Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jan 10, 2007 7:12 AM:If anyone wants to be a part of the changes in Oceanside, there is a city council meeting tonight at 5:00 PM at the City Hall. It's high-time we empower our city officials and police and give them the tools to address the gang problems in our city before our quality of life is diminished any further.

Bro Rufus wrote on Jan 10, 2007 9:02 AM:This poor child is mixed up with some bad blood. Have pity and let him go and get on with his life. It's a shame the officer is dead, but he did sign on for the risk. Let the boy go.

Lock up ALL Gang Members... wrote on Jan 10, 2007 11:09 AM:The solution to this problem is SO Simple!

Tooie wrote on Jan 10, 2007 11:43 AM:Hey, let the kid go. He's got his whole life ahead of him. Give the kid a break!

Jay wrote on Jan 10, 2007 11:56 AM:Why can't domestic criminal gangs be treated as "terrorist organizations" under our much tougher Federal anti-terrorist statutes? I see little difference, they are as dangerous or more so to us here at home. Detaining them on those grounds would be much easier than the revolving door of local and state justice. Let Homeland Security deal with them. I realize there is not enough room in Guantanamo but we have some very nice islands in the Aleutians that they could utilize. Further, when are we going to cut loose our last remnants of colonialism in places like Samoa and Puerto Rico that gives these miscreants American citizenship?

Jay wrote on Jan 10, 2007 11:58 AM:Rufus: I'd agree to let him go if you'd agree to let him live with you!

To Greg wrote on Jan 10, 2007 12:00 PM:Please take this message with you. I want the gang problem solved and I believe it starts with parental education. I think every 6th graders parents should be REQUIRED to attend a gang education class that teaches them the warning signs and how they can intervien. I also strongly believe we need a community sponsored parenting classes to teach parents HOW to deal with their troubled teen. Perhaps the parenting class should be required in order for any suspended child to return to school. I would attend myself if it wouldn't put my children at risk.

To Bro Rufus wrote on Jan 10, 2007 12:06 PM:Let him go? What on earth are you smoking?

FRIEND wrote on Jan 10, 2007 12:40 PM:LET PJ GO. LIFE HAS SO MUCH IN STORE FOR HIM. FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM, PRAY HARD AND ASK GOD TO CONTINUE TO BE WITH HIM AND THE FAMILY. WE LOVE YOU PJ....

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jan 10, 2007 12:51 PM:To the post requesting me to take a message to the council meeting; I will, but it would be good to hear it from you personally. To Bro Rufus and Tooie: You must be gang sympathizers, gang members, criminals, or buddies of these animals. What on earth possesses you to think these thugs should ever be free to walk our streets and kill again, or be able to sit with their fellow gang members and brag about their crimes? To the contrary, we don’t want the punks responsible for this crime to ever walk the streets of Oceanside again for the rest of their lives.

Moe wrote on Jan 10, 2007 12:59 PM:I agree with Bro Rufus and Tooie. An unfortunate error, but still only a mistake, nonetheless...

To Moe, Tooie and Bro Rufus wrote on Jan 10, 2007 1:24 PM:Years ago, when these kids Uncles were in the gangs, they fought with brass knuckles. Times have changed, these kids are now armed with guns, and don't just assault people, they kill them. Back in the day, if you were a thug, got busted for an assault you did 10yrs and came out and still had an oppertunity to straighten up, build a life, raise kids and all that we hold dear. Now it isn't assault, it's murder, it doensn't carry 10yrs, it carries a life sentence. There are no second chances in the game they are playing. It isn't an "error" or "mistake", perhaps if you don't want your friends locked up for life, you should ask them, "is this really worth your life?"

JB wrote on Jan 10, 2007 1:34 PM:To those that suggest that this guy be let go: ARE YOU NUTS? How can you consider his actions a mistake? He allegedly fired a gun towards another person, a cop in this case. What did he think might happen? (Oops...I didn't mean to point the gun at him and pull the trigger!) Anybody with half a brain would know what might happen. I agree with Greg that Bro Rufus and Tooie are gang sympathizers or gang members.

