Sheriff Garrison: 'We Are All Grieving'
"Our worst fear is this young man gets free in that neighborhood with a loaded .357 magnum," said Sheriff Roger Garrison of the 16 year old who was killed after holding his mother hostage in Towne Lake.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is grieving.
"We are all grieving today," Sheriff Roger Garrison said.
"This is the most tragic thing I think that has happened in my tenure, possibly my career," he said.
Garrison recounts the events that took place in the Eagle Watch subdivision that lead to the death of 16-year-old Andrew Messina Tuesday evening, the day of the sheriff’s birthday, a day he said he wishes he could forget now.
He begins with the Etowah High School student’s mom calling Cherokee 911 dispatchers at 5:50 p.m. describing her son as out of control holding her against her will with a loaded .357 magnum revolver in their home. Her husband, Messina's father, was not home at this time.
Once deputies arrived on scene and were able to safely secure Messina's mother, Garrison said the captain decided a SWAT team was necessary because of the severity of the situation. Snipers set up around the home in a routine manner.
Negotiators were unsuccessful in establishing phone contact with the Etowah High sophomore who was currently on two types of medication and heavily intoxicated and moved closer to the front door, Garrison said.
“We would still be sitting there this morning talking to him if we could have established some sort of dialogue with him,” Garrison said. He stressed several attempts were made to connect with Messina, but the teenager’s screaming and threats continued to escalate.
Once within hearing distance and safely behind shields for protection, the two officers could see Messina pouring alcohol on the curtains threatening to set the house on fire and trying to remove his dog from the home.
Garrison said Messina suddenly came at the officers with his gun pointed forward by shoving it through the front door glass and that's when the sniper took action by firing a single, fatal shot through his abdomen.
Although the Cherokee SWAT team has used other methods when negotiating with other teenagers in the county such as tear gas and even using knives to take down suspects, the severity of this event was heightened because Garrison said Messina dictated the situation with his gun and emotions with it being a heavily populated area.
"Our worst fear is this young man gets free in that neighborhood," Garrison said, "we are not going to let him get out of the house."
The sheriff also said he believed the combination of the boy's medications and the alcohol played a role in the tragic incident.
Garrison asked the public to remember the officers involved as well because he said it's not an easy decision for the men and women involved who also have teenagers they go home to.
Watch his full interview in the attached video with all the details from the incident.
Truth
2:21 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Really? I saw first hand the police murder a 16 year old boy with NO remorse! I live next door and refused to obey you and go inside. You will pay for what you did by the system you work for. Grief... i saw none. Remorse... none! I guess I would act sorry if I knew I had done wrong. Im appaled by anyone who believes you. First rule never trust a cop, especially one like you whos up for re-election. Guess you got my vote... not. Freedom of speech you cant ignore it.
Susan Johnson
3:48 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
What a complete idiot you are. If the boy took a shot at you you would first sh*t your pants and then be screaming for the cops to protect you!
Michelle
4:48 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
and ur idiot self would have also been the first to bitch and raise hell if he got out in the neighborhood with that gun and hurt you
Georgia Peach
7:02 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Ok, you are a complete Moron (TRUTH), Don't waste our tax dollars calling 911 for help EVER, you don't deserve it! Sounds like you a pretty uneducated foolish neighbor!
cathy slack
9:45 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
It's called Suicide by Cop..No one wins in this tragic situation
I refuse to tell YOU!!!
12:29 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012
If i was truth and i think we are at the same level I would have busted down the door in order to prevent this!!! Im not scared and i do not own a vest, but i would have risked my life to protect a kid!!!!
Georgia Peach
11:56 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012
(I refuse to tell YOU!!!)- BULL, you say you would have risked your life to protect a kid??? Yea, a kid that was in danger, but not a disturded kid with a GUN! Kids can kill too, don't be fooled because of the age of a person. Do you watch the news? The police did not know this person, kid or not, they were not neighbors with them, they didn't have vested feelings toward this person, they were there to hopefully end the situation peacefully or PROTECT themselves and the sounding neighbors, PERIOD! It at anytime the situation seemed as if somebody on the outside would be harmed, then the police are trained to protect, even if that means ending the disturbed persons life. Thats just how it had to be! Too bad there are so many people that don't have sense enough to figure these things out, this is simple common sense, It's a very very sad situation, nobody wins here people! NObody! The Police risk they're lives everyday, these police have they're own families and kids to go home to, why would they risk they're life with somebody holding a gun, ARE YOU A FOOL! Just because they are a police officer doesn't mean they wanna die, not for anybody!!!
Woodstock Gentleman
12:07 am on Saturday, May 5, 2012
Surely Sheriff Garrison's resignation, or replacement is the least we can ask for given the tragic circumstances and unfortunate handling of this situation. I just wish the young boy had been given more time and father opportunity...
Mary K
5:14 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
You are so right. This article is one lie after the other. This Sheriff's department is incompetent. They need training!!!!! A bunch of bullies.
Stanner
2:33 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
First rule never trust a cop , really .. and btw freedom of speech has nothing to do with this .. This so called 16 year old boy held his mom at gunpoint .. did he show remorse.. He soaked curtains in alcohol did he show remorse then when he was trying to get the dog out of the house to set it on fire. This 16 year old who knows whats guns can do pointed it at a cop .. that is a threat period.
Truth
2:49 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Really the more I read this the angrier I get. No dialouge, bs, I heard it all. You told him to come to the door. Get your story straight bc eventually all those lies are going to bite you in the behind. I hope he never gets reelected bc I fear for all the children. Karma always comes around in the end and for you my sir its going to be a HUGE B*TCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lindsey Davidson
2:58 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Truth, if you listen to the interview then you will see that what he meant by no dialogue is that Andrew Messina was not engaging in a coherent conversation with the negotiators. They were more or less talking at him, and he was screaming profanities and threats and getting more "out of control", as they describe it, as the evening progressed.
Georgia Peach
7:11 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
(Truth) it sounds like you have a mental issue yourself! You don't make sense, you sound like you have emotional issues and are unreasonable maybe even unstable.....The police did NOT shoot this person because they wanted to, they tried to avoid it at all cost, however if at anytime during a stand off, if the person becomes unstable and is a threat to anyone, everybody knows, they will lose they're life! This is how it works, PERIOD. It's a very very sad situation, everybody is saddened over this! It's nobodys fault!!! HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
James Thomas Whitmore
11:49 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012
He went to the door and pointed the gun at the police thats why he got shot why do you have to be so nasty
Mary K
5:17 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Vote for WATERS--July 31st! 20 years is too long. Garrison is arrogant. A bully!
Stanner
2:54 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
You fear for all the children . How many kids have been shot by sheriff deputys in cherokee county since his election.. the TRUTH is the 16 year old young adult had a gun , took his mom hostage , his mom even said that to the 911 operator. His mom said he loaded the gun. You seem to forget mr or mrs truth that these cops had families too and when the gun is pointed at them that is a threat. All your doing is screaming and ranting , you think its ok for a person to take his mom hostage , you think its ok for them to try to burn down a house .. He was a danger to his self and others , if he shot that 357 it was going to go somewhere , either in a cop or in a home nearby and guess what then it could hit someone else..
Mary K
5:23 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
A 16 year old is not an adult! If I were you, I would think twice about call the Cherokee County Sheriff's Dept. It is time Cherokee County joins the rest of the US and gets a police dept. You don't send a SWAT Team out because you have a sad kid that may hurt himself.
