The Vantrease Family at the criminal trial. Bob Vantrease is far right.
Of all the insensitive, asinine, and idiotic statements… this one, made by who appears is Austin Vantrease’s father, takes the cake! It just affirms my opinion that he is a wimpy, passive-aggressive personality.
This comment from Bob Vantrease is another example of the insane lengths this family will go to to excuse their son, Austin Vantrease, of his violent criminal behavior. I must believe this is Austin’s father since it is made on a family-run website (administered by the daughter, Andraya (“Andy”) Vantrease).
Fair warning before reading it, it’s really that stupid!
—–
Bob Vantrease NEWARK, DE
Austin is a great person that was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
—–
Apparently it never came up in the testimony that a meteorite fell from the sky, hit Austin Vantrease in the leg, and his foot just happened to kick Ryan in the head. Oh, and what a bitch it was that Ryan was unresponsive in the exact spot his foot went!
Really, what other ways could this have happened?
Let that be a lesson to us all, avoid convenience store parking lots after dark or THIS COULD HAPPEN TO YOU!
[button color=”#COLOR_CODE” background=”#COLOR_CODE” size=”large” src=”http://www.change.org/petitions/deny-parole-to-austin-vantrease”]Sign Petition: Deny Vantrease Parole[/button]
It’s too damn bad another big bubba prisoner didn’t punt him in the head while he was incarcerated..this story disgusts me..This poor kid still in a coma while the person who is responsible still lives his life!! DISGUSTING!!!!
I’ll put it Simple for the Vantrease family to understand! I hope your son rots in ….let’s see if they can fill in the blanks!!
Austin and his father are the most disgusting and low life scum of the earth!! I truly hope he gets what he deserves one day and that its caught on camera too so everyone can see it!! Austin you and your father and entire family are such ignorant people!!
I have just learned of this tragic story – and have read many news articles regarding the night that Ryan was brutally beaten. My heart is broken for Ryan. I’m even more disturbed when I read articles about Austin Vantrease, and his response (along with his parents and siblings) to his actions on that night. I came across a news video clip that gave “Austin’s side of the story.” There was a website attached to the story, to “support Austin” – obviously initiated by his family. I went to the website out of curiosity, nothing more – and was immediately disgusted with the Vantrease family. They have attempted to take blame from their son, and place it on Ryan. I don’t care what kind of verbal altercation happened on that evening. Ryan and his friends said something that irritated Austin and his friends. This happens on a daily basis to many people, but thankfully not everyone reacts like Austin Vantrease did on that night. Ryan didn’t throw any punches – in fact, he tried to back away from the situation when he realized how dangerous Austin and Johnathan were. The fact of the matter is that Austin took a verbal altercation to a very physical level, and nearly caused Ryan’s death on that night. As a result, Ryan’s life has essentially ended. He may physically be on this earth, but he will never enjoy life as he did before. It’s sickening, and I am tearful thinking of all that Ryan has endured. Austin should be accountable for everything he did that night, and the pain that he has caused Ryan and the Diviney family. I hope he is in jail for a long, long time. He does not deserve to live in our society as a free person. I don’t care how many photos and stories Austin’s family tell about how “good of a guy” he is. The facts of this case don’t lie – the outcome for Ryan is devastatingly evident. I pray for Ryan and his family – and hope that Austin will be held accountable for many years to come by our judicial system for his terrible actions on that night!
I could understand if he said something like, “Austin made a poor choice.” That would have been a “bit” of an understatement, but at least it shows that he understands that his son carries the blame here, and was not, himself, a victim.
All u vantreases are a bunch of inbred white trash from west virginia. We know what you look like. Watch your backs
This family sickens me… That boy should be sentenced to live w/ o parole, both kids should have been!
Ryan has Been sentenced to life in a bed, comatose and yet Austin’s family thinks it was the wrong place/ wrong time?? They even rally an early release, have done nothing for Ryan or his family!! I believe their is a special place in hell for all of them!
I was not aware that someones stupidity level could be so high! Also, his family are pathetic, thinking that their poor excuse for a son is innocent. This is why society is so messed up.
Parents like this are the reason the jails are full of fuck ups they don’t take responsibility and don’t teach their kids too either. I’ve been following this story since it happened I’m so sorry and pray for u all
Continuing to pray for the justice Ryan deserves. This whole family belongs behind bars for enabling such sinister behaviors. It is absolutely sickening.
His parents are idiots! He is where he belongs and God will judge him one day!
I could almost, in some parallel dimension where, idk, shit flows upstream, see the wrong place wrong time explanation. Oh wait, except that, after they beat Ryan, not only did they not seek some sort of medical attention for him (which he needed) or even make an anonymous 9-11 call for assistance for him, not only did they leave him there bleeding and beaten, but they also went OUT OF THEIR WAY to hide his body, I can only surmise in the hopes that he wouldn’t be found and hiding evidence of their crime, which probably further exacerbated the extent of Ryan’s injuries. I have no clue what place offered him a job contingent on his getting parole, but I know this much, if any one of them shows up where I work to look for a job, I’ve got a perfectly good use for their resumes ever since we ran out of toilet paper today.
– Keeping Ryan in our prayers here at Fairview Church of Christ (Fairview, Marion, WV) and Crossroads United Methodist Church (Crossroads, Monongalia, WV)
I support no early releave for violent crimes…. hope he gets what he deserves. Vantrease should be kept out of society.
It’s people like Austin in this world that disgust me. If I would have known about the petition sooner I would have signed in a heartbeat and I am in the Navy I would have got everyone I work with to sign it as well. Trash should be kept off the streets.
you can still sign it
This kid is guilty
Could never be said better. Guilty.
I get that they love their son. But that doesnt mean that u condone his evil horrible actions he he is a monster.
One thing I have learned is that for every sick idiot out there, there is an even sicker idiot reassuring that person that whatever they did, isn’t their fault. In the case of the Vantrease family it appears to be multiple idiots. Remember that news story a year or so ago about the woman who drove on the sidewalk every day to get around a school bus with its lights flashing, and the judge made her wear a sign reading “Only an idiot would hop the sidewalk to drive around a school bus” for several hours? What I most remember is that the woman’s mother was the first to jump in front of a camera and yell about how her daughter would never hurt anyone and it wasn’t her fault. Clearly the Vantrease kid got a pass from his family throughout his life and was never asked to take responsiblity for things. Look how well that turned out for everyone. If it was up to me, those parents would be punished for statements like the ones above– and for a lot of other things. I pray for Ryan and for all of the good people affected. May you all have some much-deserved peace. God bless.
Sha, I think you must be confusing me with someone else, as I do not discuss the judgment of God, what I do is outline facts, and advocate for the victim, which in this case is the Diviney family. What I know is that the VanTreases have done nothing to offer support to the family whose lives have been so adversely affected by the violent actions of their son, Austin.
