MySpace: Hell on Earth

[Jesuslove]

Well last weekend I took my son to Disney in Orlando. While away, I asked my niece to watch my dog. She did. While at my house, a few friends of her boyfriend popped over unexpectedly. One of these boys, an acquaintance of my niece's boyfriend, came back to my house the next night. My house was broken into by two teens:
a 15 year old Native American boy (the mastermind) AND
a 19 year old Anglo drug-addicted boy.

Between damage to my home and stolen goods, I have about a $5,000 loss. I'm devastated, and feel so violated. Both were arrested and both have confessed. All my property, including thousands of pictures of my family, are gone. It has made me sick learning that the 15 year old will at most, get a slap on the wrist.

While doing checks on the minor, I found his MySpace page. Although I had heard of MySpace before, I never really had taken time to look at individual's pages. I''m not a naive person, but I was totally shocked at what I read on this boys page and others. The 15 year old's page featured a picture of him in front of my house dated the night of the robbery. It was brazen and boastful. I looked at others' MySpace pages... some confess crimes, very openly boast of ilicit drug use, and talk about teen sex using crude terms for women and body parts. It's been a huge lesson, a wake up call, and a complete shock. When I was growing up in the 70's and 80's, there were bad kids, but I've never ever seen kids like some of the stories I've read on MySpace the last few days. I know my son will never have a MySpace account if I have any say in the matter.

I was wondering if anyone on this board could shed any light on MySpace, and why it's popular, and why it isn't regulated.

[SirMax]

Wow....that's awful.

Now I can't help you too much with MySpace. I have an account for the sole purpose of keeping up with my youth at church that I teach. They will say anything on the web and that's how I catch them doing what they shouldn't lots of times.

I also work in the Justice System and it's very interesting to see how the system has been using people's MySpace pages to convict them of crimes.

[Evanescence]

Man, can you get your stuff back? Restitution?

Man, thats bad...I'm sorry for your pain brother. I'd be fumed and sickened...

[Jesuslove]

Man, can you get your stuff back? Restitution?

Man, thats bad...I'm sorry for your pain brother. I'd be fumed and sickened...

I'm really sickened. My stuff was immediately taken to a trading post (like a pawn shop) and sold. I was told that the stuff came in the door and went back out in an hour, by the store manager. I don't believe it.

I'm afraid of the 15 year old. He's whacked out, and I fear he will return. He's cocky and threatening. I am tempted to tell his girlfriend's parents, but I fear he will go nuts and do harm to me or my son. And of course.... I'm an adult and he's a child. He's got all the rights, I have few. The 15 year old will not go to jail for this. The 19 year old is in jail on $25,000 cash bond, which he doesn't have. I want to sue the parents of the 15 year old. He is being raised by a single mom with 9 kids, and she's on disability, so I'll likely walk away with nothing.

I do have homeowners insurance but a lot of things aren't covered. I had about $300 in iTunes (gone), software gone, computer warranties gone, and none of those items are covered. I have a $1,000 deductible. And some of the older stuff stolen I have no receipts for. I feel so violated, and feel unsafe in my home now.

[Valpo]

hey man, prayin for you, horrible to hear that. just shows you the extent of the fallen nature of this world. bad stuff, stay strong.

[Evanescence]

Its my worst fear..and we do often leave doors open here...

My 'puter has all my notes, files, writing and book stored in it....it'd the worst possible thing...

I'm sickened just hearing this...and angry :mad:

[rossid]

Our filter blocks MySpace. Did read something yesterday, through a link, which somehow let us in.

I'm saddened for your loss...

[sandyandporter]

I'm really sorry to hear that. Years ago all of my (now ex-)husband's power tools were stolen from our barn. He went on a search of local pawn shops and actually found some items he knew were his. The owner of the pawn shop called in the sherriff and we found out it was one of my stepdaughter's boyfriends. We allowed him to make a deal with the da that ordered him to make restitution (is this possible for you?). My ex told this boy's mom that he wanted the boy to go out and make the $ to pay him back and that if he found out the $ came from the mom he would withdraw his consent to the deal and the boy would go to jail.

