Status of Appeal 12/8/2008
Hello Everyone,
It's been a few months since our last posting and we wish we had some news for you on the appeal but this is the way it goes with the legal system. The process takes a lot of time. We will definitely tell you if we hear some news.
Since our last update, Gene was asked to participate in a panel discussion at California Lutheran University after a screening of William Gazeki's documentary about this case called "Reckless Indifference." Criminology professor, Robert Meadows, included the film in his series as a way to open discussion about the case and to teach his students about the law and how it is applied today. Dr. Meadows has written a textbook entitled, "Understanding Violence and Victimization." He mentions Brandon in one section of the book.
We always appreciate these opportunities. We were glad to see many of our dear friends, family, and supporters there and we were especially pleased to see some new faces - parents who had brought teenagers to see the documentary. In the past, we've spoken to many students (elementary, junior high, high school, college, church groups and scouts) and have focused not on the injustice of Brandon's sentence which speaks for itself, but about decision making and how actions can have consequences far beyond the moments in which they are made. We hope and pray that we have kept some of your kids from harm.
Brandon has also done his best over the years to help by patiently answering questions when students have written to him because they have chosen his life as a subject for their school reports. Also, sometimes kids write to ask him for advice and he hopes his answers help them to understand that prison is not anywhere a young person with their life ahead of the them wants to be, not now, not ever. At least two of Brandon's friends have chosen to focus their studies on criminology, one is finishing a 4 year degree and another is working on a doctorate. We know he made a difference in their lives and we hope many others.
None of this would be possible without the strength your ever faithful support provides to us and to Brandon. Thank you all for your steadfast love. We wish you the best this holiday season and always.
Warmest Regards,
Gene and Janice Hein
It's been a few months since our last posting and we wish we had some news for you on the appeal but this is the way it goes with the legal system. The process takes a lot of time. We will definitely tell you if we hear some news.
Since our last update, Gene was asked to participate in a panel discussion at California Lutheran University after a screening of William Gazeki's documentary about this case called "Reckless Indifference." Criminology professor, Robert Meadows, included the film in his series as a way to open discussion about the case and to teach his students about the law and how it is applied today. Dr. Meadows has written a textbook entitled, "Understanding Violence and Victimization." He mentions Brandon in one section of the book.
We always appreciate these opportunities. We were glad to see many of our dear friends, family, and supporters there and we were especially pleased to see some new faces - parents who had brought teenagers to see the documentary. In the past, we've spoken to many students (elementary, junior high, high school, college, church groups and scouts) and have focused not on the injustice of Brandon's sentence which speaks for itself, but about decision making and how actions can have consequences far beyond the moments in which they are made. We hope and pray that we have kept some of your kids from harm.
Brandon has also done his best over the years to help by patiently answering questions when students have written to him because they have chosen his life as a subject for their school reports. Also, sometimes kids write to ask him for advice and he hopes his answers help them to understand that prison is not anywhere a young person with their life ahead of the them wants to be, not now, not ever. At least two of Brandon's friends have chosen to focus their studies on criminology, one is finishing a 4 year degree and another is working on a doctorate. We know he made a difference in their lives and we hope many others.
None of this would be possible without the strength your ever faithful support provides to us and to Brandon. Thank you all for your steadfast love. We wish you the best this holiday season and always.
Warmest Regards,
Gene and Janice Hein
posted by Gene and Janice Hein at 6:53 PM
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