" The sentence length for this person, Johnathan Milligan is harsh! What about the people who endanger children, child pornography cases and people who rape? They don't even get such a stiff sentence... And what about those women beaters who everyday threaten to kill their wives if they leave? Yes, he did shoot at the police officers and endangered their lives, but I guess he will have 28-45 years to think about what he did. No chance for this young person to be rehabilitated. "

" Hey! Casper cops and prosecutor, take notice! This guy apologized! If he was in law enforcement, that is all that would be required for the charges to be dropped! Why the double standard? "

" Awful easy to be contrite and apologetic after you get caught. If he wasn't a bad kid he would NOT HAVE TRIED TO COMMIT MURDER!!!!! Too late for him to cry and say "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it!" "

" Questionabe Sentence is right. You can get less time for actually hurting a child. If it was not a police officer that was shot at this sentence would not be this high. He needs to be in jail but not for 45 years. "

" Harsh yes convicted murders are out in 7 the only harsher sentence i can think of is the time divorced fathers have to spend with their children! usually a sentence laid down by the same ignorant judge. "

" Hi I am one of the mothers of one of the boy's in this case. He is now serving time in his Boot Camp sentencing he has been given. In this young boys sentencing it is very harsh. I have had this young man at my home. he was a friend of my son's. I do not know what happened that night that caused this young man to do what he did. But I will contune to pray for him and write to him. He was only 16 a youth tried as an adult. Yes it was a very serious charge but where is the chance for any life for this young man? I thank god no officers were hurt. I would like everyone to remember this boy has a family that are hurting also to the loss of their son now in prison for years. I pray for the officers in this case and would like to thank them for their proffesional conduct during this chase. That my son or others were not shot and killed. This has been a very hard year on all the family's involved. These were our children and they were not bad kids prior to this horrible event that took place a year ago. We have had to sit back and watch all the media and remarks and hold back our tears. I can tell you all this because, I have lived it. "

" Well it sounds to me that all you child loving equal justice seekers need to write your legislators and get more prisons built/ harsher sentences for the child molesters. Mr Milligan is only sorry that he got caught. Oh and by the way Milligan was shooting at innocent people also with no regard for anyones life. You people who are complaining about a harsh sentance would change your toon if this colorado gunman actually would have killed a civilian. No back bone, intestital fortutude, moral courage or conviction is what I read when I hear when I read you undereducated comments. Let the sheep say Bhaaaa, because that is what you are doing. The poor wolves that are in the jail they didn't mean it! Read anything from Lt Col. Dave Grossman and you will soon discover that... well nevermind I know you won't because you closed minded statements tell all. "

" 6 shot at bus stop another misunderstanding Oh the poor gunman. The injustice that was perpetrated that made this guy have to grab a gun and shoot innocent people in order to deal with his anger mustbe equally trajic . I'll bet he was home schooled and just mis-understood. I sure hope the cops treat him will all due respect and that he gets the couselling he needs. Rehablilitation can be acheived in only 6 months for this guy, Just ask the other readers of the CST who commented about the poor teen who apologized after shooting at the cops. NOT- WHAT A CROCK OF CRAP! This man is just like the man in Casper except he played a few more video games and had better aim. In this case the gunman is not sorry either just sorry that he got caught. In both cases once a person has demonstrated the ability to kill another person he is no,longer in the same league as the rest of the human race. They are Killers. Only 2% of the human race can kill without real remorse. 5% of the combatants in WWII did 95% of the shooting. the other 95% fire into the air or when directed by a commander or only when in direct support of a friend. What is key to note here is the mental conditioning that allows gunmen to become gunmen without the proper moral discipline the military provides. Educating the sheep is almost pointless and a waste of time, Bhaaaaaaa, Bhaaaaaaaa "

" Hopefully you will remember that he still has family. They are probably hurting right now and maybe this boy has mental problems, maybe he was threatened to do what he did by an adult male that was with him? I hope you do not have any children, "

