he should not have been place else where some time ago with the problems he was having...I will say that crime and punishment and housing of such should take place at certain levels...For those who think I am being soft...contact me and I can give you a story or two that will prove other wise, Chargirl can attest to this....I will not excuses murders, rapists, child molesters or drug dealers...I think a separate prisons are needed for that bunch....I will take a position, and wow.never thought this would come from me. But people sent to jail for crimes that did not inflict bodily injury to another, well I think they should do their time,, not with the comforts of cable TV.. but they should not be subjected to being brutalized, extorted, or ganged raped on a daily basis...Yes some that were mentioned above... Maybe??? Yes Absolutely goddam right ??? Should his family thank their lucky stars that someone did not take him out before going to prison..Yes..Do I blame sociality for this kids problems? NO. Do I think based on the info available that he should have been placed somewhere before things escalated to the point they did, Maybe,,if we believe that people such as him are our problem...Does the prison system bear a responsibility to ensure the reasonable safely of "certain" inmates. I would say yes.. Does the family deserve a monetary settlement for their failure to do so...my personal instincts tell me no,, but should the lawsuit be used to correct deficiencies. Yes I can respect that
September 9, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
For all who are fed up w/ crime, (& I am too) does that include the crime that occurs w/in the prison & justice systems in this country?
I am as disgusted by crimes committed against another person as anyone here.
But you know what really disgusts me?
People in positions of authority w/in various areas of the system of justice or law enforcement-from judges & prosecutors to prison guards to the cop on the street-who use that position, authority & power to commit all matters of crimes ranging from fraud to deprivation of due process & all sorts of things in between, while they supposedly are defending & protecting truth, justice, & the law of the land.
IMO, they are doubly wrong & doubly criminal, for unlike the rest of us, they have sworn an oath to uphold the law & the Constitution. Yet, they rarely are held accountable.
Those who are doing corrupt, criminal &/or dishonorable things should make the men & women in these various fields who do their job w/ honor & integrity very angry & disgusted as well.
Why is it that whenever some part of this system gets criticism some folks always say "Well, you try doing this"? But remember:
No excuses--isn't that what most of these same people say when referencing crime?
I have no doubt that most jobs w/in the areas of law enforcement, DOJ & prison systems are trying & demanding. Why would anyone think it would not be? Especially if the job is done w/ honor & integrity. But when anything less is accepted it lowers the standard for all who work in that area & related areas.
When standards within a system of justice are lowered & corrupted-& this sub-standard or corrupt way of doing things is accepted as par for the course, a nation cannot call itself good.
September 9, 2008 at 11:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
One4justice (anonymous) says...
Everyone has their say...Most are based on watching to much reality TV, SVU, or CSI. Everyone knows the law, everyone knows what should happen to those that break the law. Well, be for real, let he who has not sinned cast the first stone. We need to remember when we were 18 years old, sometimes the line was hard to draw, good upbringing or not. First, to COLDBEER, your name says it all, you immature, ignorant, judgemental fool. As an active NRA member, it's comments by people like you that keep the struggle for law abiding citizen's at an all time high. One day you will look back and wish you would have kept your comments to yourself. To Perspective, he was 18 years old with his head up his a** like most of us, get real about an estate...dumbA**... To lovely_one, are you one of the Victims? If so, don't be a coward,contact his family, if you were in the court room the day that James plead guilty, you would have heard his family state that retribution would be paid...and by the way, most of the items were returned when no longer needed for evidence. Also, in the sorry state of South Carolina, Aggrevated Burglary is considered Aggrevated if a home is broken into while it is dark....no weapons needed. Finally, BigSargeofSC, you sound like an ex-CO, as an Ex-CO, I figure you were one of those that felt he had Power because of the little badge and the group of folks in your unit...keep your trap shut, you never know when someone may hunt around your past and find some things that aren't so honorable and patriotic. P.S. Corruption in the Dept. of Correction is what the real issue is. Sorry CO's using their positions to make money from those doing their time. Just ask Major Fettles, works at Sam's in N.Charleston, Warden Blurtt, or the worse one of all, Manyquilts? You know who you are. Sorry for person that he is....
