Reflections, May 2011
Remorse:
The issue of remorse is a defendant's biggest no-win. A defendant who didn't do what they're accused of doing is in a double bind. Attorneys tell their clients not to contact the victim's families, fearing that what they say to them will be twisted and turned against them. In addition, expressing remorse in a court of law is the same as admitting guilt. The judge will punish them at sentencing for not showing remorse, which the defendants can't show because they didn't commit the crime. The victim's family will punish the accused, first for delaying contact with them until allowed by their legal representation and second, for expressing sorrow for their loss, rather than remorse for causing the death of their loved one.
Tony Miliotti:
Tony Miliotti was one of the teenagers there 16 years ago during the drunken brawl that ended the young life of Jimmy Farris. He was a quiet, artistic kid and all that could be said of him during what seemed like an endless trial, was that he was standing in the doorway when the fight broke out. Trusting the justice system to do the right thing, he turned himself in on his 18th birthday when there wasn't even a warrant for his arrest. Tony was given a sentence reduction in a subsequent appeal that enabled him to come up for a parole hearing in May of 2011. The day of his hearing, Mr. and Mrs. Farris and others attended and said that they didn't feel he had shown any remorse. The parole board denied Tony's appeal and he will have to wait ten more years for another opportunity. Tony will be forty-three years old at his next hearing. We send our love and support to him and to his family.
Choices:
Gene spent the anniversary of Jimmy's death talking to classrooms full of teenagers in Bell, California. Each time he speaks to kids about the case, he hands out flyers with these words printed in big, capital letters: CHOICES, DECISIONS, COMMUNICATION, RELATIONSHIPS. The focus of Gene's talks, rather than on the injustice of Brandon's sentence, is on how choices can change lives forever. He tells them about the Felony Murder Rule and about how they may pay a terrible price for their decisions as well as the decisions of their friends. Brandon works behind the scenes with Gene, providing details of life in prison; sending word to them, through Gene, that prison is no place they ever want to be; that their own families are the ones who will love them always and stand by them in times of trouble. Gene pours his heart into each and every talk in the hopes that he will save other children and their families from loss.
The issue of remorse is a defendant's biggest no-win. A defendant who didn't do what they're accused of doing is in a double bind. Attorneys tell their clients not to contact the victim's families, fearing that what they say to them will be twisted and turned against them. In addition, expressing remorse in a court of law is the same as admitting guilt. The judge will punish them at sentencing for not showing remorse, which the defendants can't show because they didn't commit the crime. The victim's family will punish the accused, first for delaying contact with them until allowed by their legal representation and second, for expressing sorrow for their loss, rather than remorse for causing the death of their loved one.
Tony Miliotti:
Tony Miliotti was one of the teenagers there 16 years ago during the drunken brawl that ended the young life of Jimmy Farris. He was a quiet, artistic kid and all that could be said of him during what seemed like an endless trial, was that he was standing in the doorway when the fight broke out. Trusting the justice system to do the right thing, he turned himself in on his 18th birthday when there wasn't even a warrant for his arrest. Tony was given a sentence reduction in a subsequent appeal that enabled him to come up for a parole hearing in May of 2011. The day of his hearing, Mr. and Mrs. Farris and others attended and said that they didn't feel he had shown any remorse. The parole board denied Tony's appeal and he will have to wait ten more years for another opportunity. Tony will be forty-three years old at his next hearing. We send our love and support to him and to his family.
Choices:
Gene spent the anniversary of Jimmy's death talking to classrooms full of teenagers in Bell, California. Each time he speaks to kids about the case, he hands out flyers with these words printed in big, capital letters: CHOICES, DECISIONS, COMMUNICATION, RELATIONSHIPS. The focus of Gene's talks, rather than on the injustice of Brandon's sentence, is on how choices can change lives forever. He tells them about the Felony Murder Rule and about how they may pay a terrible price for their decisions as well as the decisions of their friends. Brandon works behind the scenes with Gene, providing details of life in prison; sending word to them, through Gene, that prison is no place they ever want to be; that their own families are the ones who will love them always and stand by them in times of trouble. Gene pours his heart into each and every talk in the hopes that he will save other children and their families from loss.
posted by Gene and Janice Hein at 6:21 PM
12 Comments:
I'm sorry, perplexed and even disturbed that the tone of grief for Jimmy Farris's death has always focused around the survivors and what they lost and their anger and grief and need for revenge without focusing on what Jimmy lost, like his life, the ability to build a career, opportunities to explore the world, to develop relationships, to have a family. To me that would be more understandable than a continual litany of "all I have left . . . " And I fail to understand how taking away the same things Jimmy lost from others somehow compensates or creates revenge-satisfaction.
Outraged doesn't even to begin to describe how I feel after learning about this tragedy. Jimmy's death was a tragedy. The way the DA handled the case was atrocious. The sentencing nauseating. The behavior of Mr. And Mrs. Farris has been shamefully spiteful. I don't know how anyone involved with this case sleeps at night. I would like to do anything I can to help.