Cindy
12:08 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Mom was never taken hostage that is a lie Garrison told to protect his job
Truth
2:59 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Wait my first comment was erased so I guess I will state it again. I first hand witnessed our local enforcement agency MURDER a 16 year old child!!! I live next door and refused to obey police orders to go inside. When the first round of cops (4 officers with rifles) I knew things were not going to end good. Guess what my intuition was right. The truth will come out in the end. I have the videos to prove it. I guess I would act sorry if I had done wrong, but from my stand point no remorse was shown. Grief... non-existent. I guess your up for re-election and by what I saw... you got my vote...NOT!!!!! Grow some balls... and quit being scared of Children! He was the scared one with snipers all around. In the end YOU will face the system that you work for and I hope you sit behind bars for what you did. By the way no sorry will ever bring this kid back and I hope you never forget that! Oh and if you erase my comment I will post it again. I can copy and paste all day bc I am not working, but shouldnt you be working?
Lindsey Davidson
3:11 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Truth, I am not sure who you are referring to about working, but this is my job: I am the editor and moderator of this site. And your comment was not erased. It is the first comment in this thread. There is no need to make threats about comments. But while we are on that subject, you should also keep your comments clean and relevant to the topics we are discussing, or they will be deleted per our commenting policy: http://woodstock.patch.com/terms
Aholden wilsom
3:35 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Of course it was going to end badly, the kid was out of his mind for some reason. You should have done what you were told and gone back inside your house. You were in danger as well. So was EVERYONE that was trying to help that boy.
Carol Becker
7:03 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
I think you all are being one-sided. I think the cops could have used a sedative dart or shot or gas rather than shooting to kill this CHILD. He was mentally ill. He needed help. All of the false stories about how he held his mother hostage were ridiculous. She did not sound the least bit scared for herself. She was scared that her child was going to kill himself. Even though he was threatening to set the house on fire, he was trying to keep his dog safe by forcing it outside. Why couldn't the police have thrown gas in through the open back deck door? I support police and appreciate what they do for us but the sharp shooter could have easily winged the boy. He is an expert shot. This is a disgrace and I feel horrible for this family.
Georgia Peach
10:53 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
(Carol Becker), sedative darts are used for animals. If the sharp shooter "winged the boy" as you described, the boy Could have still been able to use the gun in his hand to harm someone. Maybe the boy wasn't in a position to be hit with a bullet that wouldn't kill them Or the boy could have moved in a spit second, who really knows? When he did what he did, broke the window out or shot it out, there wasn't time to see what he'd do next, somebody could have been hurt. It's NOT a disgrace, it's a SAD SITUATION!!!
Carol Becker
12:54 pm on Saturday, May 5, 2012
Georgia Peach
With all your "he could haves" they might as well as shot him as soon as the police arrived. HE DIDN'T do any of those things.Why didn't the cops just back off until his father arrived. He was on his way? I believe this was a disgrace. Case closed. And gas would not have sparked a fire. You all just try to make excuses for the poor way this was handled. The boy could have been given time. The fire department was right there. He was not leaving his house. Yes, he COULD have done many things. But he did not. And he never held his mother hostage as all the drama-monger keep insisting.
Carol Becker
12:57 pm on Saturday, May 5, 2012
Georgia Peach
He did not do any of those "ciould have" things you suggest, nor did this young man hold his mother hostage. He should still be alive today.
Georgia Peach
11:44 pm on Sunday, May 6, 2012
(CAROL BECKER) READ MY COMMENTS, I NEVER once said he held his mother Hostage, Tell us why the mother didn't just wait for the father to come home to begin with instead of calling the police Carol Becker???? It's so easy to blame somebody else when your kid is in trouble isn't it? Tell us why the hell the parents had access to a gun to begin with when you have a teenager in the house, a teen with a depression problem? HUH? HELLOOOO COMMON SENSE PEOPLE! Take you guns out of the freaking house if you have teens, period, everybody knows teenagers run on emotions!!! COMMON SENSE! Lets not put the blame on somebody else, the people we called on to help!
Mary K
5:24 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
I agree 100%!
Concerned For Cherokee
3:03 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
I am not a fan of Roger but my husband has worked in law enforcement and I have been there console him after CPR didn't work on an infant. I've been there when he looked at a dead girl who's parent's killed her. I've been there when he came home and said he did everything he could but that drunk teen in the car didn't make it! Shame on you to categorize all law enforcement together!! I don't know what your job is but I'm sure there are people in your profession who could care less! That doesn't mean you are them! Shame! Unless you know that officer that made that decision, you're opinion is worthless!
Next time you have someone breaking in your door or someone harms a family member of yours, I hope you remember these judgements you make and DON'T call 911! You don't deserve them to help you- especially for the amount of money they make doing it! You make me sick!!!
Carol Becker
7:56 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
Wow Anonymous Girl! Kind of harsh, don't you think? I think many of us are upset that there wasn't more effort to subdue the young man. The front door was open. Throw in a gas bomb. Wing the CHILD. I am so tired of hearing how he held his mother hostage. That is untrue. Even the Sheriff said that he did NOT hold his mother hostage. Listen to nthe 911 call. She was out on the back deck, waiting for police. She said she was worried for her son's life, not her own. He tried to get his dog outside to protect the dog. Even if he had set the cutains on fire, the fire department was right there. This child did not need to die and there were other options. The sharp shooter could easily have winged the boy as he was seen walking around the house. The front door was open and the back deck door was open. There were options. And I am very, very pro-police. I appreciate what they do for us. I still think this was handled so poorly.
Georgia Peach
11:00 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
(Carol Becker) on one hand you say you are Pro police and appreciate what they do, on the other hand, you are saying it's a disgrace and they handled it poorly, "REALLY"?
Concerned For Cherokee
9:28 pm on Monday, May 7, 2012
@Carol. Have you ever tried to shoot a moving target? And yes, it was harsh, but so was his comments especially the one saying "I saw first hand the police murder a 16 year old boy with NO remorse!" I know the officer wished it wouldn't have happened and I know for a fact, he's feeling regret and remorse, but at the same time, the kids had busted out a window and (what looked like) getting ready to aim a gun at a person trying to help him! I hate to say, but none of this would have happened if he had stayed on his meds.
Funny how ironic people's opinions are. If a "sweet, innocent" 16 year old was breaking into your house threatening to kill you and busting your windows out, aiming at you, I'm sure you wouldn't just sit there and take it. And again- anyone who thinks they can do a better job needs to visit www.cherokeega.com for an application. They're hiring.
Mary K
5:27 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Sheriffs, police make mistakes too. They need to learn from the situation, but no--Garrison "would do it the same"! He is a bully!
Ron
6:49 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Just doin my job.
Stanner
3:10 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
then post the videos ,and you do know when a mom calls 911 saying i am being held hostage by my son with a gun that police are going to show up with weapons.. they are not issued water guns or nerf guns or happy flowers to give out to people .. the young adult kept threatening and he had a gun .. are you going to tell me he wouldnt have shot someone .. btw if your close enough to get a video and he somehow aims that 357 tword you there is a chance he would have shot you .... also you didnt answer the question about how many kids have been shot by sherriff or his deputies since you fear for all the children
Mary K
5:29 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
The young man never in his life shot a gun, he would not have been able to shoot it. You said the police--the police did not show up, the SWAT Team showed up! Big difference-Swat Teams shoot to kill. He was a minor-a child, a boy.
aya maghribi
3:28 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
RIP Andrew. Thanks to the person that shot him, half the students at Marietta high school are now devastated. Thanks for taking my friends life. I love you Andrew.
