Internal Conflict

Yeah, I’ll probably catch hell for being a bleeding heart — but I jus’ have to share my feelings and thoughts about this situation. Forgive me for wearing my heart on my sleeve.

A 13-year-old Reno boy is being charged as an adult in a shooting that left a man dead. Jose’ Cruz and three others have been charged with murder in the killing of a local musician who tried to stop a robbery on the southwest edge of downtown.

The four face several charges in connection with a string of armed robberies in Carson City and Reno that police say ended in the shooting death of Steve Gale. The Reno resident was walking home and was shot in the back as he struggled with the robbers trying to steal a friend’s purse.

Generally, I’m a hard-ass when it comes to crime and punishment, but this one has me doubting my belief system. Honestly, I know very little about the case, other than what I’ve heard or seen in the press, so I’m in no position to judge what is happening.

Not only is he baby-faced — he looks absolutely terrified and as a father, that breaks my heart. I want to reach out and wrap my arms around him, protect him and calm his fear.

Other than that, I’d love to know why this teen was running around with a bunch of adults. I’d also like to know where Jose’ Cruz’ his parents were and why he wasn’t home in bed at the time they were out killing a defenseless man.

Lastly — what is his relationship to the three adults, who took this child along with them? As far as I’m concerned — those three can rot in hell for what they’ve done — but can’t Jose’ somehow be turned around?

The teen was being held in the Jan Evans Juvenile Detention Center, but ended up transferred to the Washoe County Jail since being charged as an adult. He spent one night in the adult jail before a judge returned him to the detention center.

It was deemed necessary to protect him, as the adult facility isn’t designed to keep children locked up. I’m cool with this as I believe the “state” has a duty to protect those it has incarcerated.

Jacob Sanchez, 21-years-old, is accused of firing the fatal shot. His 19-year-old brother Luis Sanchez and 23-year-old Aurora Rodriguez-Perez also face murder charges along with Jose’.

Ultimately, he’s going to have to pay for his criminal activity and there must be justice for Steve Gale. So I’m okay with whatever punishment is meted out by the system.

I jus’ wish I had never seen his prepubescent face.