Rhode Island Boy, 14, Sentenced to 15 Years for Fatal Joyride

NEW YORK -- A 14-year-old Rhode Island boy will serve at least eight years of a 15-year sentence for a joyride in a stolen van that ended in a fatal crash, a Providence judge ruled Thursday.

Prosecutors charged Marcus Ortiz with stealing a van from a community center last September and speeding through the streets of Providence before losing control of the vehicle and crashing head-on into a car, killing a 9-year-old girl and injuring three others. Ortiz pleaded no contest to all charges.

He will be held at a state juvenile facility until his 18th birthday, when a judge will determine whether he should be sent to adult prison to complete his sentence.

Amy Kempe, a spokeswoman for the Rhode Island attorney general's office, said that Ortiz had been convicted and sentenced under a hybrid system for juveniles charged with serious crimes. Even if a judge ultimately spares him from adult prison, he will be paroled as an adult felon.

Offenders sentenced as juveniles in the state have their criminal records sealed when they turn 18.

Unless a judge alters his sentence, Ortiz will serve at least eight years in juvenile and adult prison before becoming eligible for parole. If he violates parole after being released, he will face serving the remainder of his 15-year sentence in adult prison.

"If he violates, he will violate as an adult," Kempe said. "He still has the entire 15-year sentence hanging over him. That will not be diminished."

Stephanie Flynn, the mother of the 9-year-old girl killed in the crash, had filed an emotional appeal calling for a stiff sentence for Ortiz.

Ortiz "needs to suffer for what he has done," Flynn wrote. "I lost my world that day because a 14-year-old boy wanted to only think of himself."

Flynn, who was driving the car, was also seriously injured into the crash.

"I lost everything," she wrote.

Comments

[navyman135]

06:21 PM on 07/04/2011

15 years? Why is this punk still breathing?

[burndiscoinferno]

08:02 PM on 07/02/2011

The thing is though, most 14 year old boys do not steal cars, know how to drive, and are responsible for killing an innocent child and injuring three others. This is not normal. This is not a normal child. Please don't blame society for this, the problem is with his parents.

[JulezSD]

04:34 AM on 07/03/2011

I don't blame society but!

7-year-old Mich. boy charged with driving car
http://goo.gl/3pgbR
11-year-old boy caught driving on busy IE freeways
http://goo.gl/vxyqg
Worst parents kids driving cars
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6niJRIZN8o

[burndiscoinferno]

01:08 AM on 07/04/2011

I agree:) I don't blame society either! Thanks, yes, I know, those three examples you posted are some sad parenting.

[grant06]

10:26 AM on 07/05/2011

Obviously, he did NOT know how to drive, and although most 14 year old boys do not steal cars, many cars are stolen by 14 year old boys.

[RutherfordLaser]

05:10 PM on 07/01/2011

It is far too easy to make new 14 year olds, why worry about this defective one?

[Steve Lives]

04:08 PM on 07/01/2011

Isn't going to solve a damn thing by locking this kid up. In fact, it will make it worse in the long run, most likely. Unfortunately, our society only knows one way to solve problems, punishment. This kid, you , me and everyone else are merely reflections of our environments. An environment that at its root is based in corruption, competition, and differential advantage. We have set the stage for our own extinction. I urge you to watch Zeitgeist Moving Forward - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z9WVZddH9w

[navyman135]

06:22 PM on 07/04/2011

You are absolutely right, let him go free to do it again.

[I Think]

02:57 PM on 07/01/2011

!4 year old males, have no sense of the future consequences of their present actions. This simple fact is probably related to survival of the species. There will always be unfortunate events involving kids, because they think they are bullet-proof. An adolescent gorilla does not think about getting maimed or killed if it challenges the alpha male, It is only driven to make contributions to the gene pool. So it is with humans, sad but true, there is of course no easy answer. My heart is saddened by the loss of a little girl, and by the fact that there is likely nothing that will ever stop this sort of dumb behaviour.