Aholden wilsom
3:38 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Sorry for your loss and all your friends loss. BUt what happens when you raise a gun to a police officer? You know exactly what happens, don't you think your friend knew that as well??? He wasn't dumb, it's always the same ending.
I refuse to tell YOU!!!
10:27 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
I feel for you as I myself really did not know him but was devestated by what took place. Everyone who thinks adverse to my opinion can continue but for me I do not care. I will not waste my time attacking those I feel are wrong. I am not threating anyone either. 1st admendment states we are entitled to free speech and since our county was based on this I will stick to that. His actions did not constitute what transpired. RIP Andrew you will be missed but I will do what I can to advenge your name!!!!
Aholden wilsom
3:30 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
They may have told him to come to the, they sure as hell didn't tell him to stick a .357 magnum through the window. The police had no choice but to shoot, don't you think this kid knew that??? His stupidity has consequences. It is ALWAYS the same, pull a gun on ANY cop and you get shot!
aya maghribi
4:43 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
andrew had mental issues and he was on medication, he was drinking as well. what do you think his reactions would be? putting snipers all around a 16 year old and he won't react well.
M
3:33 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
The suspect was armed, and threatening to maim, kill, and burn. He had taken a hostage. He was beginning to follow through on his threats to burn down a home. The police have to believe his words especially when he begins to follow through! It is a shame that the young man was shot, but that is a result of his own horrific choices, and not the police's actions. Think of all the fathers, sons, and brothers who were mere feet away from danger. Would this young man have to kill to be taken seriously?
Carol Becker
8:19 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
HE HAD NOT, NEVER, NOT ONCE TAKEN A HOSTAGE!! GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT. Jeez. His mother was not worried about herself. She was sitting on the back deck. She was worried that her son would kill HIMSELF! Please stop defining this child as a monster by this one event. He was a sweet kid who had bi-polar disorder. Jeez! Please, just stop.
Carol Becker
1:04 pm on Saturday, May 5, 2012
The SUSPECT? He was supposed to be getting help for a mental breakdown. He wasn't a suspect or a "perp" at the time. He was a troubled teenager that was suicidal. He was afflicted with a mental illness that he did not ask for nor could he control at that moment. His father was on his way home. Why couldn't everyone have backed off and let it cool down for a minute? The negotiators were only antagonizing the boy. They could have moved away from the door until the father arrived. Why couldn't they have done that? Were they planning on shooting him if he set the house on fire? The fire department was in place. And again, for the hundredth time, he had not held his mother hostage or threatened anyone but himself. I think the reason you want to pretend he did is so you can feel ok about what happened. Saying a lie does not make it true. Please get your facts straight. Please.
Georgia Peach
11:51 pm on Sunday, May 6, 2012
Carol Becker, WHY WHY WHY???? AGAIN, Why was there a gun in that house hold if this boy has a BI POLAR disorder as you, yourself claims he had? YOU are saying yourself, he has a mental illness, SO WHY WAS A GUN IN THIS HOUSE????? Who is to blame for that? The police??? NOT!
Mary K
5:36 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
You do not know the facts. There was NO hostage. The fire truck was down the street, he would of never burned the house down. The negotiators went right to the front door--is that intelligent when a young man has a gun? They got in his face. It was stupidity. The negotiators apparently were not trained.
Aholden wilsom
3:42 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Perfect!!!! Great post !
Cindy
12:54 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
ANDY WAS NOT BI-POLAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stanner
3:44 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Don't forget wives and daughters too .. Women as cops are in the same dangers.. I feel for all the students who lost a friend, but guns are not magical they dont shoot on their own. Someone has to pull the trigger and the kid had the gun in his hand and was a threat..
D
3:59 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
what about the other options like tear gas or shooting him somewhere that isn't fatal? why couldn't they have that ready for use with the gun? what he did is terribly wrong but aren't there ways to avoid taking the kids life?
Stanner
4:02 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
He poured alcohol on curtains and other things , a flashbang or teargas canisters explode and could have set him or the house on fire .. in that cause it was not less than lethal either
Aholden wilsom
6:43 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
they shot him in the stomache?!?!?!?! what would you have wanted them to shoot, his toe? he had to be stopped
Georgia Peach
11:54 pm on Sunday, May 6, 2012
Teach your kids, you point a gun at a police officer, your life will be taken over they're life! COMMON SENSE, kids kill too! How about take the gun out of the house! Common sense again. These kids can find a gun somewhere else of course however it takes more effort and planning and then the parents wouldn't have to take blame for it as well!!!
Mary K
5:39 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Agree--shoot to wound, or disable. SWAT Teams are trained to kill. Why were they on the scene? A police department like in other states/counties would of handled it perhaps without killing!
Really
4:03 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Cops on a power trip murdered a sixteen year old boy who never fired a shot
Susan Johnson
5:21 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Werll, maybe he should have fired a shot at YOU and then you could moan about how the "cops didn't do anything"
Aholden wilsom
6:44 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
you must be a kid as well, when you grow up you will understand WHY!!!
James Thomas Whitmore
12:45 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
Cops on a power trip??????? Are you serious if cops waited till after somebody pulled the trigger to react we would have alot more dead cops dont be dumb
Carol Becker
8:02 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
I am an adult and I still don't understand this. There were other options. The child could have been subdued without deadly force. Read the facts. Listen to the 911 call. The mother was sitting on the back deck. She was never a hostage. The doors were open. The cops could see him walking around the house. He could have been wounded. He did not need to die. The SWAT team, sniper and "hostage negotiators" did not handle this well and I honestly do not see how you can say they did. The kid was suicidal, not homicidal. Tear gas? Aim for his gun arm? This was a trained sharp shooter. This did not need to end this way.
Carol Becker
8:04 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
And I do not think the cops were on a power trip. I just think they handled this poorly.
Georgia Peach
11:03 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
(Really), get lost, you don't know what you are talking about. You are probably one of those people that look for reasons to sue anybody and everybody....
Georgia Peach
11:55 pm on Sunday, May 6, 2012
(Really) you are retarded...
Mary K
5:41 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
I do not think they had anything else to do--that is why so many showed up!
Stanner
4:18 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
David it is cool these days to hate cops and military people .. it is just the way it is , really is probably a teen who is trying to grieve .. God forbid he ever have anyone bust into his house and hold him hostage .. or her whichever
Really
4:31 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
I would like to know if the mother is glad she called the cops.
Aholden wilsom
6:47 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
the mother did what she had to do for everyones safety. your mother would call the cops on you and don't think she won't. when you have kids you will do the same
James Thomas Whitmore
1:08 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
Im not scared of a 100 pound boy but a .357 does the same damage no matter if the person holding it is 100 lbs or 250lbs. And I dont know david but I beieve I would move if i were him bc if yall are really his neighbors you sound like ignorant pricks
Carol Becker
8:05 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
Wow. You are cold
Mary K
5:43 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
I do not think she is. In fact, many neighbors were witness to this tragic event, and I am sure they will think 2 and 3 times before that have an over-reactive Sheriff Department and SWAT Team show up.