Your declaration that it was not proven that the damage done to Ryan was not all Austin and Jon’s fault is false. I believe the sources from which you are obtaining your information are inaccurate. Video footage, along with sworn statements from witnesses to the crime verify the identity of the attackers as well as the method of attack. You can sidestep and play mind games with what you like to think happened, or you can watch the video and read witnesses’ accounts of the horror that occurred that night. As you know, it was Ryan who nearly died at Ruby Memorial Hospital on November 7, 2009, and, according to the police and witnesses, it was not an “accident” that caused catastrophic damage to Ryan’s brain.
I’m not sure how you came to the conclusion that Austin has shown any sign of “progress.” In light of the severity of his crime, and the lifelong suffering his actions have caused, Austin has done little to nothing to (a)!acknowledge full responsibility for his brutal attack on Ryan; (b) show remorse for his actions to the Diviney family or (c) make any effort to start paying the court ordered restitution to Ryan.
Your discussion of forgiveness as it pertains to Austin and God or Austin and the Diviney family is really between them, is it not? Do you know for a fact that Austin has done anything at all to make amends with the family whose lives he ruined or help them in any way? It seems you have appointed yourself as the judge in this matter, without regard for the victims and without full knowledge of the facts. Your choice to support the VanTrease family is your own.
Your accusation of me thinking I am holier than God is empty, along with your false statement that I have told people they will be condemned by God. Do not confuse my disdain for Austin’s lack of remorse and failure to behave in a civilized way with anything else. What I do think is a shame is that you would use religion to deflect from the facts and as a way to criticize and berate others. That is about as self serving as it gets.
Paula,
You seem to be so self serving. You have met the family and have (stalked the website) I mean supported Ryan through your self serving intellect for the past 2years. Get a grip. The world is full of people that do bad things but at some point need forgiveness. If they serve there time and show a sign of progress to help society they should get a second chance. They never proved that it was all av and jm fault all involved had a hand in the incident… Unfortunately some wrote a check that their ass could not handle…forgiveness is the word of The Lord not hatred and revenge. Maybe we should all go to church this Sunday and ask for forgiveness for all of our mean thoughts and actually ask for forgiveness for everyone involved. God loves everyone even if they stray from the flock. We can all repent for our sins and for all the hatred we feel for everyone involved. God will forgive us for our sins once we accept him as the savior. We can not say that he will judge or punish anyone for their actions. You are not any holier than god so don’t say that they will be judged or punished in any way when they meet their maker. shame on you, have you not learned in all the years that you claim to be Christian. That god is accepting to everyone and loves all his children.
Really……………………….I suggest that you preach your sermon to the Vantrease clan. This was a violent attack, not a slap in the face. Austin is very LUCKY that he was not tried for murder. And pray tell what is the “sign of progress to help society” that you make reference to??????? You, Sha, do not have a clue. “The world is full of people that do bad things” and we have evidence of that right here!
Hey Sha, looks like you’re barking up the wrong tree just like numerous others that will remain nameless. It’s as if you’re using a bent needle when posting on this “thread.” Why don’t you just go back to the other site that’s dedicated to ammore.. Hmm.. How should I put this? That site that’s dedicated to the attacker, which by the way, isn’t going to progress! Just… Noooooo…. Noo.. We understand that you’re trying to bring a point across which is clearly inappropriate on this site… C’mon woman! -_-
@Liz – in order for you to understand a post such as the one you’ve referenced, you must first understand the definition of the term “victim.” Then, you must agree that Ryan and his family are victims of a violent felony crime.
Next, you must understand that this particular crime is especially egregious due to its brutal nature and the lifelong damage that resulted because of it.
The answer to your question is then found in the research pertaining to the affects of violent crime on victims. Violence at the level Austin displayed is so shocking that its emotional impact on the victims is substantial. I suggest that you take some time to review the data on this subject in order to better understand the immense impact violence has on a victim. You may not care for how another person reacts to and copes with the anger that results from being victimized – you may not be able to fathom the depth of the sorrow and frustration – but you cannot deny a victim of such a heinous crime their need to cope with what was done to them.
Remember, this website was created to help all the victims of Austin’s crime, which include Ryan, Ryan’s Mom, Sue, his Dad, Ken, his sister, Kari, his Nana and Papa, relatives, his neighbors and friends.
Victims are allowed to be angry – very angry — and to respond verbally to words they perceive as insensitive and offensive. You must know the Diviney family never wanted to be living the kind of life Austin created for them, but they have no choice. Their once happy, fulfilling lives have been forever altered. Ryan, nor his family deserved this. They are the victims.
Choose any blog post Ken has ever written, and frame it with the knowledge and understanding of how violence impacts the lives of victims. Ken has little control over the behavior, attitudes and beliefs of the perpetrator and his family. But he can, in whatever way he deems fit, respond to their attitudes and beliefs in whatever way makes sense to him. This may give him some small feeling of control in the out of control world Austin caused.
How does this help Ryan? By allowing his Father, who is also a victim, to express his feelings about the devastation Austin wrought. By letting him speak his mind to people who understand and care. By giving him a platform to respond to anyone and everyone who chooses to defend the perpetrator. He deserves to be able to do this; he is a victim in this nightmare of nightmares. Unless you have a way to fix this catastrophe, let him be,
Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary Ken & Sue!!! Long may you love <3
As an aside, it's probably best for you to turn off your comments, Rita lol
I signed up for e-mail notifications of comments to this post, so I just want everyone to stop blowing up my cell phone at this point! Let’s read Sue’s beautiful post for today and wish her and Ken a happy anniversary instead 🙂
both him & his family are ridiculously pathetic. Austin needs to rot full life sentence with NO parole.
Now now, lets not get stinky typing negativity with our pinkies like this! Sam, maybe we are all crazy on here due to our large sum of respect for a family in NEED. Liz, maybe we are making these posts because they just support him. They just do. Even if they don’t perfectly support it? WHATEVER; they help.. Smh.. There’s literally NO way to get a point across on here on all the conflicting sides..?! P.S. Sam your comment to some of the posters gave me a great idea!! It’s a beautiful day, and I’ve planned to make some shirts tonight for all my friends. Maybe we are crazy, but we’re crazy for Ryan.
Sam, you want us to walk in the VanTrease’s shoes. But I am here to tell you, that without seeing what real life is like every single day for Ryan, his mother and father, you won’t be able to grasp the damage done. But you have eyes to see the pictures – and you can read, so you know all that was lost, but you can’t feel, because I think unless it was your own son – or daughter – you cannot understand. I don’t fault you for that. Where you and I disagree is that you want me to concede that Austin and his family have it just as bad. And I will never be able to do that.
I certainly don’t believe Austin’s family has it as bad as the Diviney’s, so I don’t know when I asked you to agree with that.
I do, however, believe that this site would be more beneficial for Ryan (who is the main reason for this website) without the hateful comments from strangers about Austin/Jon’s family, when certainly none of us can imagine their situation and the pain that comes with it. I am in no way comparing it to the pain of the Diviney’s, but it’s still there.
Anyway, I’m done. I wish the best for everyone involved. One love.
https://ryansrally.org/2012/10/16/ironic-for-the-long-haul-article/
@paula I’m asking a second time how do post like this support ryan?