[mbazid]

02:44 PM on 07/01/2011

Do you really believe that at 14 years old this kid has had his formative years?
How can that be if his brain is not finished developing? Studies show that brain development does not end until a person is in their mid twenties.
Did he understand the consequences of what his actions might be?
I don't know. Maybe hid did. Maybe he didn't.
This is tragic from anyway you look at it.
I recently read about a 5 year old that may be charged with murder.
Where do we draw the line?
My condolences to the mother.

[atrax70]

07:52 PM on 07/01/2011

Between the ages of 5 and 15 how many times do you think a child hears the words right and wrong? By the time that child is 15 how many violent movies, television shows and video games do you they viewed? And in the end. How many parents do you think actually sit down with their children and explain too them that while a lot of what they see may be real or fake but it's wrong to do.

The answer to the last question is quite obvious. Not many and that's why children, teens and into adulthood have no regard or respect for others these days. And the parents that raised them, while some try and teach their kids the difference others simply don't care.

[mbazid]

06:46 AM on 07/02/2011

I can't say that I agree with your comment about media violence playing a part however, you are 100% correct about the parenting. Although maybe they go hand in hand.

One of the big problems (if not the biggest) with many parents these days is that they want to be friends with their kids and not parents.

They don't take the time to sit and talk with their kids but rather they talk at their kids. They don't attempt to listen to their kids and excuse it by saying they just don't get what the kids are saying.

We have three sons aged 19, 15, and 14. I read a study a long time ago that in families that eat supper together everyday, the children grow up to be more well rounded and go farther in life because eating together sparks discussion. We have a rule at my house that we eat supper together everyday. I make it a point to find something of value to discuss. Yesterday we discussed this story among other things.

Again though, this is a terrible tragedy all around.

[diva362171]

08:31 AM on 07/06/2011

They're going to make him a worse criminal by sending him to jail. He's not going to get rehabbed; they just wanted someone to pay for what happened to that little girl. 100% understandable, but he will come out worse than when he went in. Guaranteed.

[CharlesBrown008]

01:22 PM on 07/01/2011

Keep in mind that there are many 14 years olds. Society can afford to lose a few 14 years old offenders to prisons or deathrrows if they can serve as examples of the consequence selfish actions to the other 14 years olds. This is exactly how the law is designed to work, to protect society by deterring crimes, and losing a few individuals is not going to harm society in the long run. In fact, pruning a few undesireables may improve the remaining pool, while salvaging offenders would weaken the function of the law to deter crimes.

Sociologically, the law is not about dealing out justice or revenge, although it does exactly that, it is really about protecting society by deterring crimes, and in this case it preserves the 14 years old non-offenders. From this perspective, justice and revenge are really the same thing serving as means (not ends) to preserve society. As far as the judge, who is a servant of the law, is concerned, this issue is never about the 14 years old offender, but about the other 14 years olds.

[canadaloki]

11:48 AM on 07/01/2011

Reading the story, I could empathize with the mother of the child that was killed. What if it had been one of my daughters, one of my grandchildren, or nieces or nephews? Losing a child would be the most horrible thing imaginable for a parent. I too would be screaming for justice, and would look at the 14 year old as a monster that wouldn’t deserve to see the light of day again. But after reading some of the posts, I realize that the other side is correct also. If this boy is incarcerated at 14, his most formative years will have been spent behind bars. If he then goes on to prison, no matter how many years he spends there, he will be institutionalized. He will no longer be able to fit in society, even if he were inclined to try. He will despise the system that took away his chance at a normal life, his opportunities. He’ll never go to college, or even have a high school diploma. He will have never dated, so he won’t be able to have a relationship. He will be frustrated at all the doors closed to him, being a convicted felon. He’ll have a limited skill set. He won’t be afraid of prison, it being the only life he really knows. It would just be a matter of time before he would end up back there, perhaps for taking another life.

[tracyamanda]

06:28 PM on 07/01/2011

IF he misses all these things it is by his own doing. The nine year old he killed will never get to do any of things-ever!