Lindsey Davidson
4:34 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Here is the 911 call from Andrew Messina's mother. Please be advised that this is not edited before you listen to it: http://patch.com/A-sVq9
Stanner
4:35 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Really what do you think .. Do you think she would be glad if he shot her .. do you think the dad would have been glad.. Do you seriously think the husband would have been happy of glad if the kid would have killed her , or do you seriously think that the family is glad that he is dead .. grow up for God's sake .. it is a tragedy either way you look at it. Do you think that cop really wanted to shoot a 16 year old .. are you just posting to see how many people you can piss off .. What would have happened if the kid shot the mom ,burnt the house and then shot a neighbor because the mom didnt call 911 .. i think we all wish this would have ended some other way
Aholden wilsom
6:48 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
stanner you are passionate and awesome !
Carol Becker
8:14 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
First of all, the child did not threaten his mother. He never held her hostage. Read the facts. She was worried that he would kill himself, not her. And the house would not have been burned down. The fire dept was right there. I do not believe the cop wanted to shoot a 16 year old kid but he could have winged him. He had plenty of opportunities to do that. They also could have used tear gas. There were options. I agree it is a tragedy either way. If the sniper has a heart, he must be hurting, too. My heart grieves for the parents. I feel like the child was probably on too much medication, or maybe not enough, but he did not ask for his mental illness. He had a terrible, tragic meltdown and if he could have survived it, today he would be getting the help he needed. Instead, his parents are burying their only child. I am so disturbed about how many comments are made about this child that are not true. We do not need to make him a monster. My children knew him and said he was very sweet, funny and kind. He had a meltdown. Yes, it was extreme but it should not define the boy.
Firewoman
4:40 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Let me ask you a question. Let me start by saying this, I admittedly didnt not read ALL of the comments posted so I apologize if someone has already hit on this subject.
You stated that you "REFUSED" to "OBEY" orders to stay back or go inside or get away... What if... When he busted through the glass he had of fired that weapon and you were the one on the receiving end of the bullet?
Would you still feel the way you do now?... Or would your family share the same thoughts as you right as they plan your funeral.... Would the question on their minds be "Why didnt they do something to stop him before he had the chance to hurt someone else?"
How about if he had of set his house ablaze, and with it went yours, or a neighbors? Would you then be so quick to judge the actions of split second to react?
Taking aim at our sheriff or his deputies and other law enforcement for doing the best job they could in that situation is not the answer. trust me when I tell you he (Sheriff Roger Garrison) isn't sitting at home right now excited about the days events yesterday, nor is the sniper that was forced to make a decision that will probably follow him forever. If he had not shot, and the suspect did set a fire, a fire that resulted in other fires that injured or possible killed others, or if he did not shoot and someone else was shot by the young man... He would have that on his shoulders too.
Tragic... absolutely tragic... but unfortunately ... unavoidable.
Mike S
7:51 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Quote from Nichole. "Next time you talk, make sure you think about what you're saying before you post it".
Nichole
4:46 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
My prayers go out to both the family of Andrew and the police force. I know it can never be easy going into that kind of situation and have it result in a death, even if it means the safety of the public. Taking a life is never easy, no matter how justified.
Why don't we all just take a step back and realize that everyone is grieving and that pointing fingers and calling names isnt going to help anything. next time you talk, make sure you think about what you're saying before you post it.
Again, my prayers go out to everyone involved in this situation. God bless
KKlincko
4:55 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Hey "Really" and "Truth", you guys apparently have it all figured out. Why don't you two just go tell Sheriff Garrison that you're there to take over all future crisis situations. You two clearly don't need any of the intense training that is required to do the incredibly hard job of a hostage negotiator or any Law Enforcement officer. I said it on the other forum. No one is happy about this. There is no power trip. You two are probably kids who have never really experienced life yet. Please enlighten us all with your vast life experience some more.
I refuse to tell YOU!!!
12:36 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012
I would if i could and you have no idea.... you really wish you could witness such a tragic thing? You make me sick!! I would have taken the bullet for him if I could!!!!
Georgia Peach
12:20 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
(I refuse to tell YOU), You are making everybody on here SICK! Please, sign up to be the next human sheild for future stand offs, you can be the person they send in to see if the person behind the door will shoot or not!
Mary K
5:50 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
They need training--they did not know what they were doing. Garrison statement--"I would not change anything", is ignorant and cold. He has been in office for 20 years-too long!
rocio castillo
5:01 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
May Andy Messina RIP :(
Ashley Innes Roe
5:03 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
This is truly a terrible story. I feel for the family. This shouldn't have happened, but I agree with some of the commenters above - he was threatening to kill and showing every sign that he was going to go through with killing others, so I believe the cops had to do something.
I do wish the SWAT team member who killed him had waited until the boy actually fired a shot to shoot him. According to the story, the boy pointed the gun through the front door glass, but didn't actually fire. I guess he was about to fire then? I also wish they could have brought someone in who was trained to speak with people who are clearly having an episode to get them to back down and stop doing what it is they're threatening to do. Maybe a psychiatrist or therapist?
Question - One of the interesting things here to me is that he was on Zoloft and an ADHD stimulant and from the sound of the 911 call, he was having a total psychiatric meltdown. I'd like to know if the combination of these drugs contributed to his behavior. I wonder, did he stop taking them? Was he taking them and his frame of mind was caused by them? Did he recently start taking them? This is very sad. I'm just tired of hearing about adults and kids who go postal on these medicines. It's fishy. Prayers to his family and friends.
aya maghribi
5:13 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Andrew was a good friend of mine and i believe he always took that medicine. he was bullied sometimes. i also believe that he was drinking with the medication which caused his meltdown. Andrew was one of the nicest guys ever and it isn't like him to act like this unless something truly pissed him off
Aholden wilsom
6:52 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
there were negotiators, 10 feet or so from the end of that gun he shoved thru the door. everyone knows you point a gun at an officer they are going to shoot you right then there.absolutely the drugs and ALCOHOL contributed.
Concerned For Cherokee
9:46 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Ashley, I have to disagree with some of what you say. A hostage negotiator goes to special training regularly. They have to learn about PTSD and other disorders. They hear from psychologists what to do. They do scenarios. They try every possible option. They have food, toothbrushes, changes of clothes- everything they need in case they have to spend the night to resolve a situation.
How unfair it is for you to say "I do wish the SWAT team member who killed him had waited until the boy actually fired a shot to shoot him." So you're saying if that had been your mom/ dad at that scene as the negotiator, you'd prefer he shoot them before the sniper took him out? Or if you were his neighbor, you'd prefer to take the chance that he shoots you dead before the police did something? If that happened, and he had killed someone BEFORE the sniper took him out, everyone would be out here bashing the police for not preventing an innocent life being taken. Why is it that law enforcement never does anything right to some?
Stanner
5:07 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
They said they had someone who was trained talking to him all he did was cuss back. Sadly if the cop would have waited then a different cop would be dead possibly or the bullet may have hit someone across the street or all sorts of scenarios..
Mary K
5:56 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
You clearly were not there. Your facts are wrong. There were NO neighbors in the area. The negotiator were not trained properly, if they were, would they have gone right to the front door? They forced the outcome. The boy was clear, he did not want them near the house! He was terrified. There were 10-15 Swat etc outside all pointing guns and rifles at him. Is this the way to handle an unstable child? Is this the best they could do?
