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Updated: 9:10 PM Jan 11, 2010
Family Members Speak Out at Martin Lee Anderson's Grave Site
Say They Still Seek Justice It has been more than two years since drill instructors and a nurse were acquitted in the Martin Lee Anderson boot camp case. But, the family is pushing for federal civil rights charges against the guards.
Posted: 9:10 PM Jan 11, 2010Reporter: Matt de Nesnera Email Address: matthew.denesnera@wjhg.com |
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11-month-old Martin Lee Anderson sat in his grandmother's arms Monday morning, watching his family celebrate his uncle's life while continuing the struggle to find peace.
The child is not yet old enough to know the story that most in Bay County know all too well. On January 5, 2006, 14-year-old Martin Lee Anderson was admitted to the Bay County Juvenile Boot Camp. He collapsed during a fitness run.
Camp guards thought he was faking, and tried to force him to continue the run. At some point in the altercation, they realized he was in medical distress and called for help. But, Anderson died the next day at a Pensacola hospital.
The first autopsy found the teen died of complications from sickle cell trait. A second autopsy found the guards were responsible. A grand jury indicted the guards and the camp nurse on aggravated manslaughter charges.
In October 2007, they were acquitted, and Anderson family supporters immediately began lobbying for federal civil rights violation charges. That's the story everyone knows; what we don't know is if U.S. attorneys will ever file those charges.
At her son's grave site Monday, Martin's mother, Gina Williams, spoke out for the first time since the trial. She asked, "Why is it taking so long for justice? Everything is right there in black and white, everything that was done to him, how he was killed on the field."
Martin's grandmother, Reto Williams, said she is trying to heal, but still thinks justice was denied in her grandson's death: "I do forgive the seven guards and the nurse, and I want to make that clear. But, I also believe they need to be held accountable. They are the ones that have to live with that. We do not, my conscience is clear."
But, not all of Martin's family members forgive. Gina said, "I don't think so. Something was taken away from me, my child. I would never forgive those. All that were involved in killing my son. The answer is no, no forgiveness for me, his mother."
The Bay County chapter of the NAACP and the RainbowPUSH Coalition support Martin's family, saying they did not get a fair trial. But last week, one of the guards' defense attorneys said he thinks this case is over.
"I've got news for them. Justice was served a couple of years ago when the jury found those men not guilty, and it disappoints me that they just will not let this go, they will not let this go," said attorney Waylon Graham.
Martin Lee Anderson would have turned 19 on Friday.
Latest Comments
I saw the whole video, and anyone can say what they want. The guards were beating him and stomping on him. Why didn't the prosecution show that portion of the video, the most vital part? There should have never been an acquittal. I remember some of the stuff that rooted out after that verdict. They had a shooting threat at Rutherford, and we had the NAACP come down here in droves. It's sad that a family has lost a child, and the ensuing injustice added to the grief.
Anon and Helen, you both need to do better research. Boot camp officials from the state already said that even if having sickle-cell trait was listed on the application that he still would have been more than likely admitted. The problem was when he said he couldn't run any longer that should have been a refusal to participate and he should have been turned back over to the court system. He should have never been forced and this situation would be moot. They don't even force you in boot camp or put their hand on you. They just separate you from service.
All standing around in their fur coats,dripping with gold.Probably rolled up in the Escalade on Dubs.I can't wait for the $$$$ to run out,Gina be right back on the corner.
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