tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post8248694677470778750..comments2017-06-25T13:49:50.989-07:00Comments on News: GUILTYThe Murray State Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397355752917207403noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-32946273295462043112007-02-06T17:07:00.000-08:002007-02-06T17:07:00.000-08:00Again read the duke university study. It's not SE...Again read the duke university study. It's not SELECTIVE if it's a blackout.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-32205997746724461842007-02-06T09:03:00.000-08:002007-02-06T09:03:00.000-08:00This indeed is a tragedy for both families; howeve...This indeed is a tragedy for both families; however, as many have said, if he would just own up to it it may have had a different outcome. If he was really that drunk, he would have had no idea how he got home--his story just doesn't make any sense. Someone doesn't "steal" your car and then bring your keys back to you and leave them in your bedroom. If he were to be honest, his story would be that he had no memory of how he got home, not that he "knows" he wasn't driving. He has very selective memory--and the jury didn't buy it. I do feel for his family as well as Nadia's--neither family will ever be the same.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-48916725118305004932007-02-06T05:28:00.000-08:002007-02-06T05:28:00.000-08:00I would like to know if any of the jurors read thi...I would like to know if any of the jurors read this blog and hear their comments regarding the case if they do. A couple of things that stick in my mind are 1. Did they know the length of the sentence when they found him guilty? 2. Could they have found him guilty on a lesser charge? 3. Did everyone agree immediately that he was guilty, or did somebody have to be convinced? I think he is guilty of her death, but I think he should have been charged with something other than wanton murder - perhaps vehicular manslaughter, or something in that range. I'm curious as to how the jury members would have felt about that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-77051891775860288872007-02-05T16:54:00.000-08:002007-02-05T16:54:00.000-08:00I'll try it again. Free info DUKE UNIVERSITY
htt...I'll try it again. Free info DUKE UNIVERSITY<br /><br />http://www.duke.edu/~amwhite/Blackouts/index.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-28650466270917641622007-02-05T16:53:00.000-08:002007-02-05T16:53:00.000-08:00Duke university has an article online discussing A...Duke university has an article online discussing Alcohol Related blackouts. I would post a link but I tried that earlier and for some reason it didn't make it to the blog.<br /><br />Liability??? Who knows.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-4183302063126364122007-02-05T16:51:00.000-08:002007-02-05T16:51:00.000-08:00BLACKOUTS...they happen.
God only help any of our...BLACKOUTS...they happen.<br /><br />God only help any of our children if they are immature and make a stupid VERY STUPID mitake that takes the life of another.<br /><br />BLACKOUTS...it is possible (beyond a shadow of a doubt = 3 hours) <br /><br />I think something is fishy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-18278990011603145342007-02-05T16:23:00.000-08:002007-02-05T16:23:00.000-08:00"The victim (God Bless her) was walking the wrong ..."The victim (God Bless her) was walking the wrong way on a narrow road, dark clothes on, 2:15 a.m. in November, plus she was ACTUALLY on the road. Thats no excuse for leaving her there but MURDER. Come on. If the person who did this wanted to cover this up all they had to do was pick up the rear view mirror and head out of town. This is just a tradegy, not murder. The person who did this had no idea they hit someone."<br /><br />Are you blaming the woman for being on the road? That's just tacky. As far as not knowing....surely you jest. I don't mean to sound harsh, but I've hit a dog before and there is no way I would have not known. If you drink and drive and someone is killed as a result...it is MURDER. If you don't like that fact try your legislators instead of trying to blame a dead woman for being on the road. You think he would have hit her if he wasn't drunk? You know maybe if he hadn't had too much to drink and gotten behind the wheel this would have never happened. But yeah, lets cast some of the blame on the person that was breaking no laws.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-38860965782354642872007-02-05T15:07:00.000-08:002007-02-05T15:07:00.000-08:00Ok, well all I know is that I hope and pray that i...Ok, well all I know is that I hope and pray that if someone I care about is ever in a situation where they are drinking and driving and happen to mow someone down in the process and then lie about it, may their jury be filled with the Yonts supporters on this page. They are truly the most forgiving people I have ever had the pleasure of coming across. I truly wonder though, what if the situation was reversed and we were reading about poor Harrison Yonts who was mowed down by a drunk, foreign exchange student. A person who's only defense was, "I wasn't driving, even though witnesses saw me and not one single person has come forward to say who the real driver was, and yes, I can wander around the neighborhood chatting with the neighbors and have the presence of mind to stain treat my shirt, but I can't tell you who that driver was..." I can just see the Yonts family and it's supporters, on the stand begging for mercy for the poor soul who killed their child and left him to die. Asking for leniency... Requesting that instead of time served in a correctional facility, the person just be sent off to do some motivational speaking...