Ashley Innes Roe
5:14 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
I just read he had been drinking. Yep, that plus his medications likely contributed to his terrible state of mind. Again, this is terrible. I'm still tired of reading about people going postal and doing crazy violent things to themselves or others while on these medications.
anonymous ga gal
5:36 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
I am grieving for the officer that had to make the tough decision. Thank you for making them everyday! I am grieving for the mother who lost her son. Who it sounds like has had several months of challenges- but never thought a call to 911 would end like this. I am grieving for a boy and only knew briefly but was a wonderful loving child when I knew him. This is a terrible terrible situation.
Michelle
5:48 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
the whole thing brings to mind "suicide by cop" - to many things add up to that being my thoughts anyway - as one of his own friends stated he was drinking and on mental health meds and had been bullied at school - gets the gun - as it states on the 911 tape the mother felt he was gonna harm himself - wants to take his life but cant do it himself so he forces the cops to do it for him - just my thoughts anyways
Austin Wile
5:54 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
You guys are stupid. Andrew was always depressed, he has tried committing suicide several times and he was scared to. He was a smart kid and knew that if he made an aggressive action that he would get shot. He had no intentions to actually harm anybody but himself. He would never hurt his mom, he loved her. He just wanted out. It wasn't some maniacal rage induced by alcohol and his lack of medication. He took anti-depressants, insomnia medication, and methylphenidate which is an ADHD medicine. Not taking those wouldn't make him do this, he wanted to die so he got himself killed. It's as simple as that.
Aholden wilsom
6:57 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
I agree
Michelle
6:02 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
exactly "suicide by cop" he wanted out but couldnt do it himself so he forced the police to do it for him
Stanner
6:12 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
If he would have never hurt anyone then why did he load the weapon ..
Austin Wile
6:19 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
So he could shoot through the window and get them to shoot him, they just shot early when he plunged his hand through the front door. I grew up with him, I was one of his best friends from like 4th grade, he never, ever, would have hurt anyone.
Mary K
5:58 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
How do you know the gun was loaded?
Cherokee Badger
11:23 am on Thursday, July 12, 2012
To Mary K:
How do you know the gun wasn't loaded? Maybe you should have volunteered to go to the front dor and talk to this young man and if he shot at you then we would have known if the gun was loaded or not! Oh but let me guess you probably would not have "volunteered" for that!!
Truth
6:51 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Really?
Truth
6:51 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
bring it i will exspose the truth!!!
Social Worker
7:10 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
It would be interesting to know if the sheriff's office trains their officers to deal with people who have a mental illness. I don't want to pass too much judgement on the office because I don't know the story that well. The bottom line is a kid is dead and officers have to live with it.
Concerned For Cherokee
9:49 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Yes, they are trained extensively. They attend seminars. They do scenarios. They take classes. They watch videos and review them on how the situation should have been handled better. You don't just get to be a Hostage Negotiator or SWAT member without training or experience. And you don't get to actually participate in a negotiation until you've proven you are mentally capable.
Anonymous
7:23 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Andy was a sweet kid who did suffer from some issues. It wasn't his intention to hurt anybody but himself. I've been having the hardest time grasping the fact that I won't get to see him being goofy and making everybody laugh at lunch, singing songs keeping everyone entertained, or making me smile on my worst days. Instead of arguing keep in mind that I just lost one of my friends and I didn't even get to say goodbye. I watched everyone cry at lunch and felt like a horrible person because I saw my friends grieving and knew there was absolutely NOTHING that I could do. I heard kids making rude comments about how he deserved to die. People are rude and need to respect that we all just lost someone close and apart of our community.
Austin Wile
7:52 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
He wasn't bipolar, that's all nonsense, he was just depressed..
Carol Becker
8:46 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
Depression and ADHD are both parts of Bi-Polar Disorder. It is swinging to both sides of the spectrum. BI (two) Polar. The amphetamine is used to calm one down and the anti-depressant is used to help with the depression.
so sad
9:21 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
If Andy wanted to hurt somebody he would have, and has anybody listened to the 911 calls? His mother stood on the deck in the backyard while he was somewhere in the house. Andy would not have hurt her. He just needed help. R.I.P. Andy
Carol Becker
8:47 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
I agree with you so sad. He just needed help. He even said that the 911 operator would not know what to say to calm him down because they did not know him. He knew he needed help calming down.
Stanner
9:37 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
just because his mother stayed on the porch does not mean he wouldnt have hurt her.. everyone says he was just depressed ect but noone here knows his state of mind during this episode.
Georgia Peach
12:04 am on Monday, May 7, 2012
His mother probably stayed on the back porch because she couldn't bare to witness her son killing himself if in fact he had done that....I don't blame her for that!
God's Child
8:30 pm on Monday, May 7, 2012
Stanner, to know the state of mind of Andrew, listen to the 911 call on this site. It's pretty obvious he was out of his mind.
Mary K
6:00 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
And you do not know the facts.
Your mom
9:56 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Are you really saying you don't want to reelect him? "waters" has illegally put up his signs, he tore down someone's billboard and put up his own ILLEGALY, he wrote a completely FALSE news paper article that was checked and then te cherokee tribune had to write another article. You guys are stupid for saying you won't reelect him for something the sniper did.
Michelle
10:41 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
attempting to gain votes off such a tragedy speaks LOUDLY of the lack of character in that person - soooo sad - anyone that would turn this tragedy into a political thing has no respect for the citizens of this county or for life itself
- Forget ur child is deceased i coulda done better - makes me want to puke!!!
I refuse to tell YOU!!!
10:59 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Really are you going to bring out a yo momma joke? Yes I will do everything I can to spread the word that Garrison is wrong. He made the call and he will suffer the consequenses that will transpire! Yes the sniper did shoot... when Garrison made the call. I rather elect a guy who "illegally" put his signs up over a child killer ANY day!!!! Funny thing is the cops are changing there story and deleting what that thought before. Time will tell that all these ignorant people are wrong. It is sad but the truth is what happened was MOST CERTAINLY wrong!!!!
Georgia Peach
12:09 am on Monday, May 7, 2012
I never said I wouldn't vote for him, are you kidding, Garrison is one of the TOP in the United States! Read the facts, he's listed in the Top 6th in the US. Most people that know facts will vote for him, He'll be back in office, not worried about that~!
Concerned For Cherokee
9:38 pm on Monday, May 7, 2012
Waters did not illegally put up signs- get your facts straight! Matter of fact, the sign is still there. Call the owner of the property. He'll tell you there was a misunderstanding because the lady who owned the land next door said the billboard belonged to her. And if you drive by, you'll see that he allowed Waters to lease the billboard, even after the incident because he knew it was an honest mistake. Funny how Garrison, this sheriff listed as one of the top 6 so you say told the man to arrest him for criminal damage to property. Anyone who knows the law knows you have to cause over $500 in damages! How is hanging a billboard causing $500 in damages?!? If this incident happened last year and happened to 'just anyone' Roger would have never bothered with it! It's sick how politicians use the law for their personal gain! In regards to the misprint- Waters admitted that was a mistake. Takes a pretty big man to admit when he's wrong I think. If Roger gets re-elected, the moral of the Sheriff's Office is going to continue to decline. He has no care for those who work for him or those he serves. And that's a fact! Ask him the last time he visited with his deputies and asked how he could improve their working situations. Ask him the last time he went to a precinct and said "good job guys." Bet he doesn't even know! I can tell you how many times Waters has done it in Forsyth- and he has no political gain there!
