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Rape Near Library Still On Readers' Minds

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 3, 2008

Cell Phone A Savior

Regarding "Deputies Have Suspect In Library Attack" (front page, April 26):

As a young woman in my early 20s, I am fully aware of the need to be alert and aware of my surroundings. Not only do I frequent the Bloomingdale library, but I have also dropped off books late at night when I realize the errand has slipped my mind.

As I read your article, one safety tidbit that alarmed me was the claim that the victim may have made herself especially vulnerable due to her talking on her cell phone. I was appalled to read the statement, "This is like a welcome sign for predators."

While it can be argued that predators keep an eye out for people who lack situational awareness, just imagine for a moment the outcome of this tragedy had she not been talking on her cell phone. She was able to provide her friend with a location, time and limited profile of the attacker. It certainly was not the case that this young woman was unaware of the "weird" individual standing nearby. Quite the opposite. She had a gut feeling something wasn't right and was able to convey that to her friend.

A cell phone conversation introduces a third party.

ASHLEY WILSON

Brandon

Quietly Acting Out

Regarding "Quiet Teenager Arrested In Rape" (front page, April 27):

Hasn't Lisa Stevens heard of "no comment"? I know her denial and defense of her son Kendrick Morris' accusations of rape were meant to show her belief in his innocence. He may yet be proven innocent; however, I felt she hurt his image more than helped it by stating anyone who knows him would know he is not capable of something horrific.

Cruelty to animals could be categorized as horrific - for which he has been arrested. It is not something a "normal" person does. And Stevens also made light of that.

Then there is her "history." That night, he should have been waiting for his mother outside the library like usual, but she was being released from jail for a probation violation and driving without a license. Previously, she has been arrested on charges of aggravated child abuse. This is a mother who sets such a good example for her son, I would absolutely take her word about his innocence as gospel.

So, here is a teenaged boy who has a "great" home life. He is struggling in school and had to give up sports for tutoring, and he is described as quiet. Wasn't the Virginia Tech shooter described as quiet, too? All these things point to why he could be guilty. If Stevens were smart, she would have just said, "No comment."

M. COHAGEN

Lithia

Attack Brings Questions

While I am troubled and saddened regarding the young woman attacked at the Bloomingdale Public Library, I find myself questioning the events leading up to this brutal attack and looking for answers to the following questions.

Why was this young man allowed to "hang out" at the library for what has been reported as eight to 10 hours a day? Are my tax dollars funding an after-school program at the public libraries?

I live in Bloomingdale and have been to the library late afternoons only to find the library swarming with teenagers. They have limited the number of hours that one can surf the Internet and, let's be honest, just how much studying is being done at the library?

Not to mention the fact that he was at the library late that night because his mother was in jail for driving on a suspended license. No wonder this young man has found himself on the wrong side of the law. His mother has no respect for the law; if she did, she would not be driving without a license.

Since we all learn by example, give this some thought - he is just one of many teenagers who are learning to have no respect for the law or for others, and sadly he is learning that at home.

DENISE M. BODIE

Brandon

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