As I'm sure was the situation in your case the items were stolen to get money for drugs. Satan's best weapon.

I pray all works out for you. I really feel for you!

[EmmoGomer]

I have Myspace. I've never had a problem with it or with others on there. The thing is I'm not looking for the kind of stuff that's on there.
I did come across one of the girls from our church who had a rather slutty looking pic on her profile. We've been able to address that as church leadership. Sooooooo in that case it was helpful to know what this girl was up to. I couldn't access her account though so I've no idea what she was saying in there.
I'm truely not surprised that myspace and other sites of this ilk have a lot of grot on them - they not Christian after all. We live in a sick world.
I'm SO sorry for the crime you're having to live through. I pray you can find peace somehow.

[Jesuslove]

I'm really sorry to hear that. Years ago all of my (now ex-)husband's power tools were stolen from our barn. He went on a search of local pawn shops and actually found some items he knew were his. The owner of the pawn shop called in the sherriff and we found out it was one of my stepdaughter's boyfriends. We allowed him to make a deal with the da that ordered him to make restitution (is this possible for you?). My ex told this boy's mom that he wanted the boy to go out and make the $ to pay him back and that if he found out the $ came from the mom he would withdraw his consent to the deal and the boy would go to jail.

As I'm sure was the situation in your case the items were stolen to get money for drugs. Satan's best weapon.

I pray all works out for you. I really feel for you!

Thanks for your kind words. My stuff was immediately brought to a pawn shop and sold. Since the mastermind behind the crime was 15 (and high on drugs), he will get only a slap on the wrist, according to the detective. Both the 15 and 19 year old have confessed on videotape. I was told by the police that I don't even have the right to contact his parent (single mom of 9), the only Native American family in my town. Based on comments posted on his MySpace page, he is bragging about the crime and other kids are giving him Kudos. How messed up is that?

As for restitution, I've been told the family has nothing so don't waste my time.

[sandyandporter]

Thanks for your kind words. My stuff was immediately brought to a pawn shop and sold. Since the mastermind behind the crime was 15 (and high on drugs), he will get only a slap on the wrist, according to the detective. Both the 15 and 19 year old have confessed on videotape. I was told by the police that I don't even have the right to contact his parent (single mom of 9), the only Native American family in my town. Based on comments posted on his MySpace page, he is bragging about the crime and other kids are giving him Kudos. How messed up is that?

As for restitution, I've been told the family has nothing so don't waste my time.

That is so frustrating! I've been an insurance agent for 20 years. If there's anything I can help you with in that arena please pm me. I'd be more than happy to look over paperwork etc....

[3D NC fan]

I'm really sickened. My stuff was immediately taken to a trading post (like a pawn shop) and sold. I was told that the stuff came in the door and went back out in an hour, by the store manager. I don't believe it.

I'm afraid of the 15 year old. He's whacked out, and I fear he will return. He's cocky and threatening. I am tempted to tell his girlfriend's parents, but I fear he will go nuts and do harm to me or my son. And of course.... I'm an adult and he's a child. He's got all the rights, I have few. The 15 year old will not go to jail for this. The 19 year old is in jail on $25,000 cash bond, which he doesn't have. I want to sue the parents of the 15 year old. He is being raised by a single mom with 9 kids, and she's on disability, so I'll likely walk away with nothing.

I do have homeowners insurance but a lot of things aren't covered. I had about $300 in iTunes (gone), software gone, computer warranties gone, and none of those items are covered. I have a $1,000 deductible. And some of the older stuff stolen I have no receipts for. I feel so violated, and feel unsafe in my home now.