Concerned For Cherokee
9:43 pm on Monday, May 7, 2012
Oh, and please post the link saying Roger is one of the top 6 please. I Googled it and didn't find that anywhere.
Mary K
6:01 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Vote for Waters!
Mike S
10:59 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
who does the sniper get his orders from, his mom or garrison?
Kelly
11:28 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
I'm shocked that everyone is still saying the mom was a hostage. She clearly was asked to leave and she wouldn't. She even said she did not think he would shoot her, but himself. So again I'm not understanding this situation. Why was he ever shot? This whole situation is ridiculous.
Michelle
11:37 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
attempting to gain votes off such a tragedy speaks LOUDLY of the lack of character in that person - soooo sad - anyone that would turn this tragedy into a political thing has no respect for the citizens of this county or for life itself
- Forget ur child is deceased i coulda done better - makes me want to puke!!!
DS
8:40 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012
Praying for the Mother I can't imagine what she's going through. Praying for all of the law enforcement officers, I'm sure they didn't want the outcome to be this. Praying for the students as they continue to grieve. Being a parent of a student that attends the same school I shudder at the thought of what could have happened if the gun had made it's way to school in a book bag. Another Columbine? Prayers continuing for all involved.
Carol Becker
8:51 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
There is absolutely no indication that he wanted to hurt anyone but himself. He even tried to protect his dog. I think he just wanted to hurt himself. If he could have gotten help, he could have seen that nothing is that bad.
Mary K
6:05 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Get the facts--he was only a threat to himself.
L
9:35 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012
It's hard to see people grieving and not being able to understand because I never had the opportunity to have met him. I've heard great things about Andrew and I am praying for his family. It's very tragic. Regardless of our opinions, he did not deserve what he went through but we cannot change the past. All I can do is pray for peace and comfort for his family, friends, and the sniper and his family at this point.
Mary K
6:05 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Vote for Waters-a positive change on July 31st.
Ashley Innes Roe
10:57 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012
To Anonymous Girl: "So you're saying if that had been your mom/ dad at that scene as the negotiator, you'd prefer he shoot them before the sniper took him out? Or if you were his neighbor, you'd prefer to take the chance that he shoots you dead before the police did something?"
Anonymous Girl, to your first question, essentially yes. To your second question, we can play the game of "what if" all day long.
I personally think in a situation like this, with a 16-year-old kid who has no ungodly idea what he is doing because of his mental issues, you wait until he fires the first shot before you take his life. And by "you," I mean a trained member of a law enforcement SWAT team who is outfitted with protection from his/her head to his/her toes. I mean someone who has been trained to handle themselves in situations like this and someone who understands that when they agreed to put on that uniform, they were taking a risk. I could care less if anyone agrees with me. That's the beauty of America folks.
Melissa
11:22 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012
FYI to the people on this board-
David Payton is unemployed and sits at home all day blogging while his wife works.
David Payton did not know the parents or the child well.
David has no children (only ugly dogs)
Speaking of bi-polar David spends most weekends waking up the neighbors on lcd and Azaela Court screaming at his wife, at least until she stomps out of the house crying.
Dave get a life and put on a SHIRT
JustTheFaxMaam
12:27 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
Melissa, maybe you should Google David Payton in order to see why he sits at home all day. And the ugly dogs are rescue animals which tends to show he has a heart. Sad that you have to personally attack another person to try to make yourself look creditable
Carol Becker
8:52 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
Melissa,
That was uncalled for.
David Payton
6:17 am on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
I am a professional musician. I work 4-5 nights a week playing music for a living. Melissa you seriously have some maturity gaps for a grown woman who can't work due to her emotional and mental issues. You have shown them very clearly here to everyone. You act and respond more like a 6th grader than a 20-something. I have gone to the Messina's and profusely apologized for my mis-statements in person and online.. You may want to try it sometime. You are bordering on criminal slander and libel here. I like your parents, Mark & Laurie Prentice, so I will let all this slide. But if it continues. I will not.
James Thomas Whitmore
12:25 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
My prayers go out to this young mans family and to the officers who were involved im just glad they all made it home safely
JustTheFaxMaam
12:59 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
To the Editor - why are you leaving up some of these posts that are blatant personal attacks? Guess this one will be deleted as was the other one I put on here.
nonny mouse
1:35 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
Yeah just like my comment that got deleted cause I'm defending the police. But the ones that wanna yell at police about how "wrong" they did, when in fact the police did the right thing and took the threat away. But like I said before everyone has to have someone to blame and its always the police so people dont have to face reality.
Melissa
4:13 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
I looked at the website, thanks. Watch out Adele !
Will he be on "American Idol" or the "Biggest Looser" in 2013
Let America Vote
Melissa
4:15 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
I looked at the website, thanks. Watch out Adele !
Will he be on "American Idol" or the "Biggest Looser" in 2013
Let America Vote
JustTheFaxMaam
7:43 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
What is it with you and these negative posts? Do you not realize that they are more of a reflection of you than they are a picture of Mr. Payton - and that reflection is not very pretty at all. BTW How old are you? I can only hope that you are a kid and will grow up over time to become someone with some self respect. I feel almost as sad for you as I do for the ones involved in this issue that has been discussed.
whooped puppy
4:15 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
They should have just cleared the area, and diffused the situation. They dont need a swat team for one teenager that lost his mind.
Mary K
6:07 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Agree!
whooped puppy
4:21 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
Maybe they had to shoot him cause that neighbor wouldnt go back in the house like the cops told him to, and they were afraid a civilan may get hurt .
Mary K
6:08 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
There was no one in the area.
Cosmo
5:11 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
Dave, it was hardly a hostage situation .. Listen to the 911 call .. His mom was on the back deck while the kid was inside the house, for you to say she was held hostage is ludicrous.. The police are just saying that to justify what they did to that poor kid. And the fact that you have video and photos of the situation shows what an insensitive moron you are ..
Mary K
6:09 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
There was NEVER a hostage. Why was a SWAT Team called out? Does the Cherokee County Sheriff's office have nothing to do? A complete over-reaction.
anonymous12
6:12 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
saw and heard most everything; mother and father were outside the house and down the street; officers REPEATEDLY asked Andrew to not point the gun; didn't hear any glass breaking but front inside door was open; TWO SHOTS were fired from different guns
Mary K
6:12 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
You are lying. You could not of been there because your facts are wrong. One huge and loud shot fired, and you never hear the officers/SWAT Team ask the boy to put the gun down.
Jess Reiser
6:14 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
I think there's issues on both sides. Why was there alcohol and a firearm available to him? Why did the shot fired on a kid have to be fatal and not debilitating? It seems there's imformation missing and people are assuming anyways. This is hardly anything to be arguing over. I feel respect should go out to all parties involved.
MB
10:16 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
I would like to see a full an independent investigation of what happened. I hate to second guess our officers. I do question leadership and in this case the "fish stinks from the head". If Garrison gave the order he should stand up and explain his actions. If he isn't better prepared to handle a situation like this he needs to be gone. Garrison had time on his side. His only risk was that the boy would hurt himself or damage property. Forcing the issue wasn't the answer. Pack you office Roger!
Georgia Peach
11:18 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
(MB) Roger Garrison did a great job, he handled the situation as it had to be handled, he has my vote!!!
Mary K
6:14 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
110% agreed. Vote for WATERS on July, 31st. We need a change in leadership!