Sam, get a grip on yourself. The first tale you spun was that you are “neutral” with regard to the facts of this case, and that you appreciate both sides. Give it up, I see right through you. You’ll keep stirring up the muck, and people will respond, including me – because I don’t want you here, adding to the Diviney’s pain, and acting like this should be your personal platform for your self righteous opinions.
I sincerely hope that one day you’ll learn to respect or at least try to understand people who have different views than you.
Sam, this venue was created by Ken to provide a platform for people to support Ryan.
The fact that you don’t like how Ken feels about the person who destroyed his son’s life is not relevant here. Your feelings, emotions, concerns about Austin VanTrease, Jon May and their families would clearly be far better received on the website the VanTrease family has set up to support Austin.
The VanTrease family is, of course, all about framing Austin in a positive light with the sole purpose of getting him out of prison, Your inference that the VanTrease family has understood the Diviney family’s suffering throughout the past three and a half years is without merit. What have the VanTreases done to offer any kind of tangible support for Ryan?
The answer is “nothing'” because their concern is not about Ryan’s daily struggles, suffering and bleak future. They aren’t focused on Ken and Sue’s all consuming fatigue and anguish about seeing Ryan immobile and mute each day. No, the VanTrease clan agenda is focused on proving what a great guy their son is and how he should never have been put in prison because of this terrible “accident.”
To the same degree that the VanTrease family adamantly proclaims Austin’s great character and exemplary behavior, the Diviney family refutes such statements in order to ensure Austin continues to be held accountable for his senseless violence upon their son.
Denial is the most powerful defense mechanism, and it is clear to me that denial informs every aspect of the VanTrease family’s words and deeds with regard to their son’s deplorable behavior. Their enabling of Austin to do as he pleases without adequate consequences is what probably got him where he is. Continuing to enable Austin by deflecting blame on Ryan and castigating his father will not resolve anything.
The VanTrease family would have better served their son by modeling to him what contrition and compassion look like. They could have held fund raisers to help with the financial burden of caring for Ryan. They could have counseled their son on how to make amends to Ryan, rather than employing their time, energy and effort disputing the facts of the case and rationalizing/justifying Austin’s behavior. They could have helped their son make the connection that what he did was absolutely, positively wrong. Instead, the VanTrease family has chosen to direct all their resources in showing how Ryan is to blame for this “accident” perpetrated by their son.
You say you believe Ken’s anger and resentment towards the VanTrease family is unjustified and wrong. I say to you that Ken is not only justified to feel the way he does, but entitled to loathe a person who has gotten away with inflicting violence on others and continues to be coddled and reassured by his family that he’s a stellar fellow.
I have seen nothing in the VanTrease family except a self righteous arrogance that insists on exonerating their son at the expense of any justice or tangible support for Ryan. Someday Austin will walk out of that prison, with his parents cheering and consoling him that none of this was ever his fault and he should never have had to be punished by serving time for his assault on Ryan. I can only hope and pray this indulged, deluded young man does not someday again lose control of his anger and wreak havoc on yet another family’s life. Sadly, one thing I don’t expect to see is any kind of reparation made by Austin to the Diviney family. I sincerely hope I am proven wrong.
Out of all the people on here, “Paula”, I’ve got to say that you certainly seem to be one of the crazier ones.
When did I ever say I disagreed with how Ken felt towards Austin and Jon? When did I ever say his anger and resentment was unjustified and wrong? I didn’t, because I don’t know his situation, therefore I DON’T JUDGE. I said I thought forgiveness is healthier than harboring hatred, but I believe that’s more fact than anything.
Your implication that anybody who can see another side of this situation is a vantrease-loving monster who needs psychiatric help is a little intense, a little scary, and a little bit more than judgmental.
You put words in people’s mouths to make them seem less intelligent or less.. Hmm, what’s the word, enlightened? than yourself. You’re pretty good at it too, but I wouldn’t consider it a good quality to have.
I’m just saying that the hateful and distasteful comments I see here by “Team Diviney” about AV/Jonmay/their families seems to shed a little bit of a negative light on the cause everyone here is so dedicated to.
Rita, truer words were never spoken. Thank you!
I’m sure that calling out judgmental people on both sides of this debate will get me nowhere and certainly won’t be the last word, and I don’t feel the need to defend either Ryan or Ken, but the facts of the actual crime committed on November 7, 2009 are really the bottom line here. Regardless of the family histories, backgrounds or even moral characters of the main parties involved in this case — Ryan Diviney, Jon May and Austin Vantrease — or whatever transpired before a crime was committed that night, two young men maliciously assaulted another young man who was completely defenseless at the moment of attack, and then left him for dead. The judges and juries deciding the cases against May and Vantrease agreed with those facts and sentenced them for their respective crimes. The courts also ordered them to pay restitution to the Diviney family. Those are the facts, not cult talk. I pray for Ryan and his family every day, but I also pray that Austin and Jon become the responsible, compassionate men that God created them to be someday. Making excuses for their bad choices that night and their lack of remorse to this day will not help them on that second-chance path.
One of the literal definitions of a cult is a great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book)
While I was using hyperbole in my comparison to a cult, it’s really not too far off. I understand why the Diviney’s harbor anger against Austin and Jon, what I don’t understand is the incredible amount of people who comment on this site saying horrendous things about the two boys and their families who they dont even know, even going as far as to wish death upon them. That’s insane and irrational.
I was told by someone here not to judge someone until I’ve walked in their shoes. True, that’s good advice, but it tends to work better when you practice it instead of preaching.
You haven’t walked in AV, Jonmay, or their families’ shoes. How can you judge if you don’t know? They’ve kept an extremely low profile, unlike the Diviney’s, whose side of the story became sensationalized through this website and media coverage.
The hypocrisy I see on here is truly astonishing. I can’t emphasize enough that I’m not pro-vantrease, anti-diviney, or vice versa. I’m just an outsider looking in and sharing my opinion. Don’t bring in the flaming pitchforks.
C’mon Sam; these “flaming pitch forks” you speak of have been burning for as long as these comments on our website begun.. It’s those exact words we have to hear in all the world just to begin a new slate. That is, in the form of an over thought argument that’s just gonna die out and then be dug into a shallow hole! Then, the rain is gonna start and that lost argument is going to re-surface like that 80’s sit-com you’ve come across underneath the pile of unnecessary ‘stuff’ ..! PLEASE BELIEVE THAT IT’S JUST A LOST CAUSE TO DO THESE COMPLICATED POSTS.. It’s a beautiful day out, why spend it on a website you don’t belong on..(?!?!?!?!?!) No, wait, why do I bother asking a question of such nature, only to be replied with a newer, more meaner comment..? PEACE TO ALL AND TO ALL HAPPY SUMMER CHEERS FROM MACK.
I find your entire post inappropriate and disrespectful. What, exactly, is your purpose for putting such tripe on here? Do you not understand an amazing young man now sits silently in a wheelchair, unable to move or speak as a result of the wicked violence of two men? That is why this website is here – to support Ryan, not to read insensitive, offensive rationalizations such as you just posted, “Sam.” You can save your “good ‘ol Christian” insults for someone who understands you – like a good psychiatrist. Now take all your trash talk back to the streets with the people who share your contempt of those who love Ryan and his family. This is not your playground to cavalierly dish out vitriol to Team Diviney. You can do that back with the people who categorize criminal behavior as “accidents.” And may God help you if, as in the words of Mr. VanTrease, you are “in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
https://ryansrally.org/2012/10/16/ironic-for-the-long-haul-article/
@paula how do post like this support Ryan?
