Most commented article ever.
Vantrease Family Gets Scorn of Judge.
Before a single bit of information was given on the reconsideration of Austin Vantrease’s sentence, the Judge had a few things to say. He did not mince his words. Although not singling anyone out, he made it clear that any misconduct after the hearing would result in arrest and the charges would need to be answered for.
I was smiling inside. The entire narrative to follow is my personal account. I suspect the Vantrease’s have a different take on it. It seems the always do.
You see, after the sentencing hearing last November, the Vantrease contingent became quite hostile. Gale Vantrease (Austin’s mother) was yelling at me and the media just outside the courthouse doors. Court security made them leave the area. Incredibly, this behavior was right in front of the media!
The Vantrease’s (front row). Source via Dominion Post.
The group then re-established themselves in the parking garage, waiting. Since they had tried this tactic before, we were escorted by the court to our car. It turned into a melee immediately, as the media looked on. The Vantrease family was on the attack and began a confrontation with the court deputies who positioned themselves between us.
There was, however, one notable exception. Bob Vantrease (Austin’s father) paid for his parking stub and walked, head down, right through it all. His family was out-of-control and he didn’t even acknowledge it. No doubt, the mom wears the pants in that family. I suspect Bob Vantrease’s testicles are in her pocketbook.
Anyhow, last week I received a call from the Victim’s Office. They wanted to eliminate any of this immaturity on this go-around. Yesterday they had us park in a more secure location and escorted us to/from the court to our car without incident. I just don’t understand why the Vantrease’s are mean to me and my family. I really don’t.
Still, even if they somehow associate all this with me, why would they be so public about it? It just doesn’t help anything. Not even their own interests. This is a family that seems to lack both foresight and hindsight. Clearly they are not capable of either controlling or understanding consequences of their actions. Sounds just like Austin, now that I think of it…
The Hearing
Since there was absolutely no new information presented — other than Austin creating a disturbance in jail — the outcome was not a surprise. The judge denied a reduction of sentence. The lawyer for Vantrease was building his case around the support of the family (probably not a good idea) and Austin’s probability at being rehabilitated.
The judge said many factors weighed into the court’s sentencing. Rehabilitation was among the least of these concerns.
By now I’m sure many of you are wondering why Austin even made this attempt. I wondered the same. Then it dawned on me immediately after the hearing… he is simply setting himself up to appeal to the West Virginia Supreme Court. I found the Prosecuting Attorney and asked her. Yep, they had ALREADY filed the appeal. In fact, they filed it before yesterday’s hearing. Looks like we’ll be dragged down this path yet another time.
Media
As is the case from the beginning, the media was present at the trial. I have included a news video segment below from yesterday evening. There is huge interest in this case and the outcome of the trial was public before I even returned home. I’m sure it will be picked-up by the Associated Press (if not already).
VIDEO
Related articles
- A Must Read! Vantrease Coverage (rallyforryan.wordpress.com)
- Vantrease: Motion for Consideration of Sentence (rallyforryan.wordpress.com)
Is it really necessary for “intruders” to come onto this website and hit the thumbs down?????? Start your own blog and say whatever you want, just don’t bother coming onto this one! That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
still here!!
I just got done reading all these posts. I tell you one thing now. I Like Everyone i dont think theres one person that i dont like BUT I tell you one thing. Bob, with you saying that you see the Diviney Family is not forgiving “Well guess what” If that was My Son going through what he is with his life stolen from him i would NOT forgive eaither. Ken, Sue and Family I sure Hope that you guys dont listen to these people that try to put you down there just showing how nasty people can be. May God Deal with Them! I Am Glad to see all Ryans Supporters Holding together!
Ken
Don’t ever let anyones Rude comments bring you down! For what You and Your Family has went thru and is continueing to go through i just cant believe that they would even want to change From prison to corr facility. This was a Horrible thing that happened and i feel that he needs to pay for what he did to Ryan! Prayers From Morgantown
Laughing Out Loud at everyone and there opinions.. everyones got alot to say and they all brought their Thesaurus’ and were to sure to use spell check
Everyone except for you, billy d, everyone except for you…
Paula, I wasn’t sure if billy d was trying to insult or complement. And, if so, if it were meant for Kate and Bob or everyone else. I almost asked before seeing your response.
