[kdonline]

Nikki: yes, Tate's mother was totally aware. They were offered the plea deal, but she refused it. Everyone in this community was shocked that they refused the deal. She is a Florida State Trooper...and was home during the tragedy, asleep upstairs. There was even talk of bringing up charges against her, for leaving the kids unattended.

(And personally, I DO think it's inappropriate to leave a 12 year old boy alone with a 6 year old girl - regardless of mental capacity. If they were family, maybe I'd change my mind, but they are not related.)

Priss: I agree with you 100%. This boy had no idea of his strength. Granted, he should know that playing rough like that is not appropriate, but being that he is low functioning, he probably didn't understand. (Another reason why the kids should not have been left alone.)

As for his physical change, I don't think it's frightening. I think he's gone through puberty - his stats are listed at 5'9", 196 lbs (current as of 12/7/03). My brother was a chubby 12 year old and grew into a tall skinny boy when he was 16.