Do you not realize that almost your entire reply to me was nothing but insults? Yeah… You’re sure made of “the right stuff”
I understand this is a website for Ryan and the Divineys, so please show me where I ever said what Austin did was okay or acceptable. You took my opinion, which I was certain to make clear that I DO NOT AGREE OR SUPPORT WHAT AUSTIN DID, but am rational enough to consider both sides of the story. You took my personal opinions and tried to make it look like I’m some hateful monster, I see you’ve had a lot of practice at putting people down that don’t agree with you
Ken’s postings about AV and Jonmay & trash talking their family will surely welcome people who consider both sides of the story. If Ken focused this entire blog on Ryan rather than expresssing his hateful views on these boys and their families, I’m certain that people wouldn’t feel the need to come here to share their opinions on these boys, “Paula”.
Sam, Ryan has a life sentence. He won’t be getting a second chance. AV is quite lucky it’s only 2-10. I can’t speak for anyone but myself, so I will tell you this, I don’t hate AV & his family. I am SHOCKED that AV & his family have not offered to help Ryan. I am SHOCKED that this crime is referred to as an “accident” and I am SHOCKED that our support for Ryan and his family is now being compared to that of a CULT. Sam, I suggest that you NOT judge someone until you have walked in their shoes. Ken is a wonderful man, he is devoted to taking care of Ryan to insure Ryan’s recovery. I am very glad that you do not agree or support what Austin did, but It is impossible to consider both sides of the story at this point. Ryan lies in a coma and is unable to communicate. The two young men that were responsible for Ryan’s injuries were arrested, tried and found guilty. They have taken Ryan’s future and must now be accountable.
Why is it that whenever someone shows even the slightest bit of understanding towards Austin’s actions, Diviney & Crew all scramble to their keyboards to tell them how stupid they are for having a differing opinion? Many of you claim to be good ol’ Christians, but won’t hesitate to wish death upon someone who has apologized and served time for his actions. Isn’t one of the most basic principles of Christianity the importance of forgiveness? Cause its almost been 4 years and you guys still have way too much hate in your hearts, it can’t be healthy.
While speaking about Austin’s “violent past”, it seems as though we must have grown up in different environments. I’m not a friend of Austin’s, but grew up in the Newark area. I’m not condoning it (I repeat, I AM NOT CONDONING IT) but around here people are typically quick to throw hands. Not just Austin and his friends either, it’s unfortunately common for guys to fight here, unlike the utopia you people are fortunate enough to live in, where fights don’t happen and nobody makes mistakes.That’s why you don’t instigate fights with people you don’t know, cause you don’t know what their reaction will be. that’s common sense, especially in a college town filled with drunk kids.
I’m not denying that Austin did a bad thing, I don’t think anybody is denying that, even his family. But he deserves a second chance so he can get out of the prison system and do good in the world rather than becoming a career criminal. If your child made a terrible drunken mistake that led them to 2-10 in jail, you really wouldn’t try your hardest to get them out? Stop judging HIS FAMILY so harshly because they want their son out of jail.. You guys act like a bunch of bullies while preaching what good people you are. Aren’t Christians supposed to be kind to everyone, even their enemies? I sympathize with the Diviney family, but I think if God were real he would at least try to find forgiveness, rather than cultivating hatred.
This mainly goes out to the members of this cult, not the leader
Janice, you need to do your research before making false statements on a board like this. People here are too informed of the facts to buy what you’re peddling.
To all the people coming here to support Austin VanTrease — if only you could have known Ryan before Austin attacked him. Ryan was known for his ability to get along well with all kinds of people, as well as his ability to make people laugh. Ryan was a star athlete, extremely smart and loved spending time with his family. He helped many people behind the scenes, never wanting or expecting recognition. He in no way deserved the horror inflicted upon him by Austin VanTrease and friends. This is such a heartbreaking situation, and reading the strange and misguided comments from Austin’s family and friends only makes it more heartbreaking. Please consider the extreme damage done to Ryan, and recognize the fact that Austin is still unable or unwilling to acknowledge his crime. Until he does that, and also makes some kind of effort to help the Diviney family, he is no different today than he was on November 7, 2009.
It boggles my mind that anyone could justify what that thug did to your son. It wouldn’t matter if Ryan had started the fight. Who kicks an unconscious person in the head? Any person in the head? Who does that! As always, I’m praying for Ryan and your family and that Austin stays in jail, where he belongs.
Keep pushing hard to get justice for your son. Too many times, these horrible undeserving soulless animals get to move on with their lives with no regard for the devastation they have left behind. Prayers for strength as you continue to navigate the system!!
The time should not matter and his drinking should not matter in this case. What gives Austin and Jon the right to punch and kick him in the head?? There are probably hundreds of folks out at that time in the US, how many do you think were kicked in the head that night?? Probably NONE besides Ryan.Now you answer this…How can you support this behavior?? If your child was kicked in the head would you think it was ok? Is it ok to kick a unconscious person in the head?? That is what the Vantrease family and friends are saying. It was ok to do this because Ryan asked for it by being out at 3:00 and underage drinking on all parts. for you people to justify this behavior because of Austin and Jons underage drinking is like saying anyone who is drinking can go around doing whatever they want, assault, robbery, rape, murder…Underage drinking didn’t cause this, Austin and Jon did. Underage kids drink every day how many of them kick someone in the head?? Homeless folks lay in the street every day, how many of them are kicked in the head by a drunk walking by or say something someone does not agree with and get kicked in the head? Just answer me this..What makes Austins behavior ok? Its hard to understand why you folks think this is an unpunishable offense and that he should not be in jail for this. Let him come over and kick your child in the head and see how you like it. Drug addicts dont mean to steal, the drugs influenced them, pedifiles dontmean to harm children the urge to penetrate made them do it, arsonists dont mean to burn your house down the need to see fire made thm do it. All criminals have an excuse. The longer you keep justifying Austins behavior with excuses the longer it takes for him to learn it.
Mike, thank you so much for enlightening us to facts about Austin that most of had surmised. How the VanTrease family and friends can participate in the charade of Austin being such an upstanding person is difficult to grasp.
The fact that Austin chose to add to Ryan’s suffering by kicking his head when he was already unconscious on the ground further exposes his penchant for violence.
No matter what justification Austin may give for this, the response is, there IS NO justification for his horrid behavior. What Austin VanTrease did is revolting and is NOT something that “most teens do” – drunk or otherwise!
Those violent individuals who did choose to inflict a similar level of damage on innocent victims were given far longer sentences for their crimes. Austin received a sentence that is extremely light in comparison to the magnitude of the pain and suffering he inflicted.
He may not pay for his crimes in this lifetime, but God will punish him.