September 9, 2008 at 11:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
One4Justice,
If I was a victim, trust me the family would have been contacted when I first heard about the lawsuit. There is nothing cowardice about this lovely one! And you should already know that I was not in the courtroom that day because if I was I would not have posed the question as to whether or not the victims would be compensated and I would have know that many of the items have been returned. Thank you for the answer to my question, though.
September 9, 2008 at 11:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
One4justice (anonymous) says...
You must excuse me, I meant to say, "restitution" not retribution.
September 10, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
One4justice (anonymous) says...
If you were in the courtroom, you would have known that the solicitor's office had 50-100 of James' classmates there. You tell me how someone can recieve fair sentencing when it was apparent that "Judge" felt he had to make an example. When we make mistakes, we're taught to accept the consequences. James did that, he admitted he had made mistakes, stood there like a young man, and accepted his fate of jail time. I understand that the victims here lost some personal items and had to live through someone going through their personal stuff, but for anyone to say that breaking in someone's home deserves the death penalty is totally ignorant. There are men and women who have taken multiple lives and are still alive to speak to family and friends. Look at Ferrell, he was involved in at least the two murders he was found guilty of, and gets to play cards, watch TV, and is fed three times a day on tax payer dollars. James was no way deserving of what happened.
September 10, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cpienciak (anonymous) says...
GOD BLESS MY SISTER AND GIVE HER STRENGTH AS SHE STANDS STRONG AND WANTS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE SO NO OTHER FAMILY HAS TO GO THROUGH WHAT WE ARE GOING THROUGH. NONE OF YOU WERE AT THE MURDER TRIAL AND DO NOT KNOW WHAT JAMES WENT THROUGH IN HIS FINAL HOURS BEFORE HIS DEATH. IT WOULD MAKE YOU VOMIT!!!!! BOTTOM LINE THE SYSTEM FAILED HIM AND IF IT WAS ONE OF YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS YOU WOULD BE DOING EXACTLY WHAT MY SISTER IS DOING. JUSTICE FOR JAMES!!!!!!
September 10, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
One4Justice-people who indicate that they either are glad he died or that he deserved what he got, are far worse off than being merely ignorant (&,in fact, many of them are not ignorant in the way most of us define ignorant).
I believe they have a major defect of the soul & spirit.
September 10, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChrisPia (anonymous) says...
cpienciak..... Keep The Faith and stand strong behind your sister.....
To All The people that Bash this Lady .... I say "It can happen to any one of You". We Bring our Children up and teach them right from wrong as well as values. We Can Not be with them 24 hours a day when they get older.. We Hope and Pray that they make the right decisions in life...When they fail We are disappointed. But We still love them with our whole hearts. This Mother is Grieving for her son and trying to prevent this from happening to another family.
There were Many ,Many Problems with the jail system that could be corrected that were ignored....By Filing this lawsuit it will hopefully bring about change..
I have many questions I would like to ask Diane But would not out of respect for a grieving Mother.Y'ALL should be ashamed for what you are doing to this lady. No matter what you think of Her Son or Criminals have a Heart and Remember The system needs Changing.
September 10, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cpienciak (anonymous) says...
ChrisPia-Thank You on behalf of James Bellis' Family. When it all comes out I'm sure my sister will be answering questions because her goal and the rest of our families is that James' death will not be in vain. No dollar amount can bring back OUR LOVING JAMES.
September 10, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
katrenavantassle (anonymous) says...
I have kept quiet until now...after re-reading all this crap posted on here...mostly by all of you who evidentally raised perfect children who never committed any sins and whom sit in the choir every Sunday!!
I know that Diane is having to go through what no mother should ever have to deal with. She did try to get help for James from the beginning. Everyone in the family knows that. You who don't are ignorant. The loss of a child is uncomprehendable to me. Especially at the hands of another.