[canadaloki]

11:48 AM on 07/01/2011

Part II
Perhaps it’s time we got a little more creative with our penalties for young criminals. Perhaps this young man would be better served working for four years in a physical therapy environment that serves victims of car crashes. And goes to a special, controlled, high school class with other young offenders. Make him work out his time tutoring those younger than him that come into the juvenile detention system. I don’t know, it just seems that there would be a better way than to throw these kids in a cage and forget about them.

[EasyZee]

12:47 PM on 07/01/2011

I disagree. At 14, he's already had his formative years, and this is how he turned out; he turned out to steal cars, go on high speed joy rides, and kill someone. I feel the punishment fits the crime perfectly in this case. We're not talking about someone that threw a rock through the neighbors window.

[vtrob77]

03:19 PM on 07/01/2011

You may disagree EasyZee, however, research in human physiological and psychological development is against you. I'm glad you "feel" he's had his formative years. Feelings have their place, however, common sense doesn't displace the scholarship proving the psycho-social-neurological development of a 14 year-old is vastly different after the post-pubescent formative years into adulthood.

[M Jeffrey]

05:48 AM on 07/02/2011

You have no idea what you are talking about and hey why not go back to hanging kids like the English used to do back in the day.

[iuriggs6]

09:42 AM on 07/01/2011

Hope he does the whole sentence.

[vtrob77]

06:27 AM on 07/01/2011

he's 14, his body is rife with hormones as he's going through both physiological, neurological, and psychological changes. Are people seriously saying he was as competent as a premeditated adult?

What's happened to this country that people have lost all sense of context and reason and seek vindictive justice of a tribal society. This punishment is not acceptable, nor reasonable for civil society. And to be paroled as an adult felon? what's the point of a juvenile justice system... the whole thing is farce.

[gsa]

11:55 AM on 07/01/2011

It's the same when people suddenly want to reinstate the death penalty because a certain crime touched them in a personal way. Our criminal and sentencing systems must be created and determined free of emotion.

[sbrmingham]

12:19 PM on 07/01/2011

As a High School Teacher I have known 14 year olds who are VERY aware that their behavior is criminal but that the law protects them as juveniles from more severe punishment. I know students who were aware enough to figure out the discipline system of our school and plan to get OSS just before vacations so they had EXTRA time out of school! Others carefully explained that they readily admit to some actions that are not that bad so they are believed when they say they didn't do something worse. Elaborate and mature thinking for a "bundle of hormones". Whatever happened to society having high expectations for the behavior of all its members. At what age should "children" become responsible for their actions? Allowing juveniles to get lighter sentences for reprehensible behavior sends the message that you don't care what they do because that is what you EXPECT of children and that is what you will get. And what do we see - increasing bullying and crime because "that is what young people do". But how unfair is it to suddenly expect them to change as soon as they turn 18? or 21? Maybe we should allow everyone to do WHATEVER they want until they turn 24 then throw them in prison the next day for the same offense. Stealing a van and killing someone deserves more than just a long "Time Out" and a stern talking to. Even 14 year olds understand real consequences - and some behaviors

[EasyZee]

12:50 PM on 07/01/2011

I wholeheartedly agree with you. I don't get all the people here that think his punishment is too severe, they act as if he threw a rock and broke the neighbors window.

[vtrob77]

03:11 PM on 07/01/2011

Legally they should become responsible for their actions at the age of majority, which is 18. Until then, the focus should be on therapy and rehabilitation. If a 14 year-old can be sentenced like an adult they should be entitled to all rights and responsibilities of an adult. I think 14 year-olds can understand some of the consequences, but could a 14 yearold understand the implications of a prison sentence equal to the amount of life they have lived? I remember when I was in high school and junior high school, thinking 6 weeks was forever, not it seem like a whisp of time.

By your logic, if 14 year-olds are able to understand consequences and make decisions then should they be allowed to vote? So they have some say in the system that controls and affects their actions and behaviors? Should they be allowed to smoke? Drink? consent to sex?

How come its ok to treat some 14 yearold's as adults when they engage in certain behaviors, but not in others? Punishing a kid is ok to do so as an adult. I'm not saying kids should get away with everything, however, the focus should be on therapy, parental responsibility, rehabilitation, and education. Not just punishment.