The thing is, Austin Vandrease had a history of violent behavior going back to high school. This is not the first person he injured. When i was in high school Austin and his friends jumped a former school mate of mine, and he was sent into school with two black eyes, bruised so bad that he couldn’t even see. This happened without the influence of drugs and alcohol. Also, I witnessed a beating in Dewey Beach in the summer of 09 where his acquaintances (pretty sure he was there too) beat up a kid in the Valero parking lot, 4 or 5 people on one kid. The guy was so badly injured he was taken away in an ambulance, and was not moving. I dont know what happened to that guy, but the truth of the matter is that Vandrease and his friends took part in this type of activity quite often, and the fact that people consider his actions a one time thing is preposterous. His deviant behavior was built over years, and he is now receiving a punishment for the irrevocable damage he has done to Ryan. The truth is that this case is being handled correctly, regardless of the statements that Vandrease has released. I commend the Diviney family for their actions in the past few years to get justice for their son, and i hope you all will continue to support and assist them with their goals!
Thank You Mike for this truth! The rumors had been out there about his violent history, also heard he was expelled from St Marks High School maybe this was the reason. Keep this info coming because people who are unaware do not understand. Wonder if these victims sued Austin also.
How did Gail Vantrease explain these “accidents” caused in part by her son Austin? Maybe there are so many “accidents” in her life that is the only way she knows how to explain them. How sad.
Normal drunk teens don’t kick others in the head, they might run off their mouths, act all tough, but not actually throw punches. Drunk teens with violent family histories or pent up anger throw punches, may possibly kick others in the head, but beware of them, they are a real danger to society. If they have no qualms about kicking a man when he is down, they will do anything. This was no accident, this was a pattern of behavior for Austin Vantrease and Jon May. Keep him locked up for the 10 years! Jon May should be with him in jail, but he is slithering around somewhere out there loose in society.
Once again, you are talking about the wrong kid! It wasn’t Austin that was w expelled , it wasn’t Austin that got into a fight in Dewey beach! It was Jon may! Look it up for yourself!!
Im sorry but Austin and his family need to spend the rest of their lives in jail I cant be live how ignorant Austin and his family are I hope they get the book thrown at him and I hope that poor boys family sues the shit out of austins family then let’s see how well that family sticks together…
This is truly a heart breaking story. I can’t even imagine what Ryan’s family must endure on a day to day basis and I pray to GOD that I never do! If anything I hope you keep in mind that one day Austin will stand alone and face the Almighty not Austin and his family..not Austin and his significant other…just Cowardly Austin and he will have no choice but to be held accountable for his inhumane actions there is no doubt, the day will come!!! He deserves to spend the entire sentence where he is and more!!! But, as he is a convicted felon always he will never be able to expunge that charge therefore he will suffer as he should the remainder of his life as employers do not overlook felonies!!! And in this felon’s situation not all…but Austin I couldn’t agree more that he deserves a lifetime of HELL in which he will endure not ever being a working class citizen or the ability of having his Civil Rights, just one more reason to be ashamed of himself! My prayers are with Ryan and his family. Let GOD give you strength.
Ann, thank you….
The only reason Austin is not a “killer” is because of Ken and Sue. They made the agonizing decision many many times for the doctors to continue care starting the morning of the assault.
Have you seen the pics on the web site of Ryan in ICU. I actually visited him there, as a former ICU nurse I can tell you it was a sad day.
If you knew Ryan before he was assaulted and you saw him now the pre-assault Ryan is dead, so yes in my eyes he did kill the boy we all knew as Ryan. He is lucky to only get 10 years max, he and Jon May deserved so many more.
Debbie, you stated “leaving a young man in jail for another 7 years will not prove anything!” Actually, it will. It will prove that actions have consequences. Whether he likes them or not, his actions and decisions that night have consequences. You and Austin’s family and the rest of the supporters would do him a huge favor by helping him accept that. He should be thankful, given the facts in evidence–not just conjecture, but facts presented at trial–that he was not given more time. “Being by his side” would mean still loving him and supporting him but realizing that he must accept the consequences. The world would be a much better place if more people realized this…
he will get a second chance 7 years from now. we have to be responsible for our actions! otherwise we will have plenty of young killers out there if there are no consenquences, dumb ass
He is not a killer!!!! I really wish this never happened!!!!! I feel the pain from both sides! I wonder what Ryan would say if he could tell the truth? I wonder????
Debbie, did you say “If Ryan could tell the truth” ?!?!?! Let me help you on this one, don’t you mean “IF HE COULD TALK?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?” Ppl like you make me sick to my stomach!!!
Dear Debbie, you have got to be kidding. Surely you cannot be so arrogant as to presume that our kids would KICK SOMEONE IN THE HEAD AND THEN LEAVE THEM TO DIE!! I am both offended and DISGUSTED by your effort to frame this in any kind of fair light, as there was and is NOTHING faIr about what Austin VanTrease did to Ryan Diviney.
The ONLY thing you and the VanTrease family and company are doing is re-victimizing the victim, who, apparently I must remind you again, is Ryan Diviney and family, NOT Austin VanTrease!!
Your attempt to equalize this situation in any way is appalling.
Dear Paula, I guess you can read minds????? I surely can’t read my kids minds. I can only say that I installed good values in them. They make there own choices!
Well, I have visited this site frequently and what happened to Ryan truly is horrific! Anyone of our children could be in Ryan’s place or Austin’s place. What 17 and 18 year olds do under the influence of alcohol and drugs is inevitably the result of both young men. However, we as parents try to teach our children right from wrong and there choices are that, there choices. It should in no way be a reflection on us. We raise our kids to be good, law abiding citizens. They make choices, we don’t make them for them. I have seen so much trash talk on this site, that it makes me ill. Ryan is suffering, but Austin is too. Sex offenders, murderers don’t get this much publicity! What this site looks like to me is nothing short of a cult following!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My only hope is that Ken doesn’t turn out to be a Jim Jones kind of guy.
There are two sides to every story and unfortunately Ryan can not tell his. That is truly a shame. Austin has grown up with a loving supportive family that been there for him and they should not be faulted for that, just has Ryan’s family has been there for him. Leaving a young man in jail for another 7 years will not prove anything! Many young men were involved and many young men aren’t dealing with what Ryan and his family are or what Austin and his family are It is time to let Austin be paroled and let him mend, pay restitution and educated other young men on the consequences of there actions.
I truly hope that if you all read all of the court documentations that you could see that either of these young men could be yours and you would be by their sides!
Austin deserves a second chance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think Austin’s parents missed the memo on how to parent ….I attempted to find a blog for the Vantrease family …couldn’t find it . After reading dads statement … It validated the fact they are failures. So …Debbie … Lets not encourage this pattern of violence and craziness to continue …to even suggest that he “educate other young men on the consequences of their actions “? Get real …. (And this is MY opinion … Not Jim Jones … Oops .. I mean Ken). …
Debbie, who is going to give Ryan a second chance????????????????????? “Ryan is suffering, but Austin is too”. I can’t imagine that you have any idea what Ryan’s life is like and what it will be like going forward. TRASH TALK………………..Come on, people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, how about that for trash talk. I am amazed that you would call any of the people that visit this site a CULT. We are people that have come together to help support a family in our community in their time of need.
well he should never get out…a life for a life..poor Ryan will never get to experience life so why should this person….my prayers go out to Ryan and all of you…I signed petition and hope everyone else does…
Wrong place wrong time , when is the right place and right time to be in human and stupid ,you don’t beat somone all most to death because your at any place or any time over a baseball game , leave him in jail , that’s where he belongs , people just don’t have respect for anyone anymore .
