Originally Posted By mele I'm am frustrated. A few days ago my son, in an off-handed sort of way, mentions that his friend dropped by with a summons to appear in court next week. Apparently my son is supposed to be there too. When we ask him why, he tells us that sometime in the spring of '06, Danny, the same stupid kid who's been bullying/sexually harassing him since elementary school threatened to slit his throat and waved a large knife at him. My son and his friend told the school what had happened but *nobody* bothered to tell us. Danny was arrested and is now going to trial and they want my son to testify. No calls from the school. No calls from the police department. No calls from the D.A. No letters, no summons, nothing. Just a few minutes ago my husband got a voicemail from the D.A. I called him back but was only able to leave a voicemail for him. Earlier this year, Danny and another kid named Joey, walked past our house and tried to start a fight with my son. My husband was further up the street, watching our daughter ride her bike. The boys saw my husband looking at them and tried to blame my son for starting the fight. My husband told them he saw what had happened and they threatened to kick HIS *butt*. (We called the police about that one.) I am so sick of these freaks. So, I'm waiting for the attorney to call me back.
Originally Posted By alexbook That's horrible. I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this. (((hugs)))
Originally Posted By u k fan Bullies are such (insert word here)! I honeslty can't think of anything to say that I'm sure you haven't heard before or would be a hideous cliche, but it's just terrible when it gets this far. Tell your son to keep doing what he's doing and he'll be just fine. I know it's easy to say and hard to do, but in my experience it's the best advice out there. In these situations as long as the good guy believes in himself he will win!!!
Originally Posted By mousegrl You not being in the know is unexceptable. Talk to the DA. Make a formal complaint to the school. If I'm reading this right, the boy was arrested for threatening your son, right? Oh,that soooo infuriates me! I work in a school and deal with bullies and have a son in school and am fearful for him because of bullies. (He's pretty shy and timid.) I work in 3rd grade, and can totally see at this age who will be in prison in 10 years! How old is your son? That may be a factor in your not being notified? If he's under 18, there is no excuse! Ask to look at a copy of the police report. I hope everything works out for you and your son. Stay involved and don't let anyone intimidate you. I'm sure justice will be served on this person.
Originally Posted By TALL Disney Guy When I read <The boys saw my husband looking at them and> I thought for sure the next words were gonna be "ran away". I couldn't believe it when the words were instead <tried to blame my son for starting the fight. My husband told them he saw what had happened and they threatened to kick HIS *butt*.> Talkin' smack to your husband? Either they're really stupid, or really big, I'd guess...sorry to hear of this, April. I really hope they get their just desserts.
Originally Posted By chickendumpling My temples hardened as I read this because I am SO mad FOR you! ARGH! Your poor son. Your poor family. What a bunch of punks. Ugh. You have my e-mail if there's any way I can help.
Originally Posted By Inspector 57 OMG! Wait a second, wait a second... Your son is a minor and: 1) He reported to the school that he had been threatened at knifepoint, and the school never contacted you?! 2) The DA wants him to testify next week but they have not contacted you?! OMG. I would: A) March into the principal's office immediately, demand some information, and make some threats. B) Tell the DA immediately that your son will NOT be there until and unless you are fully informed of what is up with Danny and are convinced that there is an effective plan to keep Danny from retaliating against your son. And maybe not even then. If the DA's Office pressures you or BS's you, threaten to make a stink over it. The DA is an elected official, no? Oh, mele. I'm so sorry your son and you and your family have to deal with this. Err on the side of keeping your son safe. Please let us know what's happening.
Originally Posted By Liberty Belle OMG - this is shocking! I'm so sorry to hear what you and your family have been going through. You'll be in my thoughtss and please let us know what happened! *hugs*
Originally Posted By sherrytodd I can not believe that the school district was that irresponsible! It makes me so mad. {{{hugs}}} to you and your son.
Originally Posted By 4Disnee I hope that everthing gos well for you and your family that is a real stink. Also sending hugs!
Originally Posted By tiggerdis_ OMG I can't believe the school wouldn't phone you! If it was something that happened at school, it would have been a requirement (at least at the school I'm teaching at) that the parents both come to school to pick their kids up. Firstly for the traumatized child (your son) in case something actually happened on the way home, and secondly for the child making the threats - if they were not already taken away by the police. I have to ask, now that I've said this, is this at a high school or a middle school?
Originally Posted By tiggerdis_ Duh, I've read it again, and answered my own question.... We have police liason officers who cover things like this in our schools (all schools). I think it's absolutely appalling! Follow Inspector's advise and kick some butts yourself!
Originally Posted By mele Thanks everyone. I finally got to talk to the D.A. today. He was vaguely aware of the history between Warner and Danny but now it looks like my husband and I need to be available in case we need to testify. I called the school yesterday to try to find out some information. The VP was in meetings and I was told that she would call me first thing this morning. I told her secretary that I would keep my phone by me but that I had strep throat and might be unconscious when she called me. (I was kind of trying to be funny.) She seemed annoyed by what I said and repeated that the VP would call me first thing this morning. Of course, she didn't and of course, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't really sleep much. I kept checking my phone to see if I had any missed calls. I really have no idea if Danny is going to get into some real trouble for this. The attorney thinks the defense will say that Danny was afraid and was just trying to defend himself. But Warner never damaged Danny's property or waved any weapons at Danny so hopefully they won't get too far with that.
Originally Posted By officerminnie It never ceases to amaze me how our justice system works (or doesn't work). I would put money on that bully getting off with a slap on the wrist. I can't ever figure out how the prosecutors decide to file charges and just as quickly dismiss them. Or worse to those of us in law enforcement or who are victims, put the dreaded "NCF" stamp (no charges filed) on the case. Bullies need to be stopped with harsh punishment the first time, no second chances. I wish you and your family lots of luck on this one! And sorry to sound so cynical - I didn't use to be like this .
Originally Posted By officerminnie Oh, and mele, you might want to consider getting an anti-harassment order against Danny. That way, if he tries to contact your son in any way, it is against the law and he can be arrested. The court should have no problem issuing an order because of the documented threat.
Originally Posted By mele Thanks for the advice and for listening guys. Well, the kid got off. None of the past harassment (or the fact that this kid brought a knife to school and used it to slice my son's brakes) were allowed. Right. What a sick, sick joke.