Unlike most of you on here...I am here to tell you that I WAS ALSO AT THE HOSPITAL DURING HIS LAST MOMENTS ON EARTH AND I SAW DIANE'S PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ANGUISH...that as a mother also, I pray I never have to go thru it. I saw James' fiance so torn up that she was sick and couldn't stand up most of the time. I saw some of his friends crying and totally at a loss. NoOne expected this to happen. He admitted to his crimes and was paying the price. Cpienciak was correct in the facts above.I pray for God to give Diane strength knowing that James is at peace and safe now in the arms of GOD, who is the true ONE AND ONLY JUDGE. "Justice for James".
September 10, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dianed43 (anonymous) says...
chrispia....would love to talk to share the facts. you know who our mutual contact is...GM.....he has my #.
September 10, 2008 at 6:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChrisPia (anonymous) says...
Diane, I Don't want to burden You with my questions about the system in your time of Grief. That is what I was trying to get across to the posters. To respect your privacy so you can grieve. As I have said in the past on this board If you need any help just ask. I will keep you and Your Family in My Thoughts and Prayers.Remember to take care of yourself & eat ,drink lots of water and Keep your head up high in the tough times ahead.And don't be afraid to lean on your family and friends when you need it...
Some day in the future we will meet and Talk.
September 10, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chasn87 (anonymous) says...
James and Justin Yarborough broke into my home. He also broke into a neighbor's home.
I'm sorry for the family's loss. I was shocked when I read the reports of James' murder. It is very sad that this happened and I pray for the family.
I do have some issues with what I've read. Let me tell you what happened.
I was called by my wife and told that the house had been broken into. My mother in law and daugther entered the house after school. They found the house vandalized. Things thrown around everywhere. Two doors completely broken down.
These two men violently entered the house and went through everything. They stole money, jewlery, cameras, etc. And, o yeah, GUNS. Thousand of dollars lost.
A couple of days later we received a call from Charleston City Police. They pulled a car over. James and Justin in the backseat. My college ring on one of their hands. They said they didn't know how they had come across the ring. The two girls in the front of the car were arrested for drug possession. Some of the stolen stuff was in their car. James and Justin were let go. The box containing one handgun was empty, marijuana pieces were inside. The car was pulled over because a handgun had been fired earlier in the night. The car looked suspect, and they were pulled when the police saw a handgun fly out of the window and into the Ashley River.
We received some of the things back, found in Pawn Shops up and down Dorchester Road. James was arrested later at his girlfriend's house. Some additional items were returned.
The police were happy he was caught. Turns out that this was his third time. They wanted him charged with 1st degree burglary. The charges were reduced after the solicitor spoke with us. You see, when you are on probation, and you steal guns and rifles, you are guilty of a violent crime. This would have put James in jail for a long time. The solicitor's office was backed up and looking to plea bargin.
Not everyting was returned. James never returned any of the handguns. The rifle found in a Pawn Shop. Other personal items never returned - things my wife held after her father's death. We now live with an alarm on the house. Probably never will be comfortable in my own house again.
I was sick the day before the break-in. Almost stayed home that day. Wonder how things would have ended if I had been home? Police believe it happened around 11 am. Would I have been put in the position of having to defend myself?
I wonder what would have happened if my wife and daughter had come home when James was in the house. Would James have found a way to use the handguns?
I'm so sorry that he was murdered, but he was not a young, innocent child. The picture in the paper is deceiving. Nothing like the one posted by the state while inprisoned.
I do not fault the state or his parents for what happened. He was a misguided man who did some bad things. The sooner that this whole thing is dropped, the sooner that the family can heal.
September 12, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
One4justice (anonymous) says...
Robert,
That was very kind of you to write and express your sympathy for the family. You should know, it was Harrison B. and Don S. at the Solicitor's office that stated it was you that wanted to show no compassion for James, even when he stood before the judge, his parents, and 50 or so of his classmates from Summerville and admitted his mistakes and was accountable for what he did. If we are going to set the record straight, let's at least start with honesty. I'm sure you would like for this all to go away, I wouldn't want to carry that burden. Are you saying that James and Justin entered your home with guns? I didn't recall reading that. I beleive it was your guns that he was charged with obtaining. I hope your daughter is old enough to know not to play with guns. Personally, I keep my guns locked in a gun safe, so even an intruder couldn't access them. I bet if you put together a list of items you didn't get back, you still could recieve restitution.