Just wondering if the shoe was on the other foot how that father would feel ?
Strangest definition of “accident” that I have ever heard…. I was not aware that an “accident” can be intentional! Crazy talk! And if Austin is truly remorseful and wanting to do good with his life, when is he going to start to show it?? Has he ever even mumbled an apology to Ryan??
Both boys should have gotten life…!!!!!
Since Ryan now has a life condition. I am sorry for Ryan and his family. God has a plan. And I believe Good will conquer evil.
In just 6 short hours, another 1,000 people signed the Austin Vantrease Anti-Parole Petition. It is now at 151,000! Thank you, on behalf of Ryan and my family, for signing and sharing. http://www.change.org/petitions/deny-parole-to-austin-vantrease
Fuck that coward ass faggot lock his ass up till his assholes the size of a watermelon
If for one moment Austin VanTrease or his family or his supporters could see the living hell that the Divineys go through every minute of every day of every year, they might think differently. “Might” being the operative word. I can’t wrap my head around it, and I’ve seen it firsthand on many, many occasions. Caring for Ryan is beyond difficult. All day, every day. Countless therapies, preparing liquid food and medicine for consumption through a tube, tackling the infections, cleaning up soiled bedding, dealing with the red tape of insurance companies and doctors who won’t treat patients in a minimally conscious state…the list is endless. I’ve long thought that a live video of Ryan and his care should be streamed into Austin’s cell for a 24-hour block of time. It would be nice if his folks saw this too. Instead of making excuses for their child’s behavior, maybe it would help them to understand that that behavior had consequences, and it basically stole a young man’s life as he knew it. Maybe, just maybe, it would prompt them to do something positive, such as work on a fundraiser for Ryan’s care. Anything to show compassion instead of offering excuses or playing the blame game. My God.
Ridiculous! You’d think they’d be embarrassed.
You bet! Thank you Kendra Nicole Griffith!
I live in NC but am from WV. Would you mind if I printed off a picture from your page and printed off a petition so that I can share your story and have people here sign it and send it to you? My husband is in the military and I know for a fact the people he works with would sign this.
I cannot believe that Janice has the nerve to make the statements on here that she has, or that folks on the Vantrease website continue to call this an unfortunate accident. Seriously? Either one of my sons could have very well been the target of that unfortunate accident and the wrath of Austin Vantrease that night, as they lived less than 2 blocks from the scene where it happened and frequented that store almost daily. An accident is much different from PURPOSELY kicking another human being in the head when they are down and incapacitated on the ground, then running from the scene and not rendering aid. And somehow we are supposed to believe that this is Ryan’s fault because Austin was “provoked”? If beating someone unconscious and leaving them in a vegetative state is how Austin responds when provoked, then he should very well sit in a jail cell for the maximum sentence given him, away from his family and friends and life so that he can get just a small taste of the sentence he placed upon Ryan and his family that night. And as for the Vantrease “supporters”, or enablers as I like to refer to them, that this website is just a vehicle for the Divineys to perpetuate pity and anger, well, I call BULLSHIT. What callous, self-centered, superficial, shallow, piss-poor excuses for human beings would even dare to think that much less verbalize it? Walk just one day in Ken, Sue or Kari’s shoes, or “live” in Ryan’s body for just one hour and then tell me that they are not totally justified in asking for justice for their son and the life sentence that Austin and his being at the wrong place at the wrong time placed on ALL of them. Word of advice Vantrease Enablers, get a damn grip and get on the reality train. What he did was wrong and purposeful and with malice and intent and jail is a logical consequence.
Ken, as always, you have my utmost respect. I only hope that the criminal will be kept behind bars for the entire sentence.
Thank you. I’ve told your story to many family and friends and they would love to sign it, just they are computer illiterate, or don’t even have access to a computer or have facebook.
…better yet, just email it to me!
It’s as easy as taking a sheet of paper and making the following columns: Name, Address, Email. Optionally, they can add a comment. If you would mail this to me before July 19th I can include these! Great Idea Colleen Kane!
Is there a way to print out petitions and have people sign to send in the mail??? I have been following your story, and 100% believe that piece of garbage does not deserve parole!!!
Disgusting…
I want sum of the drugs he is on. Sounda like he is as faaarrrrr from reality as 1 human beingcould ever be. If he believes that story he needs to be locked up right beside his son!!!
There’s a place for individuals like this.. In a jail cell and then hell.
A piece of shit making excuses for a turd
I will never understand why people think this scum should get a second chance when Ryan doesn’t get a second chance. It makes me furious to think about the Vantrease family taking up for Austin. I understand they love their son but that doesn’t make what he did right. I hope justice is served for Ryan and his family!!
I’m so sorry for the pain that Ryan and his family are going through.You can see why those boys are mean.The apple doesn’t drop far from the tree.Karma comes around faster then one thinks.
Janice, I am stunned by your staunch unwillingness to accept the truth, especially since Austin’s attack was clearly captured on video. Your denial and desire to deflect blame is at once terrifying and breathtaking.
The unwillingness of Austin VanTrease’s family and friends, not to mention Austin VanTrease himself, to acknowledge Austin’s complete culpability for the horrific injuries inflicted on Ryan is completely unnerving to me – so much so that I must now write another letter to the WV state parole board demanding that the public’s safety be assured via the denial of Austins’s request for parole.
And to all the arrogant, myopic souls who sit back in your armchairs chastising Ken for his anger, I think you should study Ryan’s pictures closely to help you understand the terrible suffering he has endured – then imagine being his primary caregiver everyday from morning til night. That should not only help you to understand his anger, but it should break your heart. How dare you criticize Ken for being angry that Austin VanTrease inflicted this nightmare on his son, family and friends!
And by the way, lest you forget, Ryan Diviney and his family are the victims in this ugly tale of senseless violence – and all the credit for this pain and sorrow goes to Austin VanTrease and his minions.
If your “excuse” for Jon May and Austin’s behavior was being in the “wrong place at the wrong time” then why didn’t all of the boys in their gang sucker punch or kick someone? Why did the others stand back and do nothing, they were also in the “wrong place at the wrong time”? Why did the two girls stay behind to help Ryan? Since when does sucker punching someone and kicking an unconscious person in the head become an accident? Those are intentional actions not accidental actions. Drinking is also not an excuse, thousands of people across America were probable drunk that night, but probably not many kicked a unconscious person in the head twice as if they were punting a football.
This is just crazy. Im sorry, yea i will do whatever i can to protect my son, only if he wasnt in the wrong. but he will take responsibility for his actions if he was in the wrong. I truly hope justice prevails for ur family.. And my prayers are out for ur son and family..