I've worked in the insurance industry most of my career and your homeowners company should not require you to have receipts for everything especially when the items are older. You may have photos with the items in the background and owners manuals are also acceptable proof. Feel free to PM me if you need any assistance. I've heard horror stories about MySpace as well. My daughter has an account, but she is an adult and is still very careful about what she puts out there. Too bad these young men are involved with drugs, but that does seem to be the motive for many break ins. If you have the licenses, many software companies will provide a replacement at little to no cost. We had a woman who was trusted to watch our home and pets while we were out of town and know for a fact that she stole many items from us.

[Jesuslove]

That is so frustrating! I've been an insurance agent for 20 years. If there's anything I can help you with in that arena please pm me. I'd be more than happy to look over paperwork etc....

Thank you very much! One question... Some older things I don't have receipts for, however, the boy confessed to taking them. Is that proof enough for the insurance company?

[Jesuslove]

I've worked in the insurance industry most of my career and your homeowners company should not require you to have receipts for everything especially when the items are older. You may have photos with the items in the background and owners manuals are also acceptable proof. Feel free to PM me if you need any assistance. I've heard horror stories about MySpace as well. My daughter has an account, but she is an adult and is still very careful about what she puts out there. Too bad these young men are involved with drugs, but that does seem to be the motive for many break ins. If you have the licenses, many software companies will provide a replacement at little to no cost. We had a woman who was trusted to watch our home and pets while we were out of town and know for a fact that she stole many items from us.

Will my homeowners insurance rates rise over this? I don't have receipts for older stuff, however the boys confessed on tape that they stole the stuff. Is that proof enough?

[3D NC fan]

Will my homeowners insurance rates rise over this? I don't have receipts for older stuff, however the boys confessed on tape that they stole the stuff. Is that proof enough?

Having always working in claims, it's hard for me to say if your rates will go up. However I wouldn't think so. Insurance companies understand not having receipts for older items and the confirmation from the thieves of those items being taken should be sufficient.

[Evanescence]

Your rates shouldn't rise....it wasn't your fault...

Why don't you let me, Valpo and Clemson-dude pay them a visit.....we have ways ya know....:cool: :cool: :cool:

Boys? Ready for a trip? :cool: :cool: :cool:

[DareDevil]

That's awful! I know that the monetary damage is only a part of the actual damage, but I hope that you'll get it back at least. As a side note, have you thought about suing them by civil law? I doubt that it will help to get your money back, but legal law doesn't seem to be much of a help here, so why not try to get justice that way? Their MySpace profiles could be more than enough to provide you with all the ammo you need. I mean, heck if a woman can sue a store for coffee that is "too hot" then you should be able to sue too!

[mindyhere]

Sorry to hear this. Remember to try to find the good in this - everything happens for a reason. I'll say a prayer for you.

Take them to court to have them work off restitution. The boys should be the ones paying for this anyways - not the mother. And it will be a wake up call to them if they're forced to be held accountable for what they've done. Not sure of how this could be done - if at all. I don't know anything about the courts.

[sandyandporter]

Will my homeowners insurance rates rise over this?

Hard to say. That all depends on the company you're with, the number of claims you've had in the past and their severity. It also depends on how much they pay out for this claim. Your agent would be the best one to answer that.

[Jesuslove]

That's awful! I know that the monetary damage is only a part of the actual damage, but I hope that you'll get it back at least. As a side note, have you thought about suing them by civil law? I doubt that it will help to get your money back, but legal law doesn't seem to be much of a help here, so why not try to get justice that way? Their MySpace profiles could be more than enough to provide you with all the ammo you need. I mean, heck if a woman can sue a store for coffee that is "too hot" then you should be able to sue too!

The Mom has 9 kids and is single. She has nothing. The kid is cocky and brazen and doesn't care. I've been told by the detective nothing will happen to him since he's 15. Suing him will only get me frustrated. I have sent the police a link to his MySpace page. Unfortunately a lot of what was stolen isn't covered by homeowners. I had over $300 of iTunes, software, computer warranties, etc.

