Somewhere along the line, humanity is lost...is it when a young man feels as if there is no line between right and wrong? Could it be when he feels he has no CHOICE? Perhaps humanity is not lost...it is simply out of focus for a few moments in the dark. In this society, we are given many choices and paths , if we choose the right path ,we are praised. If we choose the wrong path, we are, most of the time, persecuted for our "lack of judgement". You may say that "persecution" is a harsh word for what happens, but it is true. As a teenager, you choose to stay out a little later than your parents wish, you are punished, which is persecution in a lighter sense. When the same teenager goes a little further and breaks the law? Persecution on a greater scale...Ask for help? Persecution by peers.
The battle begins long before most people anticipate and by the time some teens ask for help, it is too late. They become "PB" i.e. penitentiary bound. Who cares for these particular young adults? These gang bangers, hoodlums, "losers" ? In a perfect world , everyone who has a heart would reach out and try to help. In our pitiful world, there are not many who would hold out their hand to the "worst of the worst". You see, people in general fear what they do not understand , hate what they fear and seek to destroy what they hate. Perhaps this is not true for all of humanity, but it is the rule of thumb. In this world, if you do not follow every simple rule that is laid for you, you are , in the end, given no choice.
Gang bangers are not born, they are created...there is no way around this fact. Children are not born with a desire to eventually end up in prison ! Who is responsible for the gang situation of this nation? Parents, teachers, perhaps law enforcement? Everyone who has ever turned a blind eye, ignored a cry for help or thought to themselves "it won't happen with my child"...all of us, somehow, are responsible for what our world has become. In the state of North Carolina, there is an "acting in concert" law...if you run with the "pack" , you are responsible for what the "pack" does.
There are 2 young men in prison now, one is serving 29 years and the other will be behind bars for 45. Their crime? Riding with their crew, not stopping other armed individuals from killing 2 innocent women, not reporting the crime. Guilty of a crime? yes. Guilty of murder? NO ! Their futures are bleak...when they walk free as aging men, will they be able to find satisfaction in life knowing they spent a great portion of their lives imprisoned for something they did not do...Choices indeed. The main focus of this trial was the testimony of a young female gang member, a known drug user,charged with the very same crime yet offered a deal by the state in return for her testimony. After hours of "coaching", her words convicted 7 of her fellow gang members...her tears and her sad eyes put her friends away...3 of them went to death row, 2 will not see the outside of a prison for life and the other 2 will be old men when they step outside the gate. She will be home in February of 2004...because she told the "truth" to save herself. This is a travesty...a SLAP in the face to true justice. This young woman changed her story over 3 times, pointing the finger at 3 different shooters on 3 different days. This site is dedicated to the fallen soldiers, the men behind bars for crimes they did not commit...the men who would not turn on what they considered family that night...the story will be told by those same men.
There is always 2 sides to a story...here, you will find out what no one wanted to listen to in Cumberland county, North Carolina. Open your heart and your mind...look into a world of corruption and unfair conviction. Your concern is needed...your prayers are warranted...you support is appreciated. What if it was your son, husband or brother?
Countdown to 2026 from Fayetteville North Carolina