Wow, I read this entire set of discussions. I am so glad that Austin’s request was denied. I am also terribly saddened that his family/friends just don’t “get it”. The proof is they continue to blame the Divineys and refuse to take responsibilty for Austin’s actions. Hmmm, they spend money for legal fees to get Austin out of a crime we all know he committed. Appeal? Appeal what? That money should be to pay the fine to the Divineys that was part of his sentence. I guess paying is admitting guilt, which he is too cowardly to do.
Kate, you may want to take a closer look at who you associate with…I think I would end the friendship with the Vantreases…perhaps not for what Austin did, but for the reaction of his family to what he did.
Glad his request was denied, he does not deserve any less of a punishment.
Haters? Wow. We “haters” are so hateful that we pray for Ryan without fail, and many even meet weekly as a group to brainstorm about ways to help Ryan/his family and of course end our meetings in prayer. We spend many evenings and weekends running errands, making meals, doing fundraisers, and providing emotional/physical/financial support for a family that many did not know prior to this horrific tragedy. We “haters” even try to bring good cheer over holidays and birthdays so that the Divineys can have a smile now and then. We write letters to countless folks trying to get the word out about Ryan and his family, all with the hope of helping ease some of their financial burden. Can you imagine how much more territory we “haters” could cover if the Vantreases and Mays and their supporters rolled up their sleeves and tried to help too? I’m glad you reached out to Ken. I think that’s a great first step. I have no idea what you said but I hope it was a heartfelt apology for what your son did to Ryan. And I hope there was a promise to help financially. Short of that, this “hater” doesn’t have much else to say except that the Ashburn community of “haters” are decent, kind, loving people who take care of their own. And we ask for nothing in return. We help because we WANT to, not because we feel we have to. And the icing on the cake is that we do all of this out of love…and don’t want/need to be recognized for ANYTHING. God calls us to do His will with good cheer. That’s what this “hater” does. † †
I have been called a “hater”, member of the “god squad”, “Prayer Warrior” and founding member of “Sue’s Crew”. Call me what you want, God has my back and for that I am blessed. Continue………
Amen, Jen.
I am saddened by this entire discussion. None of it will change what happened in November 2009.
The news this week in the Washington, D.C. area, included a story of an auto “accident” that resulted in the deaths of three young adults. The driver, also a young adult, is in jail. There have been similar stories almost every year and when I read them I reflect on what is the more difficult “parent role.” To me, as terrible as it would be to have a child die (and I have had two of my own children die under different circumstances), that would be easier than knowing that my child is still alive, but as a result of his or her actions, someone else has died. I can’t fathom what it would be like to be the parent of the driver in this week’s news, or the parent of Austin Vantrease. What I suspect, though, is that those parents do not have the support that Ken and Sue have through this website. I don’t want to minimize that support or the need for it, or to suggest that what happened to Ryan is not important. However, I have known parents whose children have “gone astray” despite best efforts and those parents agonize over the actions of their children. Think about the young man who shot Rep. Giffords and killed six others. There are countless other stories like that. Parents of individuals who commit such acts are not likely to receive support from strangers as have Ken and Sue, although I can’t help but wonder if their grief is not just as great, although different.
I continue to pray for all the families involved, the parents and the children.
Marilyn, get back to me if you ever get a phone call from a hospital at 3:00AM telling you your son or daughter has been punched and kicked n the head by a couple of hot headed miscreants and is on life support. Then we’ll see how beneficent you feel toward the heartless souls who did this to your loved one.
You are missing my point. I could not fathom my child doing this — yet, if he or she did, my grief would be insurmountable. So, without minimizing my compassion for the Diviney family, my heart also goes ou to the Vantrease family. The whole story is such a sad one.