" Well we are not justifying anyones actions in this case. However when it is one of your family members that was involved it hits home, and it hits hard. You think our compation didn't go out to the familys that were victims? But to the police in this case please remember YOU chose to put yourself in this profession knowing full well that things like this occur. I think the problem is that no one addresses these issues in the right context for todays youth. Your considered an adult but not treated as one unless you do something like a haynuss crime. Did you ever stop to think "wow maybe this was a cry for attention?" Sorry it had to be negative attention however thee adult population and its comunities need to realize just whats going on under the covers in our childs minds. Maybe if we took the time out to listen to our kids as a public we could stop things like this from happening. Unfortunatelly I am only one voice, and I don't see allot of inconsiderate selfish adults doing anything about it and they wont. Its a sad world we live in today but only we can change it. The way I feel is we won't because we are too buisy with ourselves. Godbless the people involved and my prayers be with the children and my brother that made this mistake. Only God can judge us in the end..... "

" Sentences for actions against police are usually harsher. I believe that all sentences for aggressive behaviors should be stiff and that includes child molesters and perpetrators of domestic violence. Most kids who commit crimes will continue to do so as adults. Armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon are not youthful mistakes. Sgt is right. The only thing all of the above are sorry about it getting caught. "

" I am Jonthan's grandmother and I thank all who understands the "harsh" sentence he got..he truly is a good person and would never have done this had he not been led by the "older" guy fixing to go to court which tried to get out because he thinks he is not compedent..as for the police..it sounds to me like one doesn't need to be a cop..he now has nightmares etc..what does he expect? to drive up and down the road giving tickets??it sounds to me like he needs to go to wal-mart and be a door greeter..yes they did very wrong and this whole family has paid in ways some will never understand and i pray they won't have to go throught it..i will always love Jonathan with all my heart no matter what or where he is..This family loves each other and support each with love and prayers..NO MATTER WHAT "

" that is a long time for such a young man. Yes he did make some horrible choices that night and for reasons I have no clue. I do know people who murder get less time than that.this young mans life will be half over by the time he gets out from what I read. He did need a strong punishment and I hope he gets a chance at rehab and release before 28-45 years is up or there will be no saving this young man. Prison doesnt reform most people it makes 99% of them worse. SGt, yea more prisons built thats what we need right? keep feeding the monster right? you sound like a cop. oe someone one who forgets that we are all people and make mistakes and deserve a right to change, but like most law enforcment and MP's everyone caught doing something wrong is an automatic criminal. Lets not forget some of our military personel have committed murder to and they were well disciplined soldiers. "

" I want to say thank you to all those that choose to be police officers and put there lives on the line every day to protect me and my family from criminals like Jonathan. Thank God they didn't kill anyone. Their families should be thankful they didn't get killed as they were trying to KILL others. If more judges would give harsh sentences maybe these criminals would think a little harder before they committed a crime. Johnathan may be a child but he did not act like a child robbing a place and shooting a gun at people. I think his grandmother should let someone shoot at her & see if she doesn't have nightmares!! "

" These young men did AWFUL deeds. No matter how they were before the crime. They attempted to commit murder. All of them could have chosen a better path. Each one should have gotten this sentence. Thank the lord for the justice system. "

" to the families of the idiots that tried to rob a store and shoot their way out: My prayers go out to you, however your family member was presented with a choice; robbing a store or NOT robbing a store. They chose the obvious wrong answer and are now paying the price for it. HARSH punishment>????? Give me a break. They are lucky to still be around and get three square meals a day. To the idiot that pointed out the fact police officers made the choice to be in that profession....yes they did make that choice and I thank them for protecting us from non-law abiding a@@holes that have no regard for anyone else they come across. You think law enforcement is only about writing speeding tickets???? pull your head out of the sand! lady, you have no clue. go back to your crossword puzzles and coffee and leave conversation to grown-ups. Black and White situation-Person breaks law, person tries to escape by any means necessary, including use of deadly force on ANYONE-person gets punished-person goes to jail/rehabilitation. cycle starts over again or not. Once again they are faced with a choice. Maybe they will pick the right answer next time. THANK YOU LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS FOR YOUR COURAGE!!!!!!! "

