Fourteen Year Old Boy Died in a Boot Camp

Martin Lee Anderson on January 5th, 2006 died on the spot, hours after he was admitted to a boot camp in Bay County, Florida for reasons related to thief of his grandmother’s car. Apparently during the physical exam he complained because he couldn't breathe and said he could not continue, after he collapsed during a run, right after that about seven guards including a nurse used pressure-point techniques, punched his arms, kneed him, slammed him to the ground and shoved ammonia capsules in his nose in an apparent attempt to revive him and compel him to join with their others because they assumed Martin was faking .

Martin´s family doesn’t beat about and sued the state’s juvenile justice agency and the sheriff’s office seeking at least $40 million from them. An autopsy by Bay County’s medical examiner determined that Martin died from complications of sickle-cell trait- a blood disorder primarily affecting African descent- and not the beating. A second autopsy, suggested by Gov. Jeb Bush, determinated that Martin wasn’t beaten to death but that he suffocated, due to the ammonia capsules. Family attorney Benjamin Crump said his clients offered to settle out of court for $3.1 million, but the offer was rejected. The Sheriff’s office published a written statement saying settling the case would be “premature because the investigation is incomplete and still pending at this time". Martin’s death became a controversial case and received national attention. On October 12th a jury found all 8 defendants 'not guilty' on all charges. This included simple manslaughter, child abuse, and child neglect. The verdict shocked most people. At the current time, there is a federal investigation underway.

Vocabulary

Shoved: Push somebody
Ammonia capsules: You put them under someone’s nose after they’ve passed out
Sickle-cell Trait: A blood disorder
Attorney: Lawyer
Settle out of court : Pay some money if you don´t want a trial.
Defendants: People who are accused
Manslaughter: An involuntary death
Neglect: When you don´t take care about something

Questions

1. Do you think Martin's death was a racist crime?
2. Do you think that was Martin's fault?
3. What is your opinion about the veredict?
4. Are Martin's parents interested in money or just in justice?
5. Which would be your veredict?