Tori wrote on Jan 10, 2007 2:03 PM:As a teacher, it never ceases to amaze me at the tears that students shed when their gang member friends are locked up or killed. I offer a consoling shoulder for the pain that they are left with in the wake of these violent uneducated choices, but also remind them that when gang members choose this way of life, there are three outcomes: imminent death, jail, or leaving the gang. While I sympathize with the hardships that youths face propelling them to a life of crime, it is absolutely ludicrous and frightening for community members to suggest that they should be freed and not held accountable for their chosen way of life.

Ken wrote on Jan 10, 2007 2:05 PM:Well "Greg in Oceanside" shows his own colors. Is insulting people, as in your 12:51 post, going to be your behavior tonight? Will that allow for progress or just anger people? Is it possible for you to tone-down your rhetoric?

Alf wrote on Jan 10, 2007 2:18 PM:Would JB also know if, by their names and sentiments, they are witches. When the words "all", "always", "ever", "never", "none" and "scum" are tossed around, my (BS alert) first reaction is to consider the source of those as people venting their steam without the desire to effect any real significant change.

Sanity wrote on Jan 10, 2007 2:32 PM:JB, I would concur with your diagnosis as to mental state with the caveat they may actually be CRAZY. As to you their sympathies, who knows? Now, "Greg" in Oceanside, have you ever heard what Arlo Guthrie said in room 604 in the song "Alice's Restaurant"? You are getting there.

friend 2 wrote on Jan 10, 2007 2:42 PM:To all the people that dont know P.J. and think that he should be in jail should just be quiet. You don't know P.J. he is a great friend and a good student. What he did is a mistake and he didn't mean to do what he did,just let him go. IF you get to know him you would 100% believe me. Everyone is praying for P.J. WE LOVE YOU AND THERE WHEN YOU NEED US P.J.

to friend 2 wrote on Jan 10, 2007 3:13 PM:what if that person that was shot and killed, someone you loved? whould you still feel the same?

UMMAGUMMA wrote on Jan 10, 2007 3:13 PM:let da homie be. I sure that friend know what she speaks of. So you're going to the council meeting, Greg? I'd like to see Bro Rufus run fo that office.

To Friend wrote on Jan 10, 2007 4:28 PM:It isn't a mistake when you point and shoot a loaded weapon at someone. The problem with the gangs is that you "friends" and "families" keep making excuses for, and insisting these guys are so loveable. The kids watch how you admire these thugs and then aspire to be just like them. It is time you guys said, if this is the lifestyle you are choosing, then I can no longer be your friend. Quit making excuses for these guys, make them responsible for their behaviors! Enough already!

Ken wrote on Jan 10, 2007 4:41 PM:"da homie" will be tried and if it is proven in court that he did it, he goes "up the river". We can not allow a teen, whether 2 weeks or 2 years from being a legal adult to get the special consideration that, if proven, he did not afford to Officer Bessant, that is the job of the law. What "UMMAGUMMA" illustrates in his 3:13 post is just how little he absorbed of his education as well as an attitude that I can't understand. I simply do not understand how the killing of Officer Bessant can be referred to as a "shame" while in the same post suggesting that a teenage murderer should just be let go so he can "get on with his life" as if the killing of a cop, another human being, is considered nothing more than a minor thing, an inconvenience. Can someone explain that to me? Please?

Remember the real victim, Bessant wrote on Jan 10, 2007 4:44 PM:It sickens me to read some of the posts where people are trying to portray this teenage gang member as a victim. He was old enough to pull the trigger and aim the gun at the police officer, he should be old enough to suffer the consequences. There is too many excuses out there rather than just stepping up and taking responsibilities for one's actions. I will not pray for P. J. as his friends call him but I am praying for Officer Bessant's widow and 2 month old son who will grow up without a daddy, such a senseless tragedy. I hope I get picked for the jury, there won't be any mercy from me.

unknown wrote on Jan 10, 2007 5:58 PM:For all the people that suggests that this kids shouid be trialed as adults I say to you people god forbids if that could happen to your child or family members.under the age. so please have sympathy.god bless us all.

to unknown wrote on Jan 10, 2007 7:08 PM:It didn't "happen" to this "child"--The "child" made it "happen"--The child, along with the family, should be held responsible. ALL the sympathy goes to the Bessants.