I am from Delaware, and I could not be more disgusted by the Vantrease family, or the thought that he went to the same school I went to. I’m a “regular” kid who was a senior at UD during the fall of ’09. “Regular” kids reacted to the Phillies World Series loss by drinking some more beer and going, “Oh, there’s always next year.” A “regular” kid didn’t react by going off and beating a guy to the point of being in a year-and-a-half coma.
Ryan should have graduated from WVU this spring. He should have been at bars, at graduation parties, laughing with his friends, and reminscing about about the past four years. Ryan should have been wondering about his future, about what grad schools he wanted to go to and what the next degree was that he wanted to earn. Ken, Sue, and Kari should have been yelling their heads off as they watched their son step off the podium after recieving his degree. The whole family should be throwing a graduation cook-out at their house, with their family and friends celebrating Ryan’s big accomplishment.
“Kate”, I got to have all of that a year ago. Ryan and his family will NEVER get to have that, and it’s because Austin Vantrease and Johnathan May decided that saying “Phillies suck” warranted a beating. Ryan will be lucky if he can wake up and the lead the life of an infant, and that’s so incredibly unfair for a guy who did absolutely nothing wrong.
Alright, I just realized I calculated Ryan’s graduation year wrong, but I stand by what I said. This guy and whole family got robbed of wonderful experiences that he should have had, but can’t because two guys decided that a diss on their team warranted getting sucker-punched and kicked in the head. It’s incomprehensible that anybody could ever do something so horrific over something like sports fandom. Austin’s a sociopath, and I hope he stays locked up for a long time.
You have shown more remorse in getting Ryan’s graduation year wrong than any amount shown to the Diviney’s from May and VanTrease and their families. You are sweetly forgiven, no I am not talking to you Jonathon or Austin.
Stop it! To be clear, I know “Kate”. She isn’t a member of the Vantrease family. She is a good and honorable woman, who is trying to deal with an awful situation … her friendship with the Vantreases, but also, her sincere sympathy for Ryan and his family.
I understand the Divineys’ not forgiving. I read what Ken wrote and, although not agreeing with it, can at least attempt to see where he is coming from. It is his only son, for God’s sake.
The rest of you, quit speaking about what you don’t know. You are haters. And, in my mind, never mind, won’t say it.
Ken, I reached out to you today. Really thought you would respond. Anyway, asked that you not post what I said. At this point, don’t care … do what you want.
You people … not the Diviney family … stop. Stop the hatred. You are not Christians … God will be our witness.
God bless Ryan and his family and pray for his recovery. And God forgive the haters.
Bob
Really, Haters???? Bob, I can’t speak for anyone else that posts on Ryan’s blog, I can only speak for myself. I hate no one. I feel shame that young men would beat another into a coma. I feel shame that the families of these young men don’t offer financial assistance to Ryan to assist in his medical expenses. I can’t believe that Kate or anyone else would get on Ryan’s page and put blame on the Divineys! Christian, Hindu, whatever an individual believes has nothing to do with right from WRONG! I suggest that you hit the confessional this weekend and ask your maker for forgiveness. Catholic school does make a good person. A good person is born!
Bob, has it not crossed your mind that maybe Ken was too busy taking care of Ryan to respond to you??? Have you any idea what he does for him each day?
Bob, scripture teaches us that God loves everyone. God doesn’t hate anyone, but he hates any actions that we do that don’t bring glory to him. People are angry about what happened to Ryan and they lash out. They hate what Austin did to Ryan.
If you are Bob Vantrease, Austin’s father, then God wants you to do the right thing. Do right by the Diviney family. You can’t fix what Austin has done to Ryan, but you can ease their burden through genuine remorsefulness and by compensating the Divineys for this horrible situation that your son caused. Do God’s will, Bob. Do God’s will.
Whoa, Bob!! Did you miss the part about no apologies, no offer to help, no nothing? How do you size it all up, in your mind, that a person has the right to come here and have the nerve to *complain* about the distress of the Vantrease family, when Ryan is in a semi conscious state fighting for his life every day! Get a grip, man!
Just so everyone is clear, this is not from Austin’s father, Bob Vantrease.
