and mercy. You both made lots of good points and I found myself going back and forth on whether he should have to go to prison or not.

I will admit that at first, I thought for sure that he should get prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Especially because he didn't turn himself in.

But then I thought that maybe being sent to an adult prison with hardened criminals would be the best for this young 18 year old. There are other punishments that could teach this young man the seriousness of his crime.

Community service, even maybe service for the victim may be effective. It should definitely be more than just money compensation. Sad situation all around.