Text Of Judge's Remarks
Oakland County Probate Judge Eugene Moore's comments to 13-year-old Nathaniel Abraham upon sentencing him Thursday for second-degree murder:
"These remarks I address to you, Nathaniel Abraham: Your shooting and killing of Ronnie Greene has destroyed the lives of many people. You need to begin by imagining 10 times worse than you have ever felt in your life, and then imagine that feeling going on and on. This is the grief you have caused Mr. Greene's family. Do you begin to understand what you have done?
"You clearly need to put yourself in the other person's shoes. You need to learn to think before you act. You need to look at the consequences of your behavior for yourself and for others.
"You have done probably the worst thing anyone can do and that is to kill another human being. You are going to have to come to terms with this before you can begin to grow as a person and to develop the potential that all children possess. You need to learn to respect yourself and demand more of yourself.
"You are capable of learning to value human life and potential both in those around you and in yourself. Most children see themselves as the center of the universe. Children put their own needs first. In the long run you will best have your own needs met by concerning yourself with the needs of others. You will earn respect from others and self respect by treating others the way you want them to treat you.
"We as a community have failed you, but you have also failed us and yourself. I will be keeping a very close eye on you and your progress. When you are able to fully understand what I am telling you, I urge you to take advantage of the help we are trying to give you.
"The only thing you can do to repair the damage you have caused the Greene family is succeed. Don't let Mr. Greene's death be in vain. Help us help you and in turn help many other children in this community. No one can do it for you. You must do it for yourself.
"Nathaniel - you have the key to much of your confinement. Your behavior will determine this. If you do well, you will have more privileges. If you do poorly, you will lose privileges. I hope you succeed."