Bob,
Forgiveness is much easier if not only possible when the victimized party sees remorse from their attacker andor their families. Why should the Diviney’s forgive Austin if they have not seen any remorse? I don’t believe I am a hater but I know that I would not be able to forgive someone who put my child in a coma and does not have the ability to say and SHOW that he is sorry. Same of course goes for the family, after all it was their son!
Bob, I am skeptical of your motives here. I believe you realize that your bullying and threats are not going to work. Your attorney must have advised you to be nice to Ken and his family to get a reduced sentence for you son. Your son BEAT a defenseless human being. What kind of person does that? An animal does that. Animal. I only wish Austin rceived a longer sentence. Still, you have not taken responsibility or apologized for any of this. You walked away when your cruel and inhuman family began threatening Kens family. What is wrong with you? Are you not a man? Now, you bring GOD into this, saying we are not Christians. Really? We are not Christians-but you and your family for making this situation worse with threats and lawyering manipulations are actng Christianly? We are not Christians, but your son who beat another defenseless human being into a year and a half long coma is?? You state we don’t know what we are talking about. So…the transcripts and news stories are incomplete? Please Bob, ENLIGHTEN us. What don’t we know? What is the whole story that is not being told? Devil made Austin do this? Ryan, with his hands up not wanitng to be involved in an altercation made Austin do this? Sad. No wonder you have a child like Austin. Nut doesn’t fall far from the tree. Ken, don’t let this animal out of his cage one day early!
To Kate: the only thing about this whole assault on Ryan that is “angry, hurtful, vindictive and serve no purpose” is the sucker punch by Jonathan May, the kicks in the head by Austin Vantrease and the continual dragging of the Diviney family to court to get out of the consequences for their actions..
Maybe you should visit this website more often, you would get a feel for what good people are like. People who help others who are in need, financially, mentally and physically. It is obvious you are not familiar with that behavior as evidenced by your post. Kate, may God bless you and yours also.
There were not many people in that courtroom yesterday Kate.
Ken, Kari, Sue, and especially Ryan…I’m sorry to see how clouded some people’s heads can be. Always praying for your miracle!
Love, Peggie
SHSP every day, heart and soul. Praying, praying, praying. Please be strong Diviney family, for yourselves and for Ryan. You have a tremendous group of people who have become an “extended family” of sorts who will work tirelessly to uphold you in all ways.
Blessings.
Wow, that is some reading. I am very relieved that Austin’s sentence remains the same. As for Kate….., she seems as though she is another person associated with that clan that needs to learn to take responsibility for her actions. Still here.
Listen, Kate — I’m not sure if it’s possible for you to comprehend just how far reaching and widespread the damage is that was caused by your son. (Are you his Mom?)
You know how some families look forward to going out to dinner on Friday nights to celebrate the end of the week? The Divineys may never do that or anything else together again outside the four walls of their home, since they need a family member to be with Ryan at all times. How does that sound to you? It’s not just the terrible pain and life shattering injuries Ryan has endured and from which he continues to suffer, and the chronic sense of fear and sadness the Diviney family and their friends feel — it’s the inability of Sue being able to visit her father when he’s sick, it’s the loss of some acquaintances who seem to be walking into the distance. It’s being unable to remember the meaning of the words “carefree,” “joyful,” or “peace.”
The damage inflicted by your son on an ambitious, intelligent young man full of promise is soul altering. How would you like to have your home made into a make shift hospital? Or have your hands and back ache from stretching your son’s arms and legs every day, or your mind constantly churning trying to figure out what else you can do to help him? How would you like to look at your son every day, hoping against hope he will say something to you? And never again be able to hear the phone ring without flinching in a momentary panic? Are you starting to get the picture? There are no vacation plans, no vehicle properly equipped to take Ryan to necessary appointments, and not a single night of solid sleep — ever. I could go on, for this is but a snapshot of how the Divineys’ lives have changed since November 9, 2009. They have been robbed of life as they knew it, left with a unending succession of days of constant worry.
