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What should happen to a 13-year old boy shooting his neighbors horses?
In Elko, MN, a 13-year old boy shot two of his neighbors horses in the face. Although they are expected to survive, what types of punishment are appropriate for this crime committed by a youngster? Does it help in his defense that the parents mentioned he was autistic? Or is this an excuse for his behavior? Should the parents be held responsible, since the boy obviously had to get the weapons used for firing at the horses from somewhere?
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November 12, 2009 08:11 PM
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After such an event, what happens next should be divided into 3 distinct parts.
FIRST
The parents should assume responsibility for the veterinary costs associated with treating the wounded animals, as well as pay for the value of any of the horses if they were to perish or have to be put to sleep. If they refused, I would initiate a civil action against them.
SECOND
The child should receive a suitable disciplinary punishment from the parents. Of course, this would be a decision that they alone could make as to what is appropriate taking into account the autism, but to have no punishment at all would seem inappropriate as well.
THIRD
If there is clear evidence that negligence on the part of the parents allowed this worrisome event to take place, then the appropriate authorities should get involved to ensure that the child and the community are not placed in similar danger in the future.
FIRST
The parents should assume responsibility for the veterinary costs associated with treating the wounded animals, as well as pay for the value of any of the horses if they were to perish or have to be put to sleep. If they refused, I would initiate a civil action against them.
SECOND
The child should receive a suitable disciplinary punishment from the parents. Of course, this would be a decision that they alone could make as to what is appropriate taking into account the autism, but to have no punishment at all would seem inappropriate as well.
THIRD
If there is clear evidence that negligence on the part of the parents allowed this worrisome event to take place, then the appropriate authorities should get involved to ensure that the child and the community are not placed in similar danger in the future.
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November 12, 2009 03:36 PM
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Well, I'd have him work off the vet bill or price of the horses in case of their death. Anyone who has horses can say it is not easy to care for them nor is medical care cheap. Could take the boy months to work that off on a farm/in the stable. I'd also want to see him undergo counseling.. harming animals is often the first step in harming humans.
I don't think austism is an excuse for such behavior, nor does it makes any sense to say the kid "loves animals" but shot them because he's autistic? Sounds like cheap shot at an excuse for bad behavior.
The parents are responsible for punishing the boy and that alone. I was allowed to use guns at that age, and I didn't go shooting horses. Unless they told the boy to shoot the horse.. they aren't to blame.
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I don't think austism is an excuse for such behavior, nor does it makes any sense to say the kid "loves animals" but shot them because he's autistic? Sounds like cheap shot at an excuse for bad behavior.
The parents are responsible for punishing the boy and that alone. I was allowed to use guns at that age, and I didn't go shooting horses. Unless they told the boy to shoot the horse.. they aren't to blame.
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November 13, 2009 08:29 PM
Unless that boy can be emancipated at age 13 his parents are responsible for his behavior until he turns 18. No matter what that behavior is. They aren't to blame that he did the deed, but they are going to be monetarily held accountable according to societal standards, and possibly held criminally negligent if it's discovered that they allowed him access to the gun without adult supervision. Many people when they have children, do not realize they are going to be responsible for that child's actions up to the time they turn 18. If that were the case, many, I believe would choose to remain child free.
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November 12, 2009 04:23 PM
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After I read your question... I started to worry.
I have been reading some criminal psychology books, and one issue has been coming up recently regarding crime with certain types of autism.
Aspeger's is one form of autism that they are discovering in some serial killers.
http://www.autismwebsite.com/crimetimes/05c/w05cp13.htm
Young boys that hurt and torture animals can end up doing similar things to humans later on.
I would put this kid on a watch list.
There have been cases of serial killers that didn't grow up in a battered or abused home. Jeffery Dahmer is one of those kids and he turned out to have all of the symptoms of Asperger's.
With the outrageous rise in autism, along with parents who can't be there to raise their children, I can only see a sharp rise in violent crimes for future generations.
Sorry to sound so pessimistic, but the numbers do not lie.
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I have been reading some criminal psychology books, and one issue has been coming up recently regarding crime with certain types of autism.
