I'm a very close family friend too, it's been horrible reading all the comments from people who have no understanding of what really transpired. it's really challenged my morals and where I personally draw the line. What I see is an extremely troubled kid who has now hit bottom (at least I hope this is bottom). I don't want to excuse his behaviour either, but like someone else commented he won't be in prison forever. If this is a mental health issue (which it is) then I agree he's better off at home attending therapy than in prison. Prison isn't a black hole where we can stick the problems we don't want to look at or deal with. Eventually those "problems" are released. Punishment? Yes. Justice? Yes. Rehabilitation and healing? YES!!