The next time you feel slighted or angry about the reactions of others, contemplate these things. I doubt you will be able to utter a word against them. They’re good people, they worked hard to make a happy life for their family, and your son took all that away from them. How can you frame that in any other way except with extreme sorrow and contrition…
Beautifully stated, Paula. This is why we are Ryan’s Army and this is the reason we are here to support Ryan and the entire Diviney family.
I think I speak for the rest of “Sue’s Crew” when I say, Amen!
I second that amen!
It am just floored that there are people out there like the Vantrease’s, May’s and this “kate” character. I read this entire page with my jaw dropped in shock of what was stated by kate and in awe of how many people love and support the Diviney Family.
Don’t people realize that how horrible they are? Karma is a b**ch….
Still here, still praying and always will be.
Wow, what a train wreck! Kate posts her views and in typical Vantrease fashion tries to pin blame on the victim. Then a second post says, “Please delete the post. It was done in haste in frustration.” Ummmm, isn’t that how Austin acted, in haste? As Mr. Diviney and his daughter so eloquently said in one of the first interviews after the court found Vantrease and May guilty, “The sad thing is that Ryan is a friendly guy. If they would have just gotten the chance to know him, they would have liked him.” (paraphrased). How true. Kate, you know what would go a long way? A heartfelt apology, begging forgiveness, and helping offset some of the exorbitant costs for Ryan’s medical care…the costs that are not covered by insurance. (We’re talking hundreds of thousands of dollars here Kate!!!). If my child were responsible for this despicable act, I’d be doing everything in my power to help right the wrong and do whatever I could to make the Divineys whole again. Assuming you are part of the Vantrease family, can you do this? I suppose time will tell what you’re made of.
Carla,
Are children are representative of both nature and nurture. The hostility shown by Gale VanTrease in the parking structure gives clear insight into where Austin got his anger and lack of judgement from. I agree with Ken that Austin’s dad lacks strength in the area of being the backbone of a family, or sadly, could be so embarrased by his family’s actions he was trying to escape them unnoticed.
Those of us that have had the wonderful fortune to meet the Divineys, and “our boy” Ryan, have been blessed with the honor of helping them in anyway we can. “Paying it forward” may be a term the Vantrease’s are unfamiliar with. For their information it is showing gratitude for past blessings by helping others. My guess is this may be a term they will not be becoming familiar with soon.
Love in Christ,
Jenny from the Block
SUCH great news!
Still here, every single day.
I hope Austin Valtrease burns in hell for what he has done to not only Ryan, but also the family.
And then to have the audacity to try to have the sentence reduced, after you have ruined many peoples lives? You truly are low lives that all deserve to be put in jail. I hope he sits in a prison cell for the full 10 years. He should consider this as getting off easy, considering he should have been given a life sentence without parole.
You, are horrible parents for allowing this, showing your ability to not only hurt, but also continue to hurt through your actions in the courts and outside of the courts.
Have fun in Hell!
Someone tell me, who the hell is Kate??????????????????? Is she the sister????
Gloria, I was wondering the same thing. Who she was, and then not because I support her, but out of honest curiousity, I would LOVE to know her side of the story – because I have read every media account that I can find on this story, and from each one, I view things as Ken puts them. I’m honestly curious how she views this situation. Also, what happened to the second posting and what did it say? I missed that — and it’s not on my view of comments. Ken, my prayers are with Ryan and your family – always – each and every day.
Thanks for asking Gloria! I was going to ask the same thing. Maybe she is Jonathan’s mother?
Kate – who are you?
Wonder if she will answer!?
I tried Googling a bit for “Kate” “Vantrease”, etc. and did not come up. Maybe somebody else can research…?
I don’t know who kate is, but she’s not the sister. austin’s sister’s name is andraya.
Wow! Ken and Sue, what respect, affection, and loyalty you all have inspired—to have such smart and caring people step up to defend you, when they see that you have been criticized or attacked!
Ken and family, I could not believe that Kate would actually post those horrible comments on your site. I have been praying and will continue to pray for Ryans recovery! It is hard to believe that people could be so clueless after all this time.