" I think the sentence handed down isn't harsh enough. The sentences given child molesters/pornographers, rapists, wife beaters are not either, they could be stiffer. These boys all had a choice, they made the wrong one and now will pay the price. I don't feel sorry for them. They weren't just shooting at our brave police officers, they were shooting at you and me. Where did the bullets they fired that missed go? They could have easily hit a sleeping child in a home. If one of my boys had been involved in this crime I would feel the same way. There is no excuse for committing a crime, none. "

" I am the wife of the Mills Police Officer who was shot at that fateful night. Judy can I just say you should be greatfull that a man such as my husband gets up everyday and goes to work. You should try going to work EVERYDAY, even before this incident, knowing that being shot at is a possiblity. As a family we all understand that he isn't wearing that gun on his hip as decoration. I would wager a bet that you don't go to work everyday and think about what to do if such occasions as getting shot at should occur. I completely understand that this very young man will spend much of his life in prison...what a waste. I cried with his family in that court room on Monday. As a mother I cannot imagine having one of my children sent away for years of their lives. I also understand that he is sorry that it happened, and would take it back if he could. Wouldn't we all! Unfortunately it was his finger on the trigger that night, and he could have taken it off at any point. It has been a long year for our family as well as we tried to get back to normal after this situation. As I said before the people of this area should be greatful to the men and women who get up everyday and go out a do a job that you wouldn't ever want to do. "

" I never said Jonathan did right,I know it was a wrong decision.He made a terrible mistake and will now pay for it as well as our family.What i said was we love him and will be here for him NO MATTER WHAT.I will not argue with anyone.What really upsets me is that the "policeman" could sit in court and cry,tell that he now has nightmares,has to answer his door with a gun in his hand,go for treatments,say he forgave Jonathan then look at the judge and ask for life behind bars and walk outside in front of the papers and t.v cameras with a smile on his face and laugh..that was sorry..He needs to read his Bible on forgiveness..if he wanted to be a "cop" in Texas (where i live) he'd never make the trainning..and Kim..i do drink coffee and anytime you'd like a free cup.."come on down" "

" mslat, you are very kind to believe in the remorse of the shooter. I learned while working with antisocials that they know how to behave in court , can look like boyscouts and cry on cue. They are not remorseful, tho. If only you could have seen him after he left the courtroom. I assure you, he became his real self. Good people don't commit armed robbery and shoot at humans. "

" MSLAT, How wonderful you posted. I have waited 1 year to tell you and your husband how sorry I am. I have set with my son for hours crying with him over this night. My son was involved in this chase. He was not a shooter, He did not rob the bar, He tried to crawl down on the floor in the middle of back of that truck during that whole chase, scared for his life, crying and screaming for them to quite shooting at the officers. He was so afraid a bullet was going to enter the back window and hit him in the head. He said he can relate to those officers because he was experencing the same thing they were. OH MY GOD WILL I GET HIT! My son had to under go theoropy when he was out on bond. He has had night mares and cried for months over the officers and their family's. He intends someday when he is able to speak with each one of the officers involved in this case. And let them know he tried to stop the shooters from shooting out of that truck. He wanted to climb out the window and run away But he could not. He was afraid they were going to roll that truck during that chase, He was afaid they would hit a innocent by standers car and kill someone. My son had 2 curfew tickets prior to this nite. He said he never would of left Colorado ever. if he had known what was going to take place. He has watched his friends now the youths involved in this case and it has devistated my son's life. He has so much remorse for each of the officers, their wifes and children. He is in bootcamp becoming a man and wants to write a book on this whole experience, how 1 choice can change so many lifes. I am so glad your husband came home to you. Thank you for the nice response here, it has helped this mother and hopefully I have helped you. "

