I'm not entirely certain, but this seems right. I guess.
Lionel Tate (search), the teen who killed a 6-year-old playmate and became the youngest defendant in the nation to be locked away for life, was released Monday after three years behind bars. ...Despite the apparent evil of his act, he's a child and I suppose logic dictates he be treated leniently. Nevertheless, his smiling photo and this quote from his lawyer are disconcerting.Supporters have rallied from the Vatican to the United Nations to free Tate since he was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of 6-year-old playmate Tiffany Eunick (search) three years ago. Tate was 12 when he punched, kicked and stomped the 48-pound girl to death in 1999.
Tate had claimed he accidentally killed the girl while imitating professional wrestling moves he had seen on television. ...
After Tate's conviction was thrown out, prosecutors renewed their offer of a three-year sentence in exchange for a guilty plea to second-degree murder -- the same offer Tate's mother had turned down before the trial. ...
He has agreed to one year of house arrest, 10 years' probation, counseling and 1,000 hours of community service.
"For now, Lionel wants to go home, he wants to feel his pillow, he wants to sleep in his own bed and his mom cook to make him his favorite meal tonight," said his attorney Richard Rosenbaum.I have no doubt Tiffany Eunick would prefer similar comforts, to being dead.
Hi Michael
Long time reader, first time responder.
I was watching the TV coverage of this and saw three of four guys who looked like Nation of Islam types all wearing red bow ties. I wonder if this guys mom is part of, or sympathetic to the Nation of Islam. I was just curious if you saw this too?
I didn't see anything on TV about it, no. The Nation of Islam is a hateful, racist group akin to the KKK, but that shouldn't affect my feelings on whether or not this kid should have gotten out of jail.
Thanks for reading and commenting :)