Michael owed 15-year-old Matthew Bent $40 for a video game, but hadn't paid up. So on Sunday, Bent tried to steal Michael's dad's bike as compensation. Micheal thwarted the theft, and his family called the cops. Bent was arrested.
But he was sent home after a brief stay in juvie. Michael skipped school Monday, fearing payback. Bent didn't go to school either.
Monday afternoon, Michael went over to the Lime Street Apartments to visit a friend. Bent just happened to be there as well. Michael was sitting by the pool when he was surrounded by five boys: Bent, Denver Colorado Jarvis, 15; his brother Jeremy Jarvis, 13; Steven Shelton, 15; and Jesus Mendez, 15.
They grabbed a bottle of rubbing alcohol they found and surrounded Michael. Bent called him a rat. Michael tried to leave but couldn't. Bent ordered the rubbing alcohol poured on Michael. Denver Jarvis doused him with the fluid, then Mendez set him on fire.
It should be obvious to any but the most sociopathic brain that such a horrific act is evil.
Do evil acts, however, make the individuals who perform them morally vicious, and therefore outside our circle of concern and even love? Certainly, it is more than troubling that a group of teenagers would not only conceive of such an act, but actually carry it out. Keeping them away from others is best for all concerned, to be sure. Yet these practical, legal, matters don't address the question of whether or not they are evil.
Any thoughts? Anyone?