You people on this site are not getting close to what went on,and it makes no sense to constantly lie to decent people to keep Ken’s hatred going. It’s time to hear the truth, accept it and let Austin go home so he can start making retribution. It’s time to look in the mirror not your computer.
Janice Keith,
Whatever led to the fight, Austin kicked an unconscious person in the head and put him into a coma that essentially ended his life. You’re right that Austin needs to make retribution, but perhaps you are confused about the meaning of the word.
retribution – noun; Punishment that is considered to be morally right and fully deserved.
Austin was sentenced to 10 years of prison as punishment for his actions. Serving this 10 years IS morally right and fully deserved. Now all Austin needs to do is stay in prison and spend a fraction of the years he took away from Ryan feeling guilty for his actions. He was, after all, found guilty by a jury of his peers–a fact you seem to be ignoring.
The truth is that Austin made his bed and now he must sleep in it, in prison, for the full duration of his sentence.
I find your comments ignorant & hurtful, much like the felon that committed this crime. “You people on this site are not getting close to what went on.” I suppose YOU know the truth. I suppose you know more than the jury that sentenced the two criminals. The two criminals took Ryan’s future from him and all you can say is, “let Austin go home so he can start making retribution.” Sue, Ken & Kari are devoted to caring for Ryan. They wake up every morning, hoping to see some small miracle in Ryan’s recovery. Believe me they look in the mirror and probably ask WHY RYAN? I suggest to you Janice Keith, if that is your name, to stay away from “You people on this site” we are dedicated to the Diviney’s in their pursuit of justice!
The point is, actions have consequences. Whether intended or not (although I truly believe Austin did intend for Ryan to be seriously injured….why else do you kick someone in the head like you are punting a football) the consequences of this malicious assault was 10 years (a very lenient sentence if you ask me). All of his supporters should be saying “man up and accept the consequences”. After 10 years he gets to walk out of prison and continue his life. He gets to talk to his family. Ryan does not because of the harm inflicted on him by Austin.
Wow person. Are you related to this Austin guy or something. This idiot could have called for help afters seeing what he did, but instead he hid behind a dumpster like a coward. And than goes to a party and brag about it. Oh yeah he’s a good kid alright.
Kim — “accident?” Not according to the court that convicted Austin VanTrease of a *felony* crime.
I always find it very interesting that when a positive, factual comment is left on this ridiculous, one-sided blog it is removed immediately. Happened this afternoon as it has every single time in the past. Has anyone noticed this??? The few that I have posted were removed so quickly that I wondered if I really hit the send button. Come on Ken, everyone deserves to hear the truth. ALL of those boys were in the “wrong place at the wrong time”. No good comes from a group of drunk en kids in the middle of the night. This horrible accident could have gone many different ways…
This was no “accident”, and to paint this horrible act as anything else is dishonest.
Kim, clearly your comments are not being removed. I suggest that you clear your browser’s cache… that might help. Also, there are certain default filters that might be identifying your comments as “spam”. A few examples of this are: 1) profanity, 2) computer with suspected virus, and 3) too many links.
We can agree that everyone deserves to hear the truth, just like the criminal jury that convicted Austin Vantrease and Jonathan May. Yes, let’s be honest!
However, I can not agree with your characterization that an attack is an “accident”.
Clearly profanity is not an issue as you have allowed a name, “fuckthisfag” that posted and used profanity!! Think of a different excuse! Is was still posted!!!
Janice Keith… er, I mean Debbie (wasn’t sure if it was another person from the same location at your Newark, DE address or some sort of split-personaility disorder)… perhaps it’s because that isn’t a recognizable word. I’m not interested enough to check on this, but if you want to look into it then I’d like to know.
Oops Kate not Kyle.
Yes Kyle it’s a fact. A lot more i about the truth is also in his deposition.
I read the chooseprogress.net site. Did Ryan’s friend Tyler Johnson really make that statement about him in a sworn deposition and witnesses confirm that Ryan started the fight??
I believe that Austin should be held accountable for his actions but had never read that he had been provoked by Ryan and that Ryan himself started the fight while “trash talking and being belligerent” like his friend had “never seen”. Austin’s actions were horrible but I can’t help but sympathize a little more with the man if he had been drunkenly provoked while he himself were drunk.
Is that sworn statement by his friend Tyler a lie or really true???
Kate … Have you ever been to a sporting event and a rival team loses … And there you are at that stadium … Sporting the winning team jersey ….having to walk through a pile of pissed off , drunk , testosterone filled fans cursing you and your team … If not … I have … With my husband (who def had some drinks also ) .. He never felt the need to punch and kick a man in the head after he is unconcious … !! Want to know why … Because “normal” people aren’t like that … (I would hate for Austin to be “provoked” again …).
I have been, but never threatened in a dark enviornment or asked to fight. I’m not condoning it, it just gives some perspective if it is true. Which it may not be… I’m just more sympathetic if he was threatened first. It’s a completely different story then what I feel has been told, STILL NOT ACCEPTABLE. But it becomes understandable.
Kate, the toxicology report performed when Ryan arrived after the attack reported ZERO drugs in his system. Not even trace amounts.
Kate …I don’t know either one of the families or the young men ( should I say one young man and two animals ) involved, But are you kidding me!!!!! ! understandable?!?! Never, it’s never ok to do what they did to that young man! And then for those two animals ( I’m sorry I shouldn’t say animals, because they don’t even act like that! ) those two pieces of crap families to be saying/writing stuff like they are! None of this is understandable! I don’t know why they didn’t get life in prison, the death sentence would even be to good for them… I’m not meaning to be rude to you but I’m sure you UNDERSTAND my anger . Let me ask you a ? Do you have children or heck even a loved one that G*D forbid that would happen to you would understand if someone did this to them because of words?!?!?! I think you need to think about it again!!!! JS
Yes Kate that’s right!
We now know where Austin got his character traits from. We tell our kids, “It’s about doing what’s right when nobody’s looking”, too bad Bob Vantrease didn’t teach this to his son. No matter how smart, how much money or whatever kind of great family you come from, kicking someone in the head who is unconscious is a criminal offense akin to child molester, cannibal, murderer. The lowest of the low! Society should be protected from these types of criminals. They need to serve their entire sentence.
Austin’s friends continue to say Ryan “instigated ” the fight.So what? Does that justify what Jon May and Austin Vantrease did? There is no reason to kick someone in the head when they are on the ground! NONE
Mailing my letter right now!!!
Ryan’s Rally – I don’t know you guys personally, but know we are here with you!
wow.. really sad that they can say “wrong place, wrong time” REALLY??!???!? He hurt Ryan on purpose! no one made him do it, other than himself. He needs his future taken away like he took Ryans. Always praying!
This makes me sick sorry excuse for a parent if I say so myself no morals, no sympathy just idiotic what if it was the other way around n it was your son I’m sure you’d be singing a different tune. I hope he get everything he deserves in jail .
What a condescending, rotten, foul thing for this father to say. I literally want to throw up. On his face. Twice. Forgive me God!