Ken and family, I could not believe that Kate would actually post those horrible comments on your site. I have been praying and will continue to pray for Ryans recovery! It always amazes me that people like the VanTrease family just do not have a clue what their son has done to your family and I am sure they never will! It seems they are a very sad lot and will continue to be. I will keep the hope and prayers coming to the Diviney family!
Ken I’m really sorry you have to go through this again because of that coward Austin and his low life / white trash family.
Kate you obviously did a horrible job raising your son because he turned out to be a real dirt bag. Then again reading about you and your family these past few years has made it clear why he turned out that way. Shame on you and your family.
You wrote it…………….you own it. Be accountable. In your first post you state that I know this post will be deleted. Well it wasn’t deleted. NOW, in your second post you want the first message deleted. It seems to me that “this is your life” you better figure out how to live it.
Gloria,
Again, I apologize. I am accountable.
Kate.
I am so very curious. How is it that you have become accountable. Is it for the terrible beating that your son gave Ryan or are you talking about the post that you wanted removed. Have you ever wondered what Ken and Sue go through day to day, week to week, month to month, year to year. Working with Ryan for small improvements and being thankful when he doesn’t have a temperature or he rested through the night? Have you ever wondered how will they ever pay for all the medical help that Ryan now requires? Have you ever offered any kind of assistance? So, please humor me and explain your accountability.
Mr. Diviney,
Please delete my earlier post. That is the one I should not have written and did so in haste and frustration. Please accept my apology. Keeping it posted is serving no positive purpose. thanks.
Kate
I’m sorry that this nightmare is dragging on the way it is. I am constantly praying for complete resolution in regards to justice in this case and the restoration of Ryan’s health. May both be obtained soon.
I am truly sorry. Please delete my post. I should not have vented this way. It was not meant to anger or inflame the situation. I feel awful. And again, God Bless your family.
Kate
Kate, if you are looking for sympathy, you’ve come to the wrong blog. Angelique is absolutely correct. Did you get a call from the Victim’s Office? Did they offer you an escort? Didn’t think so – the Judge’s message was for your family, not the victim’s family. It’s funny how every media outlet told the story of the post-trial scene in the parking lot in an identical fashion to how Ken has told it in his blog, yet somehow the Vantrease clan sees it differently. Big shock.
I suggest you tell the Vantrease family to quit praying and start paying!
The tip off that the Judge was talking to the Vantrease clan is when the Judge looked at Austin and said something like “I just want you to know, Mr. Vantrease, I will not hold any of this against you today”.
I’d say that’s a pretty good clue as to whom the Judge was directing his comments.
That would be Point No. 2, which demonstrates WHO the judge was addressing. (Point No. 1 was the call from the Victim’s office, assuring escort…)
There is a difference between being in error and having additional information. What you have offered does not make Ken’s statment wrong or in error in any way, shape of fashion.
Looking at this objectively, I have a hard time digesting that supporters of Austin misdirect their anger towards the victim and his family. Just simply don’t get that part. Be angry at the criminal justice system, the judge, the jury, the process……not the victim….not the victim’s family.
In this case, she is both wrong and in error.
Agreed. She doesn’t see at all.
It is not possible that the punishment will ever fit this crime. Of course, they have filed an appeal, because, after all, in their words, “it was a fight… …” For the record, a fight is between two or more. Ryan never raised a hand to anyone. Clearly, this was a beating, and Ryan is the victim. I pray that Vantrease and May will not have any other victims. I don’t believe that jail time rehabilitates, but punishment must be carried out. Two to ten? And May only served 5 months of his sentence? This worries me! Still here.