Destiny
10:47 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
I'm just sick to death of all of this mess. Politics, disagreements amongst the Eagle Watch residents, and rumors. I am a parent that cared for Messina (that's what we called him) because he was very close in my son's circle. First, he was talented and very respectful and funny. Second and most important, RIGHT, WRONG OR INDIFFERENT, he did not deserve to die, as has been said. We're in tears over here, and then get the joy of reading this stuff. I know, freedom of speech and all, but damn - does this have to go on right now??? Feel for his parents! They're good people. Their lives will never be the same. Feel for our children who have to deal with this! Everything that you say may be relevant, but just not right now... please... can we just lay Messina to rest? Nothing you're saying will change that end result. No disrespect - I'm just frustrated.
Georgia Peach
11:15 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
(Destiny) if you sick to death over this, why are you on here reading the blogs yourself? I'm a neighbor too, I was there too, everybody is broken hearted over this young mans death, not just you and yours! Many of us knew he was a good kid and feel sick in our guts for his parents and what they are going through. Its not disrepectful to have discussion about what happened, I'm SURE his parents are not on here reading the blogs as you are.
Mary K
6:16 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Well said.
Destiny
11:42 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
GP - First , for clarity's sake, when I said (specifically) 'no disrespect', that meant that I was not disrespecting any of you or your opinions. (However, you still felt the need to come back at me like you just did). I'm looking for the good words and the support where it needs to be - and yes, I'm trying to make sense of it, as well. For me and my son. No doubt in my mind, for one minute, about how hard this is on you all. And you're right - I won't be reading this blog anymore. Again, I'm looking for words of support. Thank you for your reply.
dano
12:56 am on Friday, May 4, 2012
For everyone saying "wing" him. They don't train police to shoot to wound they shoot to kill. Hence deadly force. I know little of the incident but LEO'S get hours of training each year. It's unfortunate the kid was killed yes but you get a split second to make a decision rather to pull or not. Then folks everywhere gets days,weeks, months, and years to second guess it. Bottom line put yourself in their shoes. 3 cop rules. 1. You go home at the end of watch. 2. Your zone partners do the same. 3. Repeat 1 & 2 again each shift. If you have a gun and point it at the Police that's suicide by cop. Either way people would bash law enforcement because either outcome is undesirable. U don't shoot he kills someone then he dies. U shoot he kills no one he dies. Either way someone loses their life. Its tragic but no need to crucify anyone. Let the GBI or some other agency do an investigation instead of a Kangaroo Court of a bunch of rich people who complain about everything
Georgia Peach
12:20 am on Monday, May 7, 2012
Well said Dano....but why does everybody refer to Eagle Watch/Town lake as RICH PEOPLE? That just is not the case!
Mary K
6:18 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
It is all in the training-yes. They need better training. They did not know how to handle the situation. They went right up to the front door and force a move! That is not competent training. Plain and simple.
Lindsey Davidson
7:33 am on Friday, May 4, 2012
For those of you who have questions about the procedures and protocol the SWAT team follows, including the snipers, we spoke to the captain of the Cherokee County SWAT team for more answers. Check here to see what he had to say: http://patch.com/A-sXgT
Mary K
6:20 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Do you think going to the front step would escalate the situation? They should of had better judgement then that.
Jay
2:06 pm on Friday, May 4, 2012
You peolple are dumb. You can't reason with a lemming. Throw tear gas.... Storm the door.... Shoot darts?!? lol This is not a video game! It's real life, with real life dangers. Why do you all even reply to their redonkulous comments? Obviously they just want to argue about things they know nothing about. And the neighbor across the road, get a life! How can you come on here and make comments about the editor?? If they don't like your post they will delete it no matter how many times you post it.
anonymous12
3:52 pm on Friday, May 4, 2012
Here's how simple this all is. By pointing a gun at an officer, Andrew got what he DESERVED. the sad part is, he got what he WANTED...
Woodstock Gentleman
12:15 am on Saturday, May 5, 2012
The question is not whether the boy was a threat once the negotiator approached the front door, but why was an officer close enough to be in harms way at all? Given the situation as described by law enforcement, I belive that the sniper had no choice but take action, and in a sense is a victim of incompetent leadership along with Andrew Messina and his family. I blame poor planning and leadership beginning with Garrison.
Citizen
1:21 am on Saturday, May 5, 2012
I believe as a community we need to stop trying to lay blame to an individual, whether it is a person or entity. After listening to the 911 call it is obvious that the poor mother was in fear when her son pointed the gun at her. I believe it is unfair to judge without all of the facts but it is a right of all citizens of this county to question actions taken by any government entity. If we do not question the things that happen and challenge the outcome we cannot grow as a community. That being said it is highly inappropriate and immoral to place blame without the complete story. That sniper did his job, however distasteful it ended up being. That mother did her job when she could not handle the situation at home. And we are all doing our job as citizens to evaluate whether this is a community we choose to raise our children in. I do not believe police tried to provoke that young man into a confrontation; they likely did what had worked so often in the past. Please consider how your actions/comments affect the rest of our community, a family that is grieving and a police department that is saddened. I cannot imagine how tragic it is for the people who knew and associated with the family but please consider their feelings above your own outrage at the outcome.
Citizen
1:21 am on Saturday, May 5, 2012
Surely you must realize the Sheriff is aware there are video recordings of the incident that could become public knowledge and he would not lie to cover up anything. This is the same man who was forthright about the missteps with the little girl so heinously murdered in Canton. Please be considerate of the torment everyone involved is going through. And if you have video please provide it to the GBI as opposed to bragging about it. That video could make a difference the next time we all have to deal with any situation like this. It is very sad that this has happened in our community please don’t let it tear us apart. Please pray for everyone involved to find peace.
David Payton
7:01 pm on Monday, May 7, 2012
I did repeat what I heard several officers, neighbors and a GBI agent told me. I had no reason to disbelieve that many separate people. I apologize for anything I said to hurt or offend anyone. I lost an aunt and a cousin I grew up with in seperate incidents this week as well as a fatal police standoff across the street from my house. Now my angry neighbors are insulting and slandering me on the web. I may have let my emotions get too much control over me. I should have thought things through before I posted.
Melissa, I don't know you, but whatever I have said or done to make you so angry, hateful and mean, I'm sorry. I will personally apologize to the Messina's for anything I said in my emotionally agitated state to hurt or offend them.
David Payton
3:07 am on Tuesday, May 8, 2012
I profusely apologize for my misinformed remarks. Emotions ran high and I believed what I was told by authorities and neighbors. I have learned a huge lesson about keeping my emotional rants to myself until I know the facts. Andrew never held his mother hostage. He was apparently not even bipolar. I was told he was a drug dealer too, which I did NOT believe. I am SO sorry for running my mouth, and inadvertently hurting people who are already in umimaginable pain.
Charlotte Payton
6:13 am on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Reject
Charlotte Payton
6:10 am on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
To the Prentice's daughter Melissa on Azalea Springs at The Prentice's house:
For your information, my husband, David Payton, is a very successful, accomplished, full-time, Grammy-nominated working musician. He works nights and weekends every week, just like all musicians do. Your comments are ignorant, false and slanderous. Just because he doesn't sit in a cubicle all day doesn't mean he is unemployed. It means he makes a very good living using his God-given talents and people pay him well for it.