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-739461342862840102007-02-05T13:27:00.000-08:002007-02-05T13:27:00.000-08:00Maybe most of you posters should learn how to spel...Maybe most of you posters should learn how to spell his name its YONTS not YONTZ and she did not die hours later they said she died with in minutes. Why don't you get your lies straight befor you postAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-34441242027859121122007-02-05T13:11:00.000-08:002007-02-05T13:11:00.000-08:00And what is with people saying there was no proof ...And what is with people saying there was no proof that he was driving that makes him guilty in their eyes? Were you all sitting there with you fingers in your ears going "la la la" while the witness testified that she SAW HIM IN THE DRIVERS SEAT JUST A FEW FEET FROM WHERE THE ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-5896469979892072752007-02-05T13:07:00.000-08:002007-02-05T13:07:00.000-08:00That St. Louis Rams player someone mentioned earli...That St. Louis Rams player someone mentioned earlier? His name is Leonard Little, and he owned up to it. He plead GUILTY to involuntary manslaughter. He didn't go home and try to clean the blood off of his shirt and pretend everything is okay. Yonts is only a victim of his own stupid mistakes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-10346293516314928062007-02-05T12:19:00.000-08:002007-02-05T12:19:00.000-08:00For someonw who knows the family and not Harrison ...For someonw who knows the family and not Harrison I put this out for thought. Instead of our taxes (approx $20,000 yearly) being used to keep Harrison behind bars, let's try another route. Why not make Harrison speak to public and private university groups about the tragedy for the next 15 years and not get paid a dime. Drunk driving is dangerous and can ruin your life. Let him get that point across to kids and report to his parole officer or court on a monthly basis. Let his family support him, but he is to speak to students on college campuses around the US on his own money. My family has been involved in tragic accidents, no drunk driving involved, so I do have some experience with the anger some of you feel.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-27088093669424560262007-02-05T11:56:00.000-08:002007-02-05T11:56:00.000-08:00This accident could have happened to anyone of us ...This accident could have happened to anyone of us driving down that road that night,drinking or no drinking. The victim (God Bless her) was walking the wrong way on a narrow road, dark clothes on, 2:15 a.m. in November, plus she was ACTUALLY on the road. Thats no excuse for leaving her there but MURDER. Come on. If the person who did this wanted to cover this up all they had to do was pick up the rear view mirror and head out of town. This is just a tradegy, not murder. The person who did this had no idea they hit someone.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-67112485072246416822007-02-05T11:11:00.000-08:002007-02-05T11:11:00.000-08:00I also believe that Harrison Yonts is a guilty man...I also believe that Harrison Yonts is a guilty man but despite all the damning evidence against him I keep asking myself...What if he really wasn't driving that car? What if he is telling the truth? I guess I am playing devil's advocate and although I am 90% convinced...that 10% of doubt keeps nagging me.anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01828390799918362064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-76564004907553736302007-02-05T09:51:00.000-08:002007-02-05T09:51:00.000-08:00"This is a child that didn't purposely run over th..."This is a child that didn't purposely run over this woman. The jurors should have had some mercy for both sides of this case. I believe they are trying to set an example for MSU and didn't consider the punishment they put on Yontz."<br /><br />Let's break that down:<br /><br />a child: One that had too much to drink and got behind the wheel of his vehicle.<br /><br />didn't purposely run over this woman:<br />True. But he purposely left her there. Who knows what would have happened had he done the right thing? Let's not forget, she died hours later. Her life might have been spared, and all it would have cost him was his right to drive for a few years and a bit of probation. Instead, he let her (and her family) pay for his mistakes with her life.<br /><br />The jurors should have some mercy: They did. Suggested the MINIMUM sentence.<br /><br />they are trying to set an example for MSU: So, instead we should just let him go free after killing someone, and set the example that it doesn't matter what you do, if you've got the right connections you can get away with murder?<br /><br />didn't consider the punishment they put on Yontz: Just like he didn't consider Ms. Shaheen's life when he went to sleep that night. They DID consider the punishment. Once again, by giving him the MINIMUM sentence.<br /><br />I know Mr. Yontz is a friend to some of those giving their opinions on this matter, and I am truly sorry his family and friends. I know it must be difficult to see him go. However, the Shaheen family lost their backbone, their support, their mother. I do not take joy in the fact that he will go to prison. I find relief in the fact that justice was served, and the victims can find peace. The act of running down Ms. Shaheen may not have been intentional, but Harrison Yontz is in NO WAY a victim.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-53885093397665193462007-02-05T08:14:00.000-08:002007-02-05T08:14:00.000-08:00I believe this case was decided in the media long ...I believe this case was decided in the media long before it ever got to trial. Gossip and speculation are the evil that have surrounded this case from day one. I think it is proper to state facts and stop repeating what you "hear."