Blah Blah Blah wrote on Jan 10, 2007 7:33 PM:How come every time some young hoodlum winds up in big trouble all his friends and family get on here to say what a "good kid" they are, or were, or whatever. They never get on here on say how sorry they are that somebody was killed by the "good kid". "Let him go!" is more prevalent than "I am so sorry for what my scumbag relative/friend/son did". That is very sad. Maybe in prison these punks can hook back up with their mothers and fathers who are likely to be prisoners as well, judging by the great parenting they seem to have received.

Lacking wrote on Jan 10, 2007 7:55 PM:The people who are saying BJ should be let go are the main problems with society. Everyone cries foul when they get caught and nobody in the "hood" teaches their kids about taking responsibility for their actions. So you people crying about this "good kid." Well guess what, its too late and he is going to prison for the rest of his life. Let this be a lesson to all you whiners out there, take this negative act and teach other "good kids" about taking responsibility and accepting punishment when you screw up. The "MAN" didn't tell these "good kids" to shoot a cop, their awful upbringing. They never had proper supervision, no teaching, and no teaching about respect by their parents, family, and you cry babies who are their friends!

Bob wrote on Jan 10, 2007 8:26 PM:Why is the NC Times not printing what I am submitting? it is far less offensive than a lot of the racist comments you do post. No wonder your paper can't sell any subscriptions.

friend 2 wrote on Jan 10, 2007 11:14 PM:all should shut up if u dont know the whole story. we lost 2 people here. yall dont know me so dont judge wat i say cause its the truth n yes i have lost a family member by gang violence n whats the difference. different murders have differnet situations bessant knew what he was getting himself in to, and the risk. P.J. didnt have a choice. To everyone that is thinking right know that he did he didnt. Yall dont know him the way he was/is its like he is dead too we wont see him again. He was a great friend treated me with respect and everyone else. he just lost his life not even a second chance.lacking do u know him NO have you seen him even NO. So call me a cry baby i dont care your the one acting like a child insulting us you dont know us and im not from the hood so dont act like you know us. bessant left a family P.J. wont be able to start one and start all over again. Blah Blah he was a good kid! STOP JUDGING HIM PEOPLE YOU DONT KNOW HIM AND YOULL NEVER WILL.

Friends wrote on Jan 10, 2007 11:45 PM:I have a hard time reading many of the posts from the friends and familiy of these "good kids". I think the biggest problem is that not one of them can spell the easiest of words correctly. You say "dont judge wat i say", but the fact is it is hard not to judge you and your friends after reading such a pathetic exapmle of English. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all of P.J.'s friends to get back in school, complete the process to get a GED, and come back onto this site after you have gained a basic grasp of English.

to friend 2 and all the other friends wrote on Jan 11, 2007 8:07 AM:Who are you kidding? Bessant knew what he was getting himself into? That is the most ignorant comment I have ever heard. He didn't sign up to be a police officer to get shot. Your little PJ buddy did have a choice, the choice not to participate in a gang and the associated violence. He didn't have to pull the trigger on the gun. There are a lot of choices one can make growing up, and he made his choice. He has his whole life ahead of him. If he is convicted I hope he spends it behind bars in maximum security. Officer Bessant doesn't have the choice to live the rest of his life. He was the innocent party in this situation, not the people that pulled the trigger and killed him.

To Jay wrote on Jan 11, 2007 9:36 AM:when you run the country bud - in your dreams!!

To "friend 2" wrote on Jan 11, 2007 9:54 AM:P.J. didn't have a choice? The choice was ALL his! He had a choice to join or not to join. If you were a good friend of his, then you should have been with him to steer him away from all this b.s. Don't worry about P.J. He is enjoying the limelight. Seen him on TV lately? Is that what he wanted - a little bit of attention? You wanna be gang bangers are all pathetic! Do something constructive with your lives. Go back to school and get off the streets! You put yourselves out there for the picking. You make yourselves available for trouble - ALL the time. So, don't you sit on your myspace ridden pc and say that your friend should be spared. Wanna do the crime, serve the time! If it's life, then life it is for taking someone else's!

