I know some people will veiw the victim as being cold - but I applaud this woman for not backing down. I only hope that she will get some counseling and be able to put this
somewhat behind here.
Some of Thomas� family and friends blamed the youngster�s actions on drug abuse that they said began when Thomas was just 12 years old. They said Thomas needed help, but the judge was not moved by pleas for leniency.
�Where was this support when this was going on?� Richardson asked about the alleged drug use. �Why couldn�t it have been stopped when he was 12 years old?�
I so agree with the judge on this! If the family and the boy had taken responsibility when he was younger, this entire tragedy could have been avoided.