" Well excuse me I guess I'm an idiot. I don't know wrong from right and I'm certainly not an adult in your eyes. What is this a debate? Who's on their high horse here? If my c@#k was that hard up for power I'd seek professional help. Anyhow to Mrs. Mills thankyou for your compassion. We do understand how scary it must be for an officer to put his life on the line for us at times. But the thing that we are trying to get across to certain people is that we believe this was too harsh a sentence for the crime comitted. It really is who you know and who you blow now days. You think if this kid was a cops son he would of gotten this sentence? Plahheese... Are judicial system is so screwd now days it should be wiped clean and started over!!!! Like here in this very paper I read about a man who sexually assulted a female and got five years. I guess raping people is okay these days but shooting someone isn't as equal. I could go on and on. Also to the person who said Johns grandma should let someone shoot at her. You are uncoothed. Why would you ever say something of that sort. I'm out of this because I would smash my computer just over how ignorant some of you are!!!!!!!!!! Godbless everyone involved in this to all the families and officers involved. "

" It seems to me that what the judge did was completely within the boundaries of the law. What the perpetrators did was not. Why is it that someone who breaks the rules set up by societyare considered "mistreated", yet those that act within the law, or uphold the law are called on the carpet. This is one of many things that are ridiculously wrong with our society. Too many bleeding hearts. Our education system is the same. It used to be that if you got in trouble in school, you hoped your parents wouldn't find out because you'd get in more trouble at home. Now kids race home to tell mom/dad how they raised hell and got in trouble for it unfairly. Mom/dad then go to the school to chew out the teacher or principal. These guys, and Johnathon in particular, did wrong and now the family is crying about how unfair the punsihment is. TOO BAD. Johnathon apparently is a poor decision maker. How did he end up in a stolenvehicle at the Sunset Grill with a .40 caliber gun and at least 2 full clips? Some sort of accident I guess, since he is a good kid from Craig, CO. If he is running with 5 other losers (one who is a 30 year old degenerate) in a stolen truck on his way to Montana, then this isn't just a crazy teenage whimsy. This reeks of bad choice after bad choice. At some point guilt from doing wrong should have come to the surface. You all know the feeling when you are faced with a good/bad decision. Either you choose right or you don't . If you don't, then don't whine if you get caught and have to pay the consequences. "

" Quoting JFK from his book "Profiles in Courage:" Where there is no punishment, there will be crime. This is a central problem with American society today, we hold few fully accountable for their deems or failure to act properly. Is it any wonder that our cities are becoming less safe, our boarders are now wide open and every numbskull with a complaint becomes the core of a new BS movement? There is right and there is wrong. An inch over the line into wrong is still wrong. We must stop rationalizing away fault and deflecting blame. "

" Tiff, now you blame the cops that ensure our safety for being in front of a criminals gun? This is sick and twisted logic and a shameful representation of one of the many things wrong with our country today. Police, firemen and EMT's are paid to see to our safety. However, it make them no less of a citizen with rights to protection too. Do you think that our Soldiers and Marines in Iraq joined to be shot at? Risk is anticipated, but that doesn't mean they deserve to die or be injured. "

" To the person who said they all should of got the same sentencing you are wrong. You don't even know the whole story! You have no idea why some of them left Colorado and went into Wyoming. You have not read some of the letter's I have read from the boy's including Johnathon. The Bible says when I was in prison did you visit me. I can say yes Lord, GOD FORBID YOU EVER MAKE A MISTAKE! "

" THE PERSON WHO NEED'S THE SENTENCING IS THE ONE STANDING TRIAL FEB. 4TH HE IS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS, YOU HAVE NO IDEA! WHAT HE DID TO OUR SONS! AND JOHNATHON. GOD SPEED JOHNATHON! AND YOUR MOTHER, FATHER, SISTERS, BROTHERS, GRANDPARENTS. I WILL WRITE TO THIS BOY FOR 45 YEARS TO INCOURAGE HIM IF THE LORD GRANTS ME THIS MANY YEARS. "

