go omar this guy was a jerk to everybody so carma

I understand that these individuals are not children, and neither are they grown adults. They are young adults, that do know right from wrong, but still need the guidance of their parents as they mature into adult hood. Giving them the complete set of reigns to life in not what they need at this age. on another note - It does not matter how old / grown up your children may be, as a parent you never stop worrying and caring for your children.

As a 2002 graduate of LD this is pretty shocking. Do I believe this kid deserves a 20 yr sentence, probably not, but that is for the system to decide. Someone asked where the parents were, these are not 10 yr old children, and parents cannot be leashed to their kids 24/7. These are however, young adults who are beyond the age of learning that actions and wrong actions have consequences. This young man has a serious problem. This is not two children swinging fists on the playground, this boy picked up a weapon. We don’t know if he intent was to kill or do serious bodily harm, but we all know he was not chopping wood. I didn’t see the tape and I am not sure of how the confrontation began or if the victim was armed and what not, but regardless, Omar needs to learn the consequences of his wrong actions and I much rather he learn them in an environment where he is not a danger to himself and others and I would prefer he learn this now and now after he has swung another ax or fired a gun..

On a side note, I do not understand why someone would have the audacity to solicit donations for the DEFENSE of the guilty party. There is no way you can make any excuse or defend the actions of Mr. Omar. The justice system is in place to defend I.e. shield, guard, protect & support, the innocent and judge the guilty. I am truly appalled.

I have to say that the situation for both boys is a very unfortunate one. I am not here to reprimand anyone but just thought I would say a few words. For starters where are the parents? I myself may be a young parent, with a 6 month old child, and a whole life of worries for her in front of me, but if I knew my child was having problems with either being bullied or being a bully in school, I would have done my very best to try and talk to my child, and to the school, to try and help the situation from the get go. WHERE WERE YOU AS A PARETN? Did you not see the signs of trouble in your own children? This whole situation could have been somewhat prevented, if you as a parent were more in tuned with your own children. You as a parent should have stepped into their lives to reach out and help them as much as you can. I know that you cannot watch and control the actions of another human being, step by step, but could you have at least in some form of a way reached out to your own children to help them.
On another note, I do not think that Omar K. Abdelaal should be tried as an adult by any means. Because he is a juvenile, his picture should never have placed in the paper! Where is the protection for a juvenile in the media? Or are all you soaking up the drama? He should be tried as a juvenile.
I will say that I do not agree with the way Omar K. Abdelaal had handled the situation.  I do believe that there should be some form of a punishment for him, along with some type of therapy sessions. But 20 to life? Get Real! That is a bit extreme, don’t you think? He is a 16 yr old kid, who has a whole life in front of him, who now has to go through life, reliving this little moment for the rest of his life. Isn’t that bad enough? What he did may have not been right, but no person should ever be pushed to their limits the way that he had been pushed. This to me seems to be one of those knee jerk reactions. He just was not thinking.
As for the child who was struck with the weapon, though he has been labeled a “victim” in this situation, he is not a victim at all. I personally feel that he should be punished as well. You cannot live your life being a bully, and asking for trouble. Obviously you will find it whether you like it or not.
It’s sad that one minor problem from the beginning escalated into a situation like this. I do understand that no parent can always keep track of their child, but if you can at least some kind of sign of trouble, sit down with your child, and talk to them. What will it hurt?
I do understand that I am young, but I have 2 brothers that are the ages of 14 and 16. As an older sibling I know my boundaries with them, with their teenage lives. But I can tell when they are having problems, and when they need help. Whether it is school, being picked on and so forth. If I as a sibling can see the signs, why can’t you as parents?

I don’t know what to say. People were real shook up at school and people didn’t believe it at first, but it’s actually happening.

Amen to that ldhs parent. This is a defining moment for our community. Will we rally to assist all involved become better in conflict resolution skills & life skills or will we as a community wait for a bigger more devastating event, then make national news and wonder what could we have done. It takes a village to raise a child. Please lets be that village.

Concerned LDHS Parent…Well Put, Well said!
I couldn’t agree more!

Another LDHS parent

This situation is clearly a tragedy for both young men, their families, their friends and the community.  It seems this single act is the culmination of many negative acts before it.  While clearly the physical attack is unacceptable behavior/response, one must consider many contributory variables.  Additionally, these young men do not and did not stand alone in this escalation.  Many persons participated in, encouraged, overheard and/or observed yet overlooked negative exchanges.  Did the community, friends, teachers, neighbors, parents fail these boys?  What could we/should we have done to have intervened thereby salvaging the lives of two young men who I venture to say would like to re-live that day as they remember it in hindsight.  Bullying is without a doubt unacceptable.  Retaliation is equally unacceptable.  However, verbal/mental bullying is impossible to prove; therefore, it is largely tolerated.  People do have a stress/frustration limit - we all do.  I am so incredibly saddened that both of these boys must cope with this for the remainder of their lives - neither do I believe fully understood the potential seriousness/ramifications of their actions.  I encourage the remaining Lee Davis school body to rise to the challenge, learn from this tragedy and treat others in a mature and respectful manner.

Concerned LDHS Parent

You must be kidding. Hang in there Omar. How bout hang in there victim that took over 100 stitches to his face. I wouldnt give one penny to his defense and to have the audacity to ask for that is unbelievable. Bullying or not and no matter who said what noone deserves to be struck in the face with an axe. I hope the judicial system works here and that the facts are presented and the proper verdict and sentence is handed down.

Are you kidding me New yorker of Manhattan. I wouldnt give a penny towards his defense. I hope they lock him up and throw away the key. You obviously dont know the WHOLE story. And regardless of what was happening or what was said that child did not deserve to be struck in the face with an axe. That is attempted murder and Omar will get what he deservres. You must have been dropped on your head as a child!!