Well that was incredibly tragic and depressing at pretty much every level. I still don't quite understand why Harris is even being charged, especially given all the testimony of the survivors who...
Well that was incredibly tragic and depressing at pretty much every level. I still don't quite understand why Harris is even being charged, especially given all the testimony of the survivors who clearly stated he was not in a leadership position or position of authority in any way. There are so many other aspects of the story that confound me, too... why were both plea deals tied together that way? Why isn't the landlord being charged? Does the city bear no responsibility for this, especially given the fact they allowed the situation to continue despite being called multiple times to the location because of concerns? Why are the parents so hellbent on seeing Harris punished too, did they not hear the testimony of the other survivors? What a mess. :(
Hopefully Harris doesn't continue to get lumped in with Almena when the actual trial comes up.
To the great surprise of everybody present, the judge threw out the plea deal. “I am expressly rejecting the plea bargain as to Mr. Almena,” Cramer said. He added: “Mr. Harris has expressed from the outset, unconditional remorse. He was at the scene, he stayed at the scene, met with the officials, has done so from the outset.” But Harris and Almena had a package deal; either both defendants pleas were granted or neither was. So Harris’s plea, along with Almena’s, was thrown out.
Well that was incredibly tragic and depressing at pretty much every level. I still don't quite understand why Harris is even being charged, especially given all the testimony of the survivors who clearly stated he was not in a leadership position or position of authority in any way. There are so many other aspects of the story that confound me, too... why were both plea deals tied together that way? Why isn't the landlord being charged? Does the city bear no responsibility for this, especially given the fact they allowed the situation to continue despite being called multiple times to the location because of concerns? Why are the parents so hellbent on seeing Harris punished too, did they not hear the testimony of the other survivors? What a mess. :(
Hopefully Harris doesn't continue to get lumped in with Almena when the actual trial comes up.