Mr. Diviney, your memory and description of the events in the parking garage last summer and at the court house are in error. I sat in the court room yesterday wondering what the judge was talking about when he mentioned there would be consequences for friends and family if need be. What you must not know is that members of your family/friends’ group threatened our sons. The bailiffs in the court room threatened our boys in front of us. One bailiff told my son, who was walking with me, that he would kick his ass and take off his uniform to do it. He continued this behavior until I took I my cell phone out to begin recording, when he quickly turned on his heels with his head down, and crossed back over the street he followed us to. I would have reported it, had I thought anyone would listen. One father supporter stuck his foot out trying to trip one of our kids IN THE COURT ROOM. One of your supporters soiled my car in parking garage (my DE tags evident). Like you, after that, I chose to park somewhere more secure. So, when the judge made his comments yesterday, I really believed he was talking to your group of supporters. It is obvious to me that your perception is completely opposite of mine. I continue to pray for Ryan’s healing and for yours. We are regular people, with regular careers, who have raised regular kids just like you. Your comments are angry, hurtful, vindictive and serve no purpose. And for that I will not judge, because I may be doing the same thing if I were in your shoes. I realize you will delete this quickly, but at least I have made my point. May God Bless you and your family and I mean that with all my heart. I typically do not visit your website, but after yesterday’s events, thought I would.
Kate
I’m just curious here, as an outsider, if you also received a call from the Victim’s Office as well as an escort from and back to your vehicle? I think it’s pretty clear here who the victim is, or rather who the victim(s) are. How petty for you to get on this website and insinuate that the people who donate money, volunteer time, and pray daily for Ryan’s recovery are like the Vantrease family (who we all know have not sent a penny of the money they rightfully owe the Divineys). Shame on you for trying to antagonize the Divineys even more. Haven’t you people done enough?
Kate, I am going to assume that you are the mother of the criminal that beat Ryan into a coma. “Regular” people and “Regular” kids, I highly doubt that. You have no idea the pain and suffering you and your criminal son have caused. Your “regular” son has taken away Ryan’s life as he knew it and his future. Your “regular” son refuses to be accountable for his actions. I can only tell you that if I were you I would be dying with remorse knowing what my “regular” son had done to another human being. Shame on you for attempting to transfer the guilt and blame. There is no forgivness for the criminal until he accepts responsibility and is fully accountable for his actions. I might add that this would apply to you as well. Shame on you and your “regular” son! The truly sad part of this entire nightmare is that your “regular” son will be able to continue his life after serving his time. I also believe that your “regular” son will probably find himself in similar situations throughout his “regular” life. Oh, by the way Kate, I would recommend that you read this blog on a daily basis so that you and your “regular” family can see first hand what your “regular” son did to an exceptional young man and his family! Kate, your “regular” son attacked and beat Ryan into a coma. What’s your perception of that?????
Gloria, Very well said and absolutely true ….I hope there are not too many “regular ” kids around
regular-1.conforming to a rule, type 2.conforming to a fixed principle or procedure 3. customary or established 4.consistent 5. functioning in a normal way
I looked this word up just to make sure that I knew the true meaning.
Kate, how do you think that the judge was directing those comments to Ryan’s support group when you said that you didn’t report any of the incidents that you are alleging? Court officials clearly saw the harassing that the Diviney’s had to endure, so doesn’t it make more logical sense that the judge was speaking to the Vantrease family? Also, if the bailiff who threatened your son had indeed gone through with the threat and punched your son and then kicked him in the head when he was on the ground, I wonder if your comments would be “angry, hurtful, and vindictive?” I would say that Austin’s and Jonathon’s actions on the night of the beating were, “angry, hurtful, vindictive and served no purpose.” Austin Vantrease and his family have given no reason for Ken Diviney to use any other type of comments about them. You are wrong when you say, “we are regular people, with regular careers, and regular kids just like you” Yes, that WAS the Diviney life and I’m am sure they would love to be living a ‘regular’ life again. Because of Jonathon Mays and Austin Vantrease, the Diviney’s are anything but “regular people, with a regular career, and regular kids,” that was stolen from them. So, sorry to say, but I think everything you typed was in error.
“Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse in which false information is presented to the victim with the intent of making them doubt their own memory and perception. It may simply be the denial by an abuser that previous abusive incidents ever occurred, or it could be the staging of bizarre events by the abuser with the intention of disorienting the victim.”