I am saddened to hear this. My heart is broken for Tony and his Family. I check in on Tony's situation from time to time after hearing about the reduction in his sentencing. Thought with 100% certainty that he would be home with the ones he loves today. Don't even know what to say. There really are no words.
I am also perplexed and saddened by the malicious behavior of the Farrisis'. Not that it would have made any difference, but exactly what form of remorse do the Ferris' expect to see from someone who, while present, didn't participate in the fight and didn't know a weapon was used or that anyone had been injured (let alone fatally)until after the fact.
While I can't imagine anything worse than losing a child, many others have lost children under worse circumstances, and have not only been able to forgive, but to use the experience as a springboard for helping others. Considering the circumstances, they are as much to blame as anyone, allowing their son to be best friends with a drug dealer, whom they seem to have no trouble holding blameless. Yes, their lives were changed forever by the loss of their son, but their new lives don't have to be defined by bitterness and hate. As a police officer, Mr. Ferris should realize that the sentences in this case are way out of line with what’s normal. As the father its not surprising that he would push for such sentences, and it is another failure of the system that allowed such pressure to be applied.
I am sorry for their loss, but it is high time to start focusing their energy on healing and helping rather than trying to further torment and destroy the lives of anyone who happened to be present (with the notable exception of the drug dealer).
I am also disgusted with the parole baord for not having the backbone to make the right decision due to what I can only imagine is some sort of misguided blind support for the vengeful desires of an ex-cop and/or to appear "tough on crime."
This whole case is complete outrage and disgust, and I am very sorry that Brandon's life had to be taken away by such an unjust system. It literally makes me sick to my stomach. I can only hope and hope that Brandon will eventually get out, even though I know it will never compensate for what he has lost in life. Like the previous comments, I completely agree and I wish there was something I could do to personally help. Best of wishes to the family, and to Brandon.
What a tragic story. As a father of 3 sons this story hits home. The thought of my son (s) serving prison time gives me the chills. And certainly the thought of any of my sons were inured is frightening. Some situations would lead to a father taking justice into his own hands. In different cultures things may have ended differently.
why T. Miliotti has ti wait another 10 years ?his sentence was reduce to 19 yearsnaldshos
I just watched the documentary on this case. I am in total shock of the sentences these boys (men now) got. It is horrible. I feel so sorry for these families. It was a tragic thing that Jimmy Farris got murdered. But his parents seeking revenge to make justice is unbelievable. The fact that none of their cases have won appeals just shows how messed up our justice system is. So sorry Brandon lost his life too. When I was their age I used to do drugs and drink and reckless things. Now I own my own home, have a good paying job and a beautiful daughter. I was never considered a threat to society. I can't imagine the pain Brandon and you as his parents have gone through and continue to. I will keep checking up on this case. I hope Brandon, Tony, and Micah walk free someday.
I am terribly sorry for what happened to Brandon, this was a terrible case and he and the others were unjustly convicted. I saw the documentary in my class and I wish there was something I could do to help, but Im a student in High School, but I will pray for you and for brandon that he is freed.
I don't understand how the fact that the Ferris boy was in the "offices" and company of a known drug dealer has no effect on the Ferris'. The amount of denial they have for their sons actions is unbelievable. Saying things like, "parents should know where there kids are"; well apparently she didn't know her son was in a fort with a kid who sold Narcotics.
This whole case is ridiculous. And the whole thing a conspiracy. Hopefully soon enough, the powers that be will be replaced with coming elections and appeals will be granted and sentenced dismissed or lifted
I wonder how the Ferris' can sleep at night knowing they ruined the lives of innocent people, and continue to do so at parole hearings. Their boy is dead, yes. Did he deserve to die? No. But I have no doubt that he is looking down on his parents with shame.
I have only recently learned of this whole tragedy, and I am thouroughly disgusted. I have lost a son, so I can say that I would be able to behave with more morality and humanity than Mr. and Mrs. Farris. They should be ashamed of themselves. The influence that they have in these boys' cases is a huge moral responisbility and they have behaved absolutely immorally. The grief over their son's death is no excuse. They, and the officials involved, are more like criminals than most of the boys are. And the bull crap about this being a case that should remind parents to be more involved is laughable, since their backyard contained a "fort" out of which marijuana was sold. I cannot believe more can't be done to right this wrong. I wish there were something I could do.
I would have not believed Brandon's Story if the same tactics were not used on my son.
As most realize this is just wrong. I am baffled that so many people, many prominent, have stepped up and spoke out in Brandon's favor yet he is still incarcerated.
If this case bothers you, speak out, get the word out anyway you can. Keep this subject going on face book. Write letters in Brandon's favor, Link back to this site. Talk about this in your churches, temples and synagogs. Post this case on any board your on. All the above do not cost a dime.
The most shocking fact about this case is it not an aberration; some glitch not likely to be repeated. Our jail are full of young people doing life without parole for being in the wrong place or trusting that the police and District Attorney will play fair.
Brandon could be your son, brother, spouse. We must stop this.
Debbra Walker
www.standbyjerry.com
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