07-02-2011, 04:45 PM
Orlando Sentinel
More than two months after the brutal death of Marion County teenager Seath Tyler Jackson, his family released a statement about the young boy for the first time.
The two-page statement, which was signed by Jackson's parents, Scott and Sonia, and his brothers, Scott Jr. and Stephan, is the family's first message to the public since five teens were accused April 20 of plotting to kill Seath.
"Please do not think for even a moment that we have not felt that need to speak before this," the statement read, "but the combined circumstances in this tragedy were to say the least overwhelming."
Amber Wright, her brother Kyle Hooper and friends Michael Shane Bargo, Charlie Kay Ely and Justin Soto were all charged with first-degree muder of following through with a deadly plan to lure Seath to Ely's house in Summerfield where they allegedly beat and shot him repeatedly.
The group then burned the 15-year-old boy's boy in a fire pit until only ashes were left, according to documents. The ashes were dumped into paint cans, according to documents. Wright and Hooper's stepfather, James Young Havens III, was accused of acting as an accessory after the fact.
Seath's family, however, said in the statement that the boy was a person with a warm heart who would stick up for those who were bullied.
"We need to make it very clear; while he was still growing and strong Seath was never an abuser…" the family said in the statement. "He liked to make people laugh and would stand up for those who were laughed at. He was kind hearted and he would help friends and even their parents."
The family described Seath as someone who would help others, care for animals and "he did not go far from home without his bike."
The statement read: "For those of you that really knew Seath, you have seen his soft side."
The family mentioned that Seath aspired to become a fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and had plans to enroll in professional training at the age of 18.
"Seath experienced the same adolescent anguish and peer pressure that most all teens go through," the family said in the statement. "We know however, that with his own diligence, parental guidance and of course, some help from God he would have grown to be a productive citizen and good man here on earth."
Much of the statement consisted of the family thanking multiple people who helped them as they tried to cope with the loss of Seath. They said people across the United States and the world offered support and expressed appreciation for the help from the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
The family also thanked the media, the funeral home who helped with services and various community members and businesses. U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (D-Fla) were also specifically mentioned for sending a flag from the Capitol in Seath's memory.
"We were honestly stunned by the kindnesses of all of the community businesses, facilities, musicians, churches and volunteers who have done so much in such a short time," the statement read. "Thank you all for reaching out to us, his brothers and our extended family."
More than two months after the brutal death of Marion County teenager Seath Tyler Jackson, his family released a statement about the young boy for the first time.
The two-page statement, which was signed by Jackson's parents, Scott and Sonia, and his brothers, Scott Jr. and Stephan, is the family's first message to the public since five teens were accused April 20 of plotting to kill Seath.
"Please do not think for even a moment that we have not felt that need to speak before this," the statement read, "but the combined circumstances in this tragedy were to say the least overwhelming."
Amber Wright, her brother Kyle Hooper and friends Michael Shane Bargo, Charlie Kay Ely and Justin Soto were all charged with first-degree muder of following through with a deadly plan to lure Seath to Ely's house in Summerfield where they allegedly beat and shot him repeatedly.
The group then burned the 15-year-old boy's boy in a fire pit until only ashes were left, according to documents. The ashes were dumped into paint cans, according to documents. Wright and Hooper's stepfather, James Young Havens III, was accused of acting as an accessory after the fact.
Seath's family, however, said in the statement that the boy was a person with a warm heart who would stick up for those who were bullied.
"We need to make it very clear; while he was still growing and strong Seath was never an abuser…" the family said in the statement. "He liked to make people laugh and would stand up for those who were laughed at. He was kind hearted and he would help friends and even their parents."
The family described Seath as someone who would help others, care for animals and "he did not go far from home without his bike."
The statement read: "For those of you that really knew Seath, you have seen his soft side."
The family mentioned that Seath aspired to become a fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and had plans to enroll in professional training at the age of 18.
"Seath experienced the same adolescent anguish and peer pressure that most all teens go through," the family said in the statement. "We know however, that with his own diligence, parental guidance and of course, some help from God he would have grown to be a productive citizen and good man here on earth."
Much of the statement consisted of the family thanking multiple people who helped them as they tried to cope with the loss of Seath. They said people across the United States and the world offered support and expressed appreciation for the help from the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
The family also thanked the media, the funeral home who helped with services and various community members and businesses. U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (D-Fla) were also specifically mentioned for sending a flag from the Capitol in Seath's memory.
"We were honestly stunned by the kindnesses of all of the community businesses, facilities, musicians, churches and volunteers who have done so much in such a short time," the statement read. "Thank you all for reaching out to us, his brothers and our extended family."