It will all come out in the trial wrote on Jan 12, 2007 7:48 AM:School records will reveal EXACTLY what kind of people these young men were AND to what extent their parents took responsibility. Good kids don't just wake up and decide to shoot a cop. There is a progression of bad behavior. Good kids don't skip school, don't get expelled, don't get in fights, don't do drugs, don't join gangs, and don't shoot cops. Everyone has a choice.

justice wrote on Jan 22, 2007 1:37 PM:i understand that the officer is gone and won't be able to hold his son ever again, but you also have to understand you are not making things easier for anyone with your comments. with all these comments about GEDS and whats right or wrong. most of you are already fighting each other over opinions and statements. what kind of justice is that. you tell P.J's friends to go back to school and get there GED then come back and write. you are judging them and they have every right to voice out their opinions. say what you have to say but i hope that you realize your giving a bad example instead of a good one.

To Jay wrote on Jan 22, 2007 10:20 PM:Regarding your comment- "when are we going to cut loose our last remnants of colonialism in places like Samoa and Puerto Rico that gives these miscreants American citizenship" -This will occur when were able to turn on the news and stop seeing the same American citizen that choose to kill her husband to cash his life insurance policy and on the same day turn around and make an appointment for breast implants.(Now I know for a fact that this women was neither Samoan or Puerto Rican) So to Jay next time you feel like being racist just turn on the news and keep count of the crimes commited by your race up against as you put it "miscreants". No matter what the race yes these kids should be held accountable for there actions and that's all to it.

Family wrote on Nov 3, 2007 4:53 PM:As a family member of PJ, I first wanted to apologize for the effects this tragic incident has caused the Bessant family. I also want to say that my cousin PJ is a good person inside and out. I truly believe that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and I'm not going to say it was wrong or right because I wasn't there, I didn't witness his actions... but I believe he wasn't the "killer" of the officer! Everyone has their opinions about my cousin and I'm just expressing my own! My heart goes out to the Bessant family, but remember evidence and the trial is what will determine the rest of his life! We love you PJ and may God be by your side!!!

REAL ONE wrote on May 28, 2008 1:35 PM:MAN WHAT THE HECK IS ARE YOU GUYS TALKING ABOUT MAN WE ALL KNOW PJ AND MEKI ARE GOING TO BE OUT IN JUST A LITTLE TIME I DONT CARE IF YOU ALL HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT SORRY WE ARE GOING TO BEAT THIS CASE AND THAT FOOL TALKING ABOUT GED COME ON YOU MUST HAVE GRADUATED WITH HONORS MAN FREE MY BOYS AND FINISH THIS ALREADY MEKI AND PJ U GUYS ARE IN MY PRAYERS ALL THE TIME.

feduh14 wrote on Oct 22, 2008 3:52 PM:I honestly don't know what happened but I know this is such a tragic situation for both families. Rest in Peace to Officer Bessant...my heart truly does go out to his family...but in regards to Jay's comment and use of the word "miscreants" to describe Samoan and Puerto Rican people..umm... you honestly make yourself sound stupid...Who are you to judge anyways? It's so funny because I bet that if these boys weren't "colored" but instead "white" oh my gosh..America would throw a pity party for them and free them the next day. Everyone on here that writes about PJ as a "hoodlum" or "gangbanger" do you know how it is to be raised in Oceanside? These boys weren't catered to with a silver spoon in their mouths...yeah it's easier said than done to stay in school an stay off the streets, but until you know the lives they live don't even think about judging them or their families..because if it was the other way around and it was your son, nephew, friend, brother, cousin,etc. you would have mercy on them too..and for those of you complaining about keeping "gang-bangers" off the streets, what are you doing to really make that happen? Get out there and do something besides bickering about it on the internet. There seems to be a lot of complaining but no action. only these boys know what really happened that day and God...in the end when it comes down to it our opinions and judgments won't matter...only God's. But I know that our God is a forgiving and gracious father..I just pray that they find the Lord while they are in there.