[Heaven Sent777]

I also have a myspace account I only opened it because the guys have a myspace page among other Christian bands I like, all my friends on mypage are christians and I never have had a problem with it, I am truly sorry for what happened to you and I will lift you up in my prayers. The evil brought against me God meant for good, this is the confession of Joseph who in the face of terrible hate and bitter treatment at the hands of his brothers, saw the goodness and even the provision of God in it all. To save many people alive" is the revealing of the grand purpose God had for Joseph's mistreatment. Can you see the higher purpose God has for your life, what you're going through? now, the wrong the mistreatment? Somewhere we got the idea that we are suppose to be comfortable and loved by everyone all through our life with God. But really the more God has purpose to use you the more mistreatment and evil he allows you to go through. Consider Jesus: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it's shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such oppisition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-4.

[Healing Oil]

I have a MySpace account...and I don't put smut on it. MySpace isn't the cause of what happened to you.

I'm really sorry that happened...was your neice aware that this was happening?

I pray that the feelings of anger and violation will be covered with forgiveness and peace. Stay strong brother!

[clemsontigers23]

Myspace just goes to show you how good ol' face-to-face conversation is dying out. Now you can know everything there is to know about a person just by looking at their Myspace. I had it and got rid of it. There's so much evil on Myspace.

I will say there are some opportunities to witness on Myspace, but the evil outweighs the good greatly. I believe in face-to-face conversation, and I believe in meeting new people with a handshake. It's better that way and more personal.

As far as your situation, I'm praying. This is pure evil.

[maui sista]

Bummed out...so sorry.

I don't think myspace is to blame but the people on it. I have a myspace and it works great for me because I am on the road alot amd I post pics for my friends and family to see.
I am just really careful who I allow to be my friends on myspace...if I dont know them then I don't allow them on.
I have seen alot of weird,crazy,yucky stuff on there but people are gonna do what there gonna do.
I am again sorry about your loss....I would puke if someone stold my family pictures.
and I pray they can use the myspace account to prove it in court.
God Bless

[Messianic one]

There is a great alternative for belivers. Its a new website called HISSPACE.

Here is the link, I hope you enjoy it!

http://www.hisspace.cc/

Shalom uvracha!

[cheewiee]

I have myspace... It's a cool way for me to keep in touch with friends and family back in Orlando, and other areas.

anyway... like most things, it is what you make of it....

[Yippy]

I'm afraid of the 15 year old. He's whacked out, and I fear he will return. He's cocky and threatening. I am tempted to tell his girlfriend's parents, but I fear he will go nuts and do harm to me or my son.

That's the worst part of all this...feeling that your child is unsafe. Steve, I'll be praying that God will bring resolution and that you'll have peace. IMO, your son's safety is most important & know you'll do what's best for him. I feel your pain in what you've lost, especially pictures, but thank goodness no one was harmed by those kids.

RE: myspace..I personally hate it, but have come to the awful truth that it's a big part of my kids' world and this kind of thing is not likely to go away. My daughter has one, but my son doesn't want one (I'm so proud;) ). I'm sorry that kids have to have hundreds of friends & be in multiple conversations at one time nowadays rather than having a few really good friends & not be afraid to be by themselves without having to communicate 24-7. That's our battle here.

[Valpo]

Your rates shouldn't rise....it wasn't your fault...

Why don't you let me, Valpo and Clemson-dude pay them a visit.....we have ways ya know....:cool: :cool: :cool:

Boys? Ready for a trip? :cool: :cool: :cool:

hahah

yeah, dont mess with christians, will turn the other cheek alright, but it's gonna be yours!

[EmmoGomer]

http://www.mazeguy.net/happy/rotfl.gif!!!!!

[Heaven Sent777]

Emily where did you get that laughing rolling head?

[EmmoGomer]

A girl never shares her secrets!!