September 14, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
One4justice (anonymous) says...
After reading your post again Robert S., I realized that you said the Solicitor was looking for a plea bargain,let's look at the facts, he was charged with 1st degree burglary, they plead to 2 counts of Aggrevated Burglary. You said that your home was broken into around 11 am, that's not consistant with the police reports. Did you get back your band of Gold? I assume that ring had value that could not be replaced. I would call this opening a can of worms, why would you write your comments making a dead person look even worse. He was doing his time. I'm sure his family finds no solice in your comments. I'm sure alot of homes off kenilworth have alarms, why would you say that in your comments?
September 14, 2008 at 7:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
One4justice (anonymous) says...
I'm sure Justin's attorney will be happy to see that you used his full name in your posting. They probably will argue any jury member that reads on the internet will be tainted. I don't believe he was found guilty yet. If he isn't, then I would guess they'll be looking at you for slander.
September 15, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cpienciak (anonymous) says...
One4justice: Great comments!!! Why was Justin never charged? James Belli Jr. wasn't the only kid involved?
Chasn87: Thanks for bringing Justins' name out and maybe you should look into the facts that One4justice wrote. Whole thing smells dirty to me.
September 15, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dianed43 (anonymous) says...
i have a few things to add being james' mom. 1st of all justin was just recently picked up and will face charges. justin has turned his life around in the past 2 years and james' death has caused some of his friends to do a 180 and straighten their butts out. sometimes kids have their heads up their a**es and do stupid things. for all of you who say you never did anything wrong when you were in your teens....be honest. again, some mistakes are worse then others. another thing that i would like to set straight is that james was 17 when he committed the crimes. still a minor....not 18. to the victims.....he was truly sorry and remorseful, he cried about it everytime i visited him. he said to me " mom what was i thinking " what did i do to those people "? he never said he did not deserve to be there.... again, he wanted to serve his time and get out. he had plans to move to tenn with his fiance and build a relationship with his dad that he never really had and work for him. chasn87...one thing that i know you have completely wrong is that james was arrested at his girlfriends. james was arrested at his home when we turned him in. it was the most difficult thing that a parent had to do but we did it because we knew that we had to and that he needed help. as far as restitution, whether you believe it or not james was raised by me and his stepfather in a home that had morales. this was all new to me too. never did crime touch my life until this. i was distraught and devistated when i found out all that was going on. people say i make excuses for him, no i state the facts. he was a troubled child that faced troubles and mental issues since the age of 5. that is not an excuse but a fact. james was told what his restitution was at that day of his sentencing....he planned on paying it back, as his mother so do i. now can we all let my baby rest in peace. enough is enough!!!
September 15, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
One4justice (anonymous) says...
To Daine,
It is time to put this to bed. Your post was well said. To Col, I'm sure you knew who One4Justice was. To anyone with input, I'm listed in Tennessee, call me direct. This will be the last post I make, it's time for me and my family to put this petty rhetoric behind us. Until the next article. Di, you know that you and your family will always be in our prayers. I wish I could change what happened, but God is never late, nor is He ever early. James is with Him now, we know where James' heart was the day he passed. You were a good mother to James and spent your life always giving of yourself to make his life better.
I will always appreciate that. Take Care,
Jim Belli, Sr.
September 15, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jimmy_js (anonymous) says...
This has been an intersting thread. Some of the things posted are not very nice.
I thought this whole thing was about a family looking to hold the prison system accountable for what happened to their child. Now, a person claiming to be the victim of the initial crimes comes forward.
It seems that one4justice blames the victim for the sentence that the son received. one4justice also accuses the vicitm of storing handguns in an irrespsonsible way.
Then one4justice tries to id the victim by posting a name and a street address.
I live in that neighborhood. I hope that the victim's privacy is not compromised.
September 16, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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