A 15-year-old boy from Texas was charged with reckless-manslaughter by Larimer County prosecutors this week for the June accidental death of Audra Brownell, 17, Michigan.
The two teens were part of different tour groups visiting the cliff area of Estes Park when the teen boy climbed ahead of Brownell dislodging a 30-pound rock that struck and killed Brownell. The Larimer County coroner's office ruled the death an accident.
According to the Denver post and the local FOX news affiliate, Larry Abramson, the Larimer County District Attorney, said the boy was, "A good kid," and believed the tragedy was not intentional, but hoped they could reach a plea agreement.
That a tragedy occurred is unquestionable, anytime a promising young life is lost it is tragic. That Abrahamson is charging a child with a Class 4 felony for a loss of life ruled ''unintentional'' and ''accidental'' is outrageous.
Prosecutors are suppose to pursue justice, not terrorize a vulnerable out of state boy into taking a plea agreement for the purpose of padding a conviction record and supporting a bid for re-election. Accidents like this happen often in the climbing community in Colorado and they are never prosecuted. Why is Abrahamson choosing to target this child?
If convicted of a crime, the boy faces up to two years in a juvenile prison and a lifetime of hurdles to overcome. According to a recent Pew Center report, felons earn 40% less than those without a criminal record, have a harder time finding work, and are more likely to drop out of school.
Two lives are going to be lost over a terrible accident during a day of fun at a Colorado park. One loss is sad, unintentional, and permanent - the other is deliberate and motivated by personal gain. Which is the real crime?
1 comment:
and yet he will not prosicute Azura Lakin for Murdering Shaun Cassidy over a broken cell phone....
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