Cut it out, Kate. I’m surprised Ken even allowed your comment to stand. But it shows that nothing surprises him anymore — even people who try to re-victimize himself and his family. The only words out of your mouth should be: “I am so very, very sorry for what my son did to your son. We will spend the rest of our lives trying to help you in any way we can, financially and otherwise, still knowing that even this won’t repair the unfathomable damage done. Your anger is justified, and I must accept it as part of the consequences for the abominable behavior of my son. Still, I expect my son to ask for your forgiveness, whether you will give it to him or not. This would be my son’s first step in acknowledging his culpability, remorse and the lifelong commitment he must have to help Ryan and your family in any way he can.”
All other words don’t count until you can say this to Ken and his family. Praying that someday you will.
Amen!
WOW….spot on
Perfectly said Paula. Just perfect. May your words resonate and provoke change with anyone who thinks differently…
Well said.
Kate,
I am sure this is very hard on your family. However, why would you post on a site where people are just trying to support this family? Of course your comments won’t be deleted…it shows the kind of people that the Diviney’s are dealing with. You and your family can sit and have a conversation with Austin. He can tell you what he is feeling and you can give him words of encouragment. That is far far more than what the Diviney’s can do.
Please just let this family have a tiny place on the internet where they can write down their thoughts. Sometimes they are happy, alot of times sad and yes sometimes angry. They are allowed to feel this way and we are here to give whatever support we can.
If Austin and the family were really sorry for what has happened then they would be posting positive comments and attempting to help the Diviney’s with some of Ryan’s medical bills. By not doing so it tells us that he and his supporters will never taken ownership.
It is VERY sad that 100% complete strangers donate their money to this family in need and the person responsible gives nothing.
Kate, read that last sentence that Jennifer wrote very carefully. Let it sink in. Tell Gail and Bob Vantrease (Austin’s parents) to do what is right. Tell them to do what any decent, civilized person would do. Outside of a courtroom, there has been no apology to the Diviney family. No remorse. No empathy. No compassion. Nothing. Gail and Bob have not paid the Diviney family a dime for the care of Ryan. Austin basically took another man’s life over something completely senseless. The silence and lack of ANY positive action by Gail and Bob Vantrease is sad, inhumane, and despicable.
Kate,
Some of us are wondering…what is your relationship to Austin? or the Vantrease family? I don’t think you identified youself.
Thank you.
It was clear from the very beginning that The Honorable Russell M. Clawges was addressing the Vantrease Brigade. He plainly reinforced which group was the aggressor. He was clear, concise and direct.
There was no question as to who he was addressing and they are a selfish lot……….
Several things resonate with me from yesterday;
1) The “report” or “evaluation” was done prior to the original sentencing, so everything contained in yesterday’s hearing had already been presented and considered prior to the original sentencing. NOTHING NEW WAS BROUGHT FORWARD.
a. MONEY – This is a waste of taxpayer money. Nothing new was brought forward. This selfish act wasted several tens of thousands of dollars just filing this motion (all of the law enforcement that needed to be mobilized to keep Satan’s instruments at bay, judge’s time, court time, inmate transportation, psychologist’s time away from other patients, etc.). They have just raised the price tag of Austin’s crime that SOCIETY continues to pay. This is criminal in and of itself.
b. LOVE – Ken was taken away from Ryan and Ryan’s care. Arrangements for Ryan’s care without Ken is difficult on many people, most especially Ryan.
c. TIME – see (b), above. Life is short for everyone. Don’t take what is most precious because you are mad about the loss of your own.
d. STRESS AND ANXIETY – Haven’t the Victim’s been subjected to enough! REALLY!!! You have just “piled on” to his already inhuman load to carry. If you really felt remorse you would consider the impact of your continuing actions on Ryan and the Diviney Family. Austin did not and that is the primary reason we are here.
Ken , Sorry each time you have to through this and now one more time ….He can’t even take his due punishment like a man ??.I only wish he was given the FULL sentence (10Yrs at least) ..But for a moment ,justice was served. Thinking and praying for you and your family. Hugs to Ryan ,Hope all is going well. Gail