[hazyafternoonsunshine]

03:00 AM on 07/01/2011

The brain of a 14 year old is very different from the brain of a 24 year old. Tragic consequences for a profoundly poor decision. This is not justice, it is bald revenge, and it is wrong. This sentence is morally unsupportable.

[Json]

09:35 AM on 07/01/2011

What sentence would be appropriate?

[RutherfordLaser]

12:42 AM on 07/02/2011

A stern talking to! Perhaps a finger wag, provided the parents give their consent.

[Boereworsrocks]

02:23 AM on 07/01/2011

I do not condone what the 14 year old did. It was wrong and cost another innocent child her life. I CANNOT HOWEVER condone placing a 14 year old CHILD in prison for such a long period of time. We are setting this boy up for failure! He is a child and needs to be treated accordingly. He needs to go into a juvenile facility for NO MORE than 3 years in an attempt to rehabilitate him. Transferring him into an adult facility at 18 years of age with no "street/real world" experience is VERY DANGEROUS. This is not the way America should be treating children who fail to exercise good judgement. He is 14 not 44!!!

[ZZPOT]

04:36 AM on 07/01/2011

@Boereworsrocks. Would you feel the same if the dead child were your own? 14 is old enough to know right from wrong. The punk needs to suffer for what he did, & I bet he is a punk. Were you that stupid when you were 14? You sound like you think you're a judge. "Street/real world" experience? He already has that. He knew how to hot wire the vehicle. He knew what he was doing was wrong. He's a punk. Get over your bleeding heart self. He killed someone thru his reckless actions. Rehab is BS for kids like him. It's a slap on the wrist. If the truth were known, I bet he has no remorse.

[ryker88]

07:11 AM on 07/01/2011

Exactly! When young people do not face consequences for their actions, they will not comprehend the magnitude of their behavior and will be much more likely to continue their reckless behavior.
Actions do have consequences. Welcome to the real world.

[gravescanada]

07:59 AM on 07/01/2011

We in the United States of America have a system of JUSTICE! Not revenge. Nothing the courts do will heal the pain of that poor mother. But destroying a young man for making a huge mistake will not fix anything. Your obviously set in your ideas, so nothing I or anyone else says will change that. But one can hope that rehabilitation is possible for a 14 year old. If not, then we, the human race might as well throw in the towel. And how the hell would you know if the boy has any remourse? ZZPOT, its people like you who have helped create a prison system that churns out some of the most violent offenders in the world. If he serves the full 15 years then we have a hardened criminal for life. And dont try to pull the whole Eye for an Eye crap either, Jesus preached love, understanding and compassion.

[gerald1961]

11:53 AM on 07/01/2011

He is a murderer and should be sentenced as one for KILLING A 9 YEAR OLD GIRL. As for the danger to him part..... maybe he should have thought about that before KILLING A 9 YEAR OLD GIRL. Its people like you that crate animals like that by making excuses for them. What if it was your 9 year old child he KILLED. Who knows, she may have grown up to fine the cure for whatever it is that is obviously eating your brain. Keep making excuses for them, who knows, next time it may be you he KILLS.

[ucche]

01:27 AM on 07/01/2011

He should have received the death penalty! 8 yrs for recklessly killing a child.

[binarystar]

11:32 AM on 07/01/2011

hey guys... should I point out the hypocrisy here or does someone else want to?

[Charles Grimmett]

01:09 AM on 07/01/2011

Such a sentence for a 14 year old only indicates how far we have gone in the wrong direction in our criminal justice system. Where is the recognition of the difference between juveniles and adults? The system is broken and the fact a prison sentence placing a child in the prison to be subject to the abuse that goes with it says more about our failures than his transgression.

Such a sentence is an act of criminality guaranteeing the juvenile to be subjected to abuse and loss of any chance for rehabilitation or redemption. What ever happened to protecting juveniles or even allowing them to be mature enough to be responsible for their crimes.