<br /><br />I'm not sure what media you saw, but the local media around here didn't do much with it until the verdict. The Murray Ledger had basic articles totalling like three, the Paducah Sun had minimal coverage. People are really wanting to chalk this conviction up to things other than guilt. This case was barely even a blip on the media radar as far as stories go. Is it possible that he is guilty, and spent the whole time lying to keep from getting in to trouble. There's a lot of talk about how he's a good kid, but even good kids lie. Especially when faced with dire consequences. I think I remember reading somewhere that the majority of the jury was women. I'm sure most of those women were mothers. Do you think that a mother would unjustly convict someone they could see as a son? I'm not so sure. I feel entirely comfortable with this verdict. The defense made a terrible arguement of this case. If someone else was driving why were there only one, 1, fingerprint in the car that didn't match Yonts. Did they have the presence of mind to wipe the car down? Maybe you can buy in to this conspiracy theory, but logic and reason gets in the way of that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-56006097865933097912007-02-05T06:11:00.000-08:002007-02-05T06:11:00.000-08:00"I think he got what he deserved. I know many peop..."I think he got what he deserved. I know many people in the Greenville area. I have heard that this "accident" didn't stop him. He was seen by several driving around Greenville recklessly. Obviously thinking he would serve no time."<br /><br />You have "heard." This is exactly the type of thing that does not need to be repeated. I believe this case was decided in the media long before it ever got to trial. Gossip and speculation are the evil that have surrounded this case from day one. I think it is proper to state facts and stop repeating what you "hear."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-54722567412812705942007-02-05T05:04:00.000-08:002007-02-05T05:04:00.000-08:00People keep casting their aspursions upon the jury...People keep casting their aspursions upon the jury. They think that they were trying to make an example of Yonts when in fact this had nothing to do with it. When the jury was to decide what the crime would be (i.e. Wanton murder, manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, etc.) the judge only gave them the description of the crime, not the punishment portion. The jurors had no idea how long he would serve until they convicted him. Once the jury was given, then the judge gave the jury the terms of that particular verdict. And if you search for about five minutes on the internet you'll find that there are many, MANY cases where drunk drivers who killed someone are getting the same exact sentence, maybe more.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-40051321702563763952007-02-04T17:22:00.000-08:002007-02-04T17:22:00.000-08:00First let me say I have been reading some of the c...First let me say I have been reading some of the comments here and it amazes me how judgmental a lot of people are. There is a lot to be said for forgiveness. I know a lot about this family. I also know a lot about suffering and loss. I have lost a mother, father and a daughter. Taking this young man's life will not bring any closure to the family of the lady who was killed. The only closure they will have is to forgive and leave it with God. Then they can begin to heal. But what about the Yonts family? They will have pain and suffering that will last a lifetime. Who are we to judge if he is guilty? Yes, the jury said so. Three hours is a very short time to conclude and basically end a young man's life. If indeed he is guilty, he did not premeditate a murder. Murderers have gotten off with a shorter time than this. What did he do if he is guilty? He made a mistake many people do. Yes, he was drinking. Have you ever driven eating a hamburger, french fries or turning the knob on your radio? Yes?! Of course it is not alcohol but it is not following the rules of the road either. All of us are guilty as charged with breaking the rules. We have all failed at something in our lives. Do we justify that with taking another life? What about forgiveness? Yes, if he is guilty he should pay society a penalty. But 20 years? Yes, they have lost a mother. As I said I have lost a mother and father. I have lost a child. There is nothing worse in life than to outlive your child. It took many years of prayer for forgiveness. But that is when I got my life back. What about mercy? Her life cannot be brought back. His life can still be rescued. His family worked hard to get where they are. They were not born into money. They worked and earned it the hard way. So why is that offensive to some people? Because they don't know this family. You say an "eye for an eye"? Go read Genesis. God did not even give Cain the death penalty for intentionally killing his own brother. I hope this child (yes, he really is still a child) can be given some mercy along the way. Prison has never made anyone a better person. This is the worst that can happen to him....I pray for his family and for hers too....Forgiveness goes a long way......Greenville residentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-3226147044949319942007-02-04T13:59:00.000-08:002007-02-04T13:59:00.000-08:00The 'similar' incident that was discussed in earli...The 'similar' incident that was discussed in earlier post was that VERY SIMILAR. Exception being that man REMEMBERED what he did. <br /><br />He hit a man in our area. He then left the man to die by hiding in the woods and trying to get his blood alcohol level down. He did not call 911 for the man.<br />He tamped with evidence by trying to remove his liscence plate.<br /><br />SIMILAR INCIDENT...<br /><br />ONE EXCEPTION...."he knew he did it" and this man got 7 years. <br /><br />Horrible situation. HORRIBLE.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-60174923583444927342007-02-04T13:58:00.000-08:002007-02-04T13:58:00.000-08:00"What if????...
