Randall Raymond Lee Diemante
This is very sad and developing story, going on in my Hometown(Tampa). I sat here pushing back a few tears, having trouble typing because it not only hurts me, but disturbs me deeply. I will keep you posted and follow this as much as I can. I posted pictures of the accused for principals that I hold dear.
I also would like all to understand a fundamental factor that is present in most cases involving victims of violence, that we as people(the public) tend to forget, It is "our"own who commit acts of violence against one another not random strangers as we would like to believe and conveniently hold .
Four Tampa middle-school students names listed below, will be tried as adults for Sexual Assault and Battery.
Randall John Moye, 14;
Raymond A. Price-Murray, 14
Lee Louis Myers, 14
Diemante J. Roberts, 15
When school officials questioned the defendants, all four admitted in a written statement that they had sexually assaulted the victim. it's important to note there was actual ongoing bullying investigation going on with the named individuals,but no one knew the extent and that it would later include rape(s) of the13yr. old they ganged up on. The victim didn't acknowledge being sexually assaulted until questioned.
What is equally sad is that several students and others were aware that he was being bullied for over two months and on one of the days in question April 30th,students heard the screams as he was attacked in the locker room but no one did anything about it. School Officials contacted the Authorities which led to the arrest of the Eight Graders. The victim finished out the school year at home.
On another note one of the accused students, who is represented by Atty. Tim Taylor made the statement that his client was from one of the finest in the community and brought several character witnesses forward to speak on his behalf including Raymond Moyle's mother Jeanne Meyers who wanted it known that her son wants to attend college and when asked about his confession statement, she dumbed it down by describing it as just "the guys clowning around in the locker room with a HOCKEY STICK , but added her son did say he held the victim down for a few seconds."
State Attorney's office Spokeswoman Pam Bondi said Wednesday that each boy faces four counts of sexual battery, stemming from "multiple incidents on different dates." Each count carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A 15,000 bond was set for each individual and automatic home monitoring (ankle monitors) on all except one, Moyle who relocated to live with his father. Diemante Roberts who remains in jail, will wear a monitor as well, he's the only one has not posted bail.
If you know someone who is being bullied or you suspect may need help please report! Ask for guidance on how to help a friend. The tauting and/or abuse of another is never okay and as you can see can lead to possibly more heinous crimes. It is often said that individuals feel more powerful and will act out more aggressively with intent when in pairs, groups or crowds compared to when acting out on violence alone. No Matter your age,
DON'T BE AFRAID TO SAY NO or WALK AWAY FROM YOUR FRIEND
Here are links reporting on this story:
http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Three-teens-accused-of-raping-classmate-released/RnsBPnfEsEav4QrGvKYi3g.cspx?rss=794
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/06/04/florida.sexual.assault/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/06/04/4-teens-charged-as-adults-in-Fla-attacks/UPI-55151244124490/
This link has good discussions points, interest and commentary on the case, Add your two cents at:
http://www.queerty.com/disgust-4-teens-rape-classmate-with-hockey-stick-and-broom-20090511/
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