Charlotte Payton
6:35 am on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Melissa-
Apparently you are interested in being sued for libel and slander. I'm sure you're parents are so proud. This is notice that you are hereby commanded to cease and desist immediately from making any further false, accusatory, inflammatory, slanderous and/or libelous statements and from making any statements whatsoever regarding my husband, myself or any other member of my family. You are not to post anything about us, mention our names, approach us, trespass on our property, or contact us in any way, shape or form. If you do, it will be considered a threat and harassment and we will be forced to take legal action action against you and to pursue all legal remedies.
Govern yourself accordingly.
Charlotte Payton
10:35 am on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Melissa,
Unlike my husband, I will not let this slide. I have made records of all your attempts to defame mine and my family's character and will be turning a copy over to your parents, turning a copy over to my attorney tomorrow (where I work as a paralegal), and filing a report with the police.
In addition, I demand that you delete every reference you have made to me, my husband, my family, my pets, my property, etc. and retract every statement you have made regarding us. Defamation of character is a CRIME in the State of Georgia. We will not only be pressing criminal charges, but we will also be seeking monetary damages in civil court as well.
Charlotte Payton
10:58 am on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Melissa:
In addition, I find your obsession with my husband and our family unhealthy, frightening and disturbing, to say the least. I believe the best course of action at this point is for us to take legal action to prevent your actions from escalating any further. From the unstable tone of your postings, I am concerned what additional harm you may be capable of.
Jessie Gable
10:28 am on Friday, May 11, 2012
Melissa, let's keep the focus on the story at hand.
Mary K
5:12 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
This story that Garrison told is one lie after the other! Please everyone Vote on July 31st for a change, Vote WATERS. Garrison said he had it to do over, he "would not change anything". This man is a BULLY. His motto should be "shoot first and ask questions later". He condoned the killing of a 16 year old boy, and lied about it. Plain and simple!
JustTheFaxMaam
10:31 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I am wondering if or why the thread for the petition regarding Andrew Messina was taken down. I tried to find it yesterday and it was gone after just having read it on Monday night. It is not there again today. Any others not able to find it? The last comment was someone calling another poster "BO" out on being really being David Waters. It being taken down makes you kinda go HMMMMM? Now if this one gets deleted it is really going to confirm it! IMO if you put something out there for people to comment on then you should allow them to be able to do exactly that!
Concerned For Cherokee
7:02 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
FYI- I am 100% sure "Bo" is not David Waters. Bo copy and pasted a portion of David's letter above and didn't put quotations around it. But it's verbatim wording to the very first sentence in the article. So, "Bo" isn't perfect- who is???
The comment he was referring to was "Bluebird see #1 above or I copied it for you, First and foremost, I had nothing to do with the release of the photos nor did anyone in my campaign. Mr. Garrison’s allegations in this regard are completely false. Roger is correct however when he admits that it was a big mistake for him to wear the robe of the Ku Klux Klan.
http://canton-ga.patch.com/articles/letter-david-waters-defends-record
Concerned For Cherokee
7:04 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Also, it's a shame the family was trying to post something to educate others, and it turned into Waters v. Garrison. Why are so many complaining that Waters is supposably "using" the Mesina family when we (the bloggers) can't even talk about one without the other?? We're guilty of the same thing we're accusing and condemning the candidates for, if you ask me.
Common Sense
7:16 am on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Bo is David Waters. Concern for Cherokee, I cannot let your last blog go without responding. How forgiving you are when it comes to David Waters, “So Bo isn’t perfect, who is?” Where is all of your understanding when it comes to a picture taken over 20 years ago? Give me a break! First person comments come from the horse’s mouth. As Bluebird put it, "the guilty dog barks." Shame on David Waters for misleading the citizens of Cherokee County and keeping the mud slinging during this campaign season! I will leave this to all of the bloggers out there to make their decisions about his comment to Bluebird, here is the link, http://hollysprings.patch.com/articles/letter-david-waters-defends-record
Bo=David Waters=Desperate.
Mike S
10:36 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
the door was double pain tempered glass door. i would like to rein-act the door scene. Take a hammer and hit the glass holding the hammer about half up the handle to make it as short as the gun. its not that easy to break it. and to go through two. is next to imposable. further more they say he stuck his hand through the broken glass and pointed it at the deputies (not police) and cut his arm up. imposable. the glass shatters into thousands of little pieces. its made that way so you don't cut yourself if you break it. I still don't know what law the kid was breaking. its not against law to tell the deputies to leave you alone in your own home, or to get out a gun, or load it, or supposedly break a window. i still believe the deputies bullet broke the glass. The ignorant sheriff (and his deputies) even tell you they don't know if he shoot through the glass or broke it. so our incompetent department can't tell the difference between the sound glass breaking and a .357 magnum being discharged. There are so many holes in their story. Watch garrison interview he keeps looking down and to the left. Tell tell sigh that hes lying or hiding something. Ether way we don't need people with that little of temperament on our force. with out a change i will not be calling 911 on any disturbance i have a better chance of living on my own.
Wahrheit-Teller
2:53 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Yes please don' t call 911. Obviously you know SOOOOO much more about forensics then the GBI.
Cindy
11:55 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
The petition was put up here without permission. If you would like to read the petition go to change.org. If you agree then sign it and if you dont agree, dont sign it. It is just like voting, it is your right to vote and it is your right not to vote.
JustTheFaxMaam
1:03 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Thanks Cindy, I was not aware that the petition was put on here without permission. I thought it was done was to garner more support for it. I read thru the petitin and was like others on here that felt it left out some pertinent information that should have been given. I would also like to know however, where is freedom of speech in all of this ? Does this site not have the right to post things like that when they can post everything else they wish to? IMO it was unfair to the people that wre commenting on it as well. I am sure you can uinderstand why people would question this as it appears possibl some toes were stepped on by someone. I am finding out more and more with this election for sheriff, nothing anyone does is surprising when trying to protect their candidates reputation and crediblilty. It is no wonder so many in our country feel the way they do about the political process!
Cindy
1:33 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I dont believe toes were stepped on. I suppose anyone can write whatever they want but as i understand it even in the patch every post has to be "approved". That does seem to infringe on freedom of speech. If you arent careful about what you say then they have a right to deny posting it. Not fair.
The petition itself has nothing to do with Waters or Garrison. The petition is strictly for improvement to save a life in the future. I hope you understand the concept and help us in our efforts by signing the petition. Thank you for reading it.
Wahrheit-Teller
2:54 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
No one has a right to post what ever they want on a private companies website. Period.
Concerned For Cherokee
7:07 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I think the editor took it down because it is a private site and because the discussion turned from the petition to the election. I don't blame them. We should all stick to the facts, which includes posting on here stuff that has nothing to do with this blog.
Mike S
7:09 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
Wahrheit- I do know the definition of forensics. It does have anything to do with physics or common sence you yak squeeze.
Wahrheit-Teller
7:48 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
That makes no sense whatsoever what you just wrote.
Another Angry Mom
9:29 pm on Saturday, July 21, 2012
FOR ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO DRINK THE DAILY GARRISON KOOL AID AND STILL BELIEVE HE "DID ALL THEY COULD DO AND WOULDN'T CHANGE A THING"... READ THIS -http://smyrna.patch.com/articles/armed-subject-barricaded-inside-smyrna-apartment
Wahrheit-Teller
3:58 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012
First of all, put a proper link in your message. Second of all, I somehow doubt the situation was exactly the same with the same variables to take into account which the HNT members had to at the scene.
You can be angry all you want, but at least know what the heck you are talking about.