Aspeger's is one form of autism that they are discovering in some serial killers.
http://www.autismwebsite.com/crimetimes/05c/w05cp13.htm
Young boys that hurt and torture animals can end up doing similar things to humans later on.
I would put this kid on a watch list.
There have been cases of serial killers that didn't grow up in a battered or abused home. Jeffery Dahmer is one of those kids and he turned out to have all of the symptoms of Asperger's.
With the outrageous rise in autism, along with parents who can't be there to raise their children, I can only see a sharp rise in violent crimes for future generations.
Sorry to sound so pessimistic, but the numbers do not lie.
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November 13, 2009 08:22 PM
I have lived first hand with someone who has Asperger's. I agree it's possible that someone with this disorder can be a serial killer. The focus they have is incredible. They can block out a burning house even if they are sitting in the middle of the fiery room. I think teaching and loving them and showing them what kinds of behavior is acceptable in society is a MUST for these children. The bad thing is, they aren't often diagnosed, and alot of peopler don't have the time to shower mega doses of love onto children who tend to spend alot of time with themselves and don't seem to need others as much. The reality is they need more love than others because they tend to play inwardly with their own thoughts. :D
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November 14, 2009 09:24 AM
My husband has Asperger's, as does his father and grandfather, it is not a form of autism I am unfamiliar with and I can honestly say even if the boy has this form of autism it is NO excuse for shooting a horse in the face, let alone becoming a serial killer.
I hate that anytime a common theme can be seen in crime people start using it as an excuse. That's like saying, "Well, this many people who kill people had blue eyes. OMG blue eyes make you more prone to kill people!!!" Silly, Aspeger's is commonly not even noticed by parents or family. It isn't a rare, and is possibly just as common as people having blue eyes.
(http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/mental-health-aspergers-syndrome)
Nothing against you of course your answer is excellent, just the whole Aspeger's serial killer association thing.. Ick. I'll be stepping on that one anytime I see it.
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I hate that anytime a common theme can be seen in crime people start using it as an excuse. That's like saying, "Well, this many people who kill people had blue eyes. OMG blue eyes make you more prone to kill people!!!" Silly, Aspeger's is commonly not even noticed by parents or family. It isn't a rare, and is possibly just as common as people having blue eyes.
(http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/mental-health-aspergers-syndrome)
Nothing against you of course your answer is excellent, just the whole Aspeger's serial killer association thing.. Ick. I'll be stepping on that one anytime I see it.
November 14, 2009 09:27 AM
Sorry about the typos and errors.. stupid conundrum land won't let me edit. Teach me to wait to read over until I've hit submit.
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November 12, 2009 07:57 PM
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I think a court of law should decide the punishment. But my personal opinion is that too few people are having to face up to the consequences of their own actions these days. If a parent has a child that is known to have medical, mental disorders then those parents should be responsible for providing supervision and care for that child. If a child is found to know right from wrong then that child is responsible for his/her own actions and should be held accountable for the damages inflicted upon animals, humans or physical property. As long as someone continues to bail out others for their improper actions they are creating a world where NO ONE will have to be held accountable for anything. We will simply be making excuses for murders, rapists, thiefs, vandalists, etc.
I say evaluate the child, then let the judicial system do it's job.
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I say evaluate the child, then let the judicial system do it's job.
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November 13, 2009 07:38 AM
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Oh god this boy is an upcoming criminal . Their parents need to take this very very seriously
And need to take him to psychatrist.
Since he would be a threat to others an himself use of some safe Mind control techiniques will certainly be useful.
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And need to take him to psychatrist.
Since he would be a threat to others an himself use of some safe Mind control techiniques will certainly be useful.
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November 15, 2009 02:49 PM
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The child should be sent to a wilderness boot camp with an equine therapy program. The child should have to work with horses, cleaning them, grooming them, caring for them in a supervised environment. This will give the child the opportunity to make friends with an animal like the one he tried to kill, hopefully showing him how horses and other animals are God's creatures just like we are and are subject to feelings and emotions just like we are. Not sure how long it would take, but eventually the child will be enlightened and able to see the error of his or her ways.
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November 15, 2009 03:52 PM
Yes thats a great answer very sensitive indeed
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