What if he blacked out and REALLY ..."What if????...<br />What if he blacked out and REALLY doesn't remember it? SERIOUSLY....I know of people 'back in college' who drank / blacked out and remembered nothing. There are people who have later found out they DROVE in SUCH A STATE! It IS POSSIBLE!"<br /><br />Just because he doesn't remember running over a person and leaving them for dead does not mean he didn't do it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-87610042145904885132007-02-04T12:41:00.000-08:002007-02-04T12:41:00.000-08:00I think he got what he deserved. I know many peop...I think he got what he deserved. I know many people in the Greenville area. I have heard that this "accident" didn't stop him. He was seen by several driving around Greenville recklessly. Obviously thinking he would serve no time. <br /><br />Harsh sentance???...HE LEFT HER THERE TO DIE!anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03248603145520008611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-43409659041525099152007-02-04T10:47:00.000-08:002007-02-04T10:47:00.000-08:00....as I stated earlier
"What if".......as I stated earlier<br />"What if"...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-57145146907981009532007-02-03T23:54:00.000-08:002007-02-03T23:54:00.000-08:00For everyone saying that his punishment was too lo...For everyone saying that his punishment was too long... it was the minimum sentence, what more do you want<br /><br />The fact of the matter is that this young man committed a crime, and instead of standing up for his wrong-doings, like a man doesn, he decided not to.<br /><br />If he would have been a man about it at any time, he would have at least had my respect. This would have included: calling the cops after hitting the lady... calling the cops in the morning... admitting to doing it... apologizing for doing it.<br /><br />But he didn't... he didn't do any of these. And because of this, I do not respect this boy. I hope prison teaches him how to be a man.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254432372376039288.post-74176671929859243162007-02-03T22:28:00.000-08:002007-02-03T22:28:00.000-08:00I am from Muhlenberg County (where Harrison grew u...I am from Muhlenberg County (where Harrison grew up). I do NOT know Harrison personally but I can say without a doubt that this thing sickens me~ as the 'rich, spoiled and wealthy part is OBVIOUSLY NOT true.' His mom works hard in a public school. They are not spoiled...just hard working moral people. <br /><br />What if????...<br />What if he blacked out and REALLY doesn't remember it? SERIOUSLY....I know of people 'back in college' who drank / blacked out and remembered nothing. There are people who have later found out they DROVE in SUCH A STATE! It IS POSSIBLE!<br /><br />It's a horrible situation (FOR EVERYONE).<br />It has made me sick to my stomach all day today as I cannot imagine something like this bringing a person 20 years. 10 maybe. <br /><br />I have child molesters living less than a mile away from me that served 2-3 years! I know of another 'person' that should have graduated with me who went to prison for a very similar incident (he got 7 years /served 4) <br /><br />We have a problem with our judicial system. If he PLANNED to EXECUTE this woman I would say life! But a sickening accident as such = 20 years. MERCY MERCY....I could not live with myself as a juror; it hurts me as a person without any involvement. I could honestly throw up over such a tragedy unfolding.<br /><br />This is a PERFECT example of who your father is going against a person. I hope the Yonts family files an appeal and anyone who is a solid Christian<br />would want MERCY for such a soul/ a soul with little to no hope at his age. God Bless the family that lost their mother. God Bless the families that grieve. I will pray for justice through the hands of the lord himself. May he lessen the burden for the young Yonts and bring him some salvation in whatever way he can. May God have mercy on all our souls in this forum...... <br /><br />Pity, mercy, forgiveness.....I am so sick. This is disgustingAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com