Atilano's Friends: 'He Couldn't Have Done This Alone'
Miguel, a friend of 16-year-old murder suspect Skylor Atilano, came to Atilano's defense outside court today. Friends and classmat...
http://www.menifee247.com/2013/07/atilanos-friends-he-couldnt-have-done-this-alone.html
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| Miguel, a friend of 16-year-old murder suspect Skylor Atilano, came to Atilano's defense outside court today. |
"He's an amazing person," said Kira, a 16-year-old friend of Skylor Atilano outside the courtroom today after Atilano remained in custody pending a Sept. 17 detention hearing. "I've known him since middle school. I don't think he could do this alone."
Kira and other friends, whose last names are being withheld at the request of family members, said they believed that if Atilano was involved at all in the murder of 11-year-old Terry Smith Jr., others had something to do with it. Kira was asked by reporters whether she believed other family members were involved in the murder of Terry, who was found buried in a shallow grave on the family's property.
"It's not my place to say, but I know Skylor didn't do this alone," she said.
Miguel, 15, also attended the hearing to show his support for Atilano.
"There's no way," he said. "It takes a certain kind of person to hide a body for four days and to lie to law enforcement for so long. That's not Skylor.
"I would like to ask people to look past whatever judgment they are making. I can't with a clear conscience make myself believe he would do this, or even consider doing this. Let's trust law enforcement that at some point, the story will come out."
The judge made reference during the brief court appearance that Atilano was on probation for "violent outbursts." John Hall, spokesman for the Riverside County district attorney's office, said he couldn't comment on any previous action against Atilano.
Miguel's comments impressed me. I've read far too many comments from adults that have showed disappointing rationale compared to his.
ReplyDeleteI agree with these kids. I always have, right from the beginning and I knew the boy wasn't missing immediately. It was not rocket science. I hope that the entire story comes out and that this child doesn't also lose his life to protect anyone elses.
ReplyDeleteI know him and I think he had something to do with it but I've changed my mind that it was just him. I held a grudge that I shouldn't of against him but he's an ok guys who's not capable of doing that alone.
ReplyDeleteMake a choice........make public comments or protect your name.......the irrational comments begin there
ReplyDelete"He's an amazing person," said Kira. "I've known him since middle school. I don't think he could do this alone."
ReplyDeleteSkylor Atilano just got out of 10th grade. Two years ago, he was in middle school. I'm sorry, but knowing a teenage boy for two years does not qualify somebody to speak to their character as though they've known each other a lifetime. I admire these teens for standing up for what is important, but they certainly do not have the facts that led to the arrest of Atilano. The police are not trying to convict an innocent child. There is good reason they have him in custody. For the sake of our community and for the sake of justice for Terry, let's allow this process play itself out in an objective nature rather than a subjective one.
In the world of a 16 year old, a 2-3 year relationship constitutes a lifetime. Their development and changes to their personalities happen so quickly at that age that they really do know more about each other than you would think.
DeleteI think it's healthy for these kids to have the opportunity to stand up for their friend. The justice system will work its way through but his friends need to be able to speak out too.
I think that there were so many rumors and speculation going on that no one can be certain what happened who did it or if they had help. That is what a court is for. I hope this young man is not judged in the media as so many are.
ReplyDeleteIt's real funny, people always say, that person could not have done it, in the end though, as it turns out, you really don't know people, and you don't know what they are capable of, at this point nothing shocks, or surprises me anynore, so get your heads out of the sand and wake up to reality
ReplyDeleteConsider if there was an accident around a group of kids and the kids panicked to conceal what happened. The story will reveal...
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for Skylor just as much (if he did in fact commit the crime) because of the fact that he was hurting enough to do something like this. What would drive a 16-year old to murder? That is my concern.
ReplyDeleteDidnt these "friends" read or know their friend. It was reported that Skylor was having a very difficult time at home and that he wanted to get away from it. Posts from his Facebook clearly show his train of thought and perhaps pain and show his confusion and troubled mind. Those posts were his words and were difficult to even read thinking this young man was in turmoil from an apparent breakup and his home life. Why do these reporters just all quote the same crap and not dig into his life maybe it would lead to the boy getting help (God knows we will pay for it)
ReplyDeleteIn the world of a 16 year old all parents pretty much suck! There is only a couple parents among a group of friends that you think is cool. What kid at 16 isn't fighting with their parents?? Rather its about getting a piercing or playing the music to loud or doing your homework. There has been that argument for oh umm Since people had teenagers! I mean seriously it's really not uncommon that most teens don't get along with their parents. It's a strange space of time in a teens life, Girls/Boys, Driving, Makeup, Fitting in. You name it!It is an awkward time for a lot of teens. It doesn't take much to be in a position at that age where your child pretty much tells you that they hate your guts and then an hour later they are asking for the keys to go to a movie! Then you have people act as though none of that happens in your homes.
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