A Cape Cod teenager pleaded guilty to attempting to own death of a fellow black man in the pond, spitting racial slander during Wednesday's sentencing.
John Sheeran, 15, of Chatham, Massachusetts, will provide approximately 700 hours of community service after attempting to murder and assault on dangerous weapons charges in December.
He also needs to attend online education classes and write an apology letter to the victim. If he re-incarnates before February 4, 2028, he could be taken into custody.
Sheeran, the victim and third teenager, who is white, said he entered the pond in July 2023 after another teenager threw a rock at the victim.
According to the District Attorney's Office, the victim, who was wearing a life jacket because he didn't know how to swim, was forced underwater by Sheeran.
Prosecutors said he was also said to have called the black boy “George Floyd” because he was said to have called the black boy “George Floyd.” He was told there was.
Barnstable District Judge Sylvia Gomes argued that the ruling was a fair resolution.
“We cannot undo what happened, but we hope that this resolution will bring closure and comfort to our community,” she said. According to the Cape Cod Times.
However, Sheeran's attorney Kevin Redington condemned the lawsuit against his client, claiming that the black teen was not a victim, and chose Cape Cod District Attorney Robert Garribois.
He argued that the story against Sheeran was crafted by the victims playing “race cards.” He pointed out that his client and victim were friends leading up to the pond episode.
He also accused Garivoi of calling him the “doll master” and instructing police to request Sheeran.
“I'm very pleased with my probation, although I'm incredibly happy with my probation in this case,” Reading said.
Galliboa's office supported the action in a statement to the Post.
“We are grateful that the courts have eloquently and concisely rejected the inflammatory and headline grabbing properties of defense attorneys, the District Attorney's Office said in a statement.
“We further agree to the Court's announcement that this is a criminal act, not a matter of horse dramas. The Court also applies the facts of this case to the accusations at hand, and that it is fair to all parties. I am grateful to provide disposal.”
But the founders of Amplify Poc Cape Cod, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating the racial wealth gap in the region, denounced the levelled punishment against teens.
“This assailant is easily descending due to his white skin and privilege,” Tara Vargas Wallace told The Cape Cod Times. “He goes home. Meanwhile, the victim in this case is lifelong hurt.”