BULLSHIT!!! He knew what he was doing!! He needs to man up and deal with the fact that he’s an asshole who should be serving life or awaiting execution!!! Parole SHOULDN’T BE AN OPTION especially because he got off with SUCH AN EASY SENTENCE 2-10 is NOTHING for what he did to Ryan!!! He robbed Ryan of a future and a good career for NOTHING!!! There’s a special PLACE IN HELL FOR PEOPLE LIKE HIM
Wow, really this father is a complete idiot. His child was in the wrong place at the wrong time? His child didn’t have to beat Ryan up, his child didnt have to kick him in the head, and his child didn’t have to hide behind a dumpster and watch Ryan suffer until people came to help. Shame on the father for trying to make up a stupid story on what could have happened and not realize what your child did. And everyone should not avoid all parking lots at night bc this could happen to you, no that is not the case. Not everyone is a monster like your son and would do this to someone and watch them suffer.
I am spending my time thinking, loving and praying for Ryan. I will not spend a minute expending energy towards this felon or his family. I love you Divineys!
I too read the comments on the petition and went to their Change.org website and read some of the propaganda found there. What a pity he has had to pay for his actions. It is disgusting.
Wow! The parents denial is so strong to even make an insensitive statement like this.
I found the Austin Vantrease website, the victim, website. It is clear to me that these people are truly delusional. It doesn’t even impact them that a court of law found their son “in the wrong place at the wrong time” GUILTY!
That’s bs and I hope he never gets out!! He’s a selfish inconsiderate a hole so is his family my prayers go out to your family and son/brother
I hope the judge didn’t buy that cheap crap he’s a selfish and conceited a** and so is his family. My prayers go out to your family and son/brother
What an IDOIT!!!!
One of the most troubling things to witness is when someone abjectly refuses to acknowledge culpability in a situation. This approach to life is how Austin was enabled to believe he could do no wrong – even when he practically murdered someone. It is astonishing and mortifying, and made worse by the fact that in spite of all the concrete evidence, the VanTreases continue to deflect, rationalize and justify both their son’s violent behavior and their own refusal to accept reality. I find it all not only deeply disturbing, but downright frightening.
People who are unable or unwilling to acknowledge the error of their ways do not change, and in the case of Austinn VanTrease and his family, for the sake of public safety, this is something we should all be very concerned about.
Team Diviney, Ryan and his family need your help more than ever. Please share the link for the petition To deny parole for Austin VanTrease as soon as youn can and ask others to do the same. Ryan Diviney did not deserve the horrendous violence inflicted upon him – no one does.
My heart is so heavy. Still praying!
That must be where he gets his stupidity. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree, did it? Wrong place, wrong time?? No. The time and place doesn’t even matter. He had a CHOICE and he made a bad one that should cost him his freedom. There is little faith in the justice system but I pray that the parole board sees right through them all. Hell, I’m not sure I could even defend him if it were my son. How can you when your child has such a huge amount of rage that it nearly kills someone? Let justice be served…keep him locked up forever!!
I feel the same way
I think Mr. Vantrease meant RYAN* is a great person that was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Please tell me they denied his parole!
Well now Mr and Mrs Vantrease, Austin is right where he should be …the right place ,right time for many more years I hope ..Don’t keep condoning what he did .Was he severely hurt? No, just caused it and ran away! We call that being a coward .Over the years have any of you tried to help
the Divineys in ANY way? No again .All you didn’t do to help Ryan… is the ‘unfortunate situation”
I keep sharing these posts pleading for my friends to share and sign the petition. I hope Austin gets what he deserves.
Sickening … I had a close family member that was involved in a vehicular manslaughter …he was drinking and driving and caused a man to lose his life. He took full ownership … Did not try to fight the case against him … Served his time and also paid the civil suit. If it makes any sense … He “wanted” to serve time … He knew he was wrong and said he couldn’t live with himself if he didn’t. It’s called accountability . I am sorry that your family has to endure such a pathetic statement from a father that clearly never taught his son to MAN UP and take responsibility for his vile actions …
He did the right thing! Why is this so difficult for others to understand?
“Unfortunate Situation”, get real people. Austin, YOUR SON, who happened to be in the “wrong place, wrong time” has taken the life & future from Ryan. Austin, YOUR SON, has turned the Diviney household into a hospital. Austin, YOUR SON, has never apologized to Ryan or the Diviney’s. Austin, YOUR SON gets to wake up each morning, walk around, eat, go to the bathroom and function. Ryan may never get to any of these things. Ryan on the other hand must be assisted in all functions. Ryan endures countless surgical procedures, fights endless infections, and remains a prisoner in his own body. Mr. & Mrs. Vantrease, do you really think this is an unfortunate situation????????? Shame on you!
WHAT A MORON! I agree with Amanda but I would definitely add another for Kari!
This sickens me!! So wrong JUSTICE FOR RYAN!!!
Apparently Austin should get a second chance at living his life. Ryan is waiting for that day too.
Austin may get a second chance at living his life, after serving 10 years for taking Ryan’s. Austin should have been tried for murder.
Thank you. Its printed and will go in the mail today!
Accountability is what that family needs to accept….my heart goes out to you Ryan and your loving family….
Parents dont teach their children such things as accountability anymore. Makes me worry for future generations. It truly saddens me what they are doing to Ryans family. I hope he stays in that cage where he belongs.
wow that’s just crazy! I understand it’s their kid but come on can’t they see all the time, tears, pain, stress you guys have been in…can’t they see that your son is in bed unresponsive of the world around him and all that is Austin’s fault… wrong place wrong time wow… insane..
Praying for Justice for Ryan. Not only do I think Austin shouldn’t be released, but should be tried for taking a life, in fact 3 lives, poor Ryan’s & his mom and dad’s lives are forever changed. Ryan’s dreams have been severely delayed if not cancelled. His parents doing what every good parent does, but im sure the chatted before the attack about how when their kids found their own lives that they would travel, and do this and that. I would hate for this to happen to someone else should he be released back into society.
It’s not too late.
This is disgusting. I can understand wanting to protect your child but what type of example are you setting in saying something like that rather than taking responsibility? I don’t understand parenting these days. It’s clearly that same parenting that got everyone into this in the first place.
Wow, just wow. I read some of the comments on the petition–I couldn’t read them all, I just had breakfast and couldn’t stomach them any longer—I will write my letter today. It’s not too late is it?
Unbelievable… Ryan, Vantrease’s victim, was innocently in the wrong place at the wrong time. His attackers were in full control of their actions and are 100% responsible for the consequences. We will continue to spread the word to have Vantrease’s parole denied. Diviney Strong <3
There just are no words for how stupid this is. It’s actually scary that there are people out there that honestly and truly believe what comes out of their own mouths. You just can’t cure stupid…your only option is to stop and stare and be bewildered.
Well, Folks, Vantrease is in the right place at the right time now! Let the punishment fit the crime, E.g. take a freedom, lose yours! Petition for parole? Ain’t nobody got time… …
I am flabbergasted that there are people out there who think this kid should get a break? I’m shaking with anger right now….