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For God's sake, call 911 During the night that Aaron Doty was pummeled to death, the Highlands County Sheriff's Office reported there were no 911 calls from that address or from anyone who was there. There may not be a legal obligation to call in the authorities when something like this happens, but there is certainly a moral obligation to report problems like this. It could have saved a life. You hear about it in big cities, but you never expect it to happen here in Highlands County. Where strangers don't want to be involved by reporting a crime. Where people do not want the hassle of police questions. Some were likely afraid that they would have been caught drinking while under age. Certainly, there may have been illegal drinking. We can't confirm that, but it is a mainstay of parties like this and frankly, anyone who denies it is not facing reality. It was in sheriff reports that several of the witnesses were under age and that all the subjects had been reported to have been drinking throughout the night. Teens drinking happens in any town and at all times, especially when parties like this occur. Everyone knows it, and to some extent, accepts that it happens. Yes, it is illegal, and we agree it should not happen, but that is not the issue here. The issue arises when several individuals witness a person who is pummeled to the point of unconsciousness, is dragged outside and left on the sidewalk, bleeding, and no one thinks to even call an ambulance. It is appalling to see in a report that the assailants were pulled off by witnesses at the party while the victim was already unconscious. Witnesses who knew he was unconscious when he was dragged outside by his feet and left on the ground. Witnesses who knew he was in bad shape when they tried to revive him and noticed the blood on the back of his head. How many times this has happened and everyone walked away the next day with a headache and some bruises is unknown. But, in this one incident, in this one case, the result was young man's life coming to an end far, far too soon. And no one called for those who could help. Maybe it is just too much of a hassle and it's easier to snap a photo or take a video on your cell phone or post on Facebook than to dial 911. To everyone at that party who witnessed this and did not call in the authorities; to everyone who felt the need to scream outrage and justice in the social media while spreading rumors and partial truths; to all those who now speak about how good a person Aaron Doty was but were too busy texting during the fight to thumb three more numbers: 911; to those who witnessed and did not act ... shame on you all.  3 Doors Down (by: SNL Resident - 6/22/2012) My friend lives diagonal accross the street and did'nt hear anything. From what I understand they always have "party's" and there is people there all the time, so it didn't appear any different I am sure. I also hear the cops frequent there for these such party's gatherings so most of the neighborhood would assume this was nothing different. Just Sayin. Aaron Doty (by: Concerned Mom - 6/22/2012) This is a wake up call to parents... do you ever take a minute to look at your child's facebook? Our Middle school children are posting videos of people in fights and someone getting beat down all the time. When did seeing someone get beat and hurt become entertainment? Our children growing up today live in the world of technology - they all have cell phones and can use a computer better than some of their parents and are open to anything that is on the worldwide internet. This is not always a bad thing but we as parents need to take more time to ensure what our children are looking at and posting is appropriate for their ages. It's awful to hear a cell phone go off at the middle school with rap music with every other word being the "F" bomb. cowardly PUNKS &punkets (by: p,owed - 6/21/2012) They all better be charged with the crime, as assesory before and after murder, failure to prevent murder, call it what you want Standing by (by: Tonya Marshall - 6/19/2012) Even if Terry was only 3 doors down, she probably only heard a bunch of music & loud talking, same as you would hear at any party. Instead of judging her & what she heard (or he, sorry), why not focus on those kids that were standing around witnessing this incident. Many kids these days do not have empathy & this is proof of that. They probably didn't even think it was wrong to watch & not call for help. That is what should scare the bejeezus out of us all! When we have reached that point there is not much that can be done except PRAY! But we should have been praying all along, before it got to this point. With that being said, it saddens me that it is more important to get "hits" on YouTube than to try & save someone you once called a "friends" life:( Aaron,raising awareness (by: Lisa - 6/18/2012) The fact that this young mans life had to be brutally taken for people to open their eyes is sad. The fact that there was not one person there that night with the courage,compassion and faith to help Aaron,is appalling! There will be more parties,there will be a fight,and teen drinking,especially in small towns,hopefully there will be,at least one person who was paying attention who was affected by this tragedy and who will take action,and continue to raise awareness on this problem. Aaron doty (by: Lori Henderson - 6/17/2012) Just want to ask terry u said u lived three doors down how could u not have heard any of tht if u, were tht close. aaron doty (by: stephanie barnes - 6/17/2012) it is time that as adults of this community and this country take a stand against the fact that there is no law protecting the victims of such horrific crimes and make people be responsible for their lack of actions. as you state this is not new york city where people turn their head and look the other way. what are the people of our society turning into? and where are the parents of these kids that they are at house parties until all hours of the morning? what this county lacks and has so for so many years is businesses that are ran by adults for them to meet and socialize with their friends. there are many kids here, not just senior citizens. the people that run this county need to stop blocking any kind of businesses that cater to the younger generations so that there is less chance of these kinds of activities going on. and as parents we need to teach our children good moral values and that when they witness these kinds of things that need to do what is morally right. arron doty (by: Gator - 6/17/2012) 98 percent of the people at party probably had cell phones therefore 98 percent of the people at the party should be charged with manslaughter charges because of them arron had no chance to be revived and I wonder how many of those at the party was at the firemans field. none of them has any of my repspect not even worth spittong on aaron doty (by: terry Griffin - 6/17/2012) I live three doors down from where this happened and believe me if i knew something of this magnitude was going on i,d of been on the phone. I hope these young individuals can live with theirselves each and everyday after watching this happen to this young man and not lift one finger to help, i hope you all get your just rewards for this one!!  Small Banner Ads |
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