" As I said in Court to the Judge I forgive these people for what they have done. I still demand that justice be served. I was shocked and offended by Judy's statments, howerver, I have learned to have thick skin in this business and I forgive her too. I decided to get into this career after a near fatal motorcycle accident during which the police officers and first responders saved my life. I take pride knowing that I help other people in much the same way. I also take pleasure in doing my part to remove those who cause harm to others from society. As far as the length of the sentances of the various types of criminals, that is out of my hands. As a police officer I mearly present the evidence to the attorneys and the courts, what they decide is not my desicion and quite frankly could drive a person crazy if I worried about the considerations and sentances passed by the courts. Bravery and courage are required on a daily basis to perform the job as a police officer. I have no regrets and would do my job the same way if in that situation again. It is reassuring reading the other comments that have been left for this story that show support for the police officers. Thank-you. Trauma effects everyone and police officers are not immune. (Isaid that too) Sorry to disappoint some that have assumed otherwise. I am a better person after having survived this incident and as I told the Judge I will always consider this an attempted murder. If you disagree let me shoot at you 5 times, if you're still alive, then we can discuss the merits of my intent, any trauma you may have suffered, ect. ect. "

" Tamara, All of them got into a stolen vehicle and crossed state lines, then decided to rob a legitimate place of business, then decided to recklessly endanger the rest orf us by driving wildly and firing weapons in public at our law officers without any regard for anyone else's safety. All of these actions on the part of the criminals required them to make choices. They elected on their own to make BAD choices. Now they will live with their own poor decisions. So be it. "

" To Dan Slattery, Very well stated! I thank you for your putting your self on the line every day out there. I am also so thankful that not one of you got injured physically in this manner. As parents of these boy's, I know myself I was enbarrased, ashamed, upset, shock, and so many other emotions went through my mind when I called my son's cell phone on Nov 29th 2006 and got a Highway patrol officer that had answered my son's phone, he advised me he had my son in his patrol car and under arrest for armed robbery and a shoot out within a chase, someone will call you, your son is ok. Hung up! I just dropped to my knees. This is a parents nightmare you never expect. I have taken this year of Hell and probably for you also and your family" So deeply sorry" and have changed it into a positive. I went back to school and now earning a degree in Criminal Justice, I want to work with troubled youths before they ever get to this point in there life. And I am using this story to spread to high schools, Junior highs and so on. I have read some of your radio transmission's in my son's discovery and can not imagine the fear of" what the hell "was up with this truck and the people in it. I would read a couple of pages and it would take me days to recover from what I read. I know Johnathon has to pay for what he did. It just devastates the people who knew him. It was out of his norm. I must say I can not believe that all involved including my son walked away. You all had every right to open fire when that truck came to a stop. I don't know if I was in that situation if I could of had so much professional conduct and control. I want to thank you personally from a mother, That you did not take my son's life that night, He was the first one who surrendered. This is my only son. God spared you that night and my son I believe for a reason. "GOD BLESS YOU" and your family, enjoy Christmas this year! and sleep well, there are mothers in Colorado praying for you. "

" Something the public should know about these six. Because the truck they were in was stolen and very cramped for six people, Their intent was to come to Casper, go to a KOA campground, find an elderly cupple, kill them and take their motorhome. No pre medetation in that thinking right? Luckly law enforcement found them first before they carried out their plan. Their confessions are public record now if you want conformation of this information. "

" Kelly I agree with you completely. I know my son made horrible choices and yes he has owed up to his mistakes and has been doing his time. The mistake my son made was getting into that truck and leaving home with their dreams to work in Montana for 2 weeks, but the adult had other plans! and none of them ever made it .I explained to my son that he will always pay for the wrong he does, no one else. And he accepts this, the other boys 2 of them that are with my son in bootcamp feel the same. Please dont think us parents are babying our kids and think they are angels here. Far from the truth! We Parents all know they made a horrible choice and have to due the time. We were not prepared however for Johnathons sentencing, it hit hard and if no one understands Im sorry. "

" Thank you to my sister Tiff for telling Mr.Sgt of this post to seek proffesional assistance.we all agree these Kids comitted very serious crimes.Some of which could have left children without fathers for yet a second Christmas.What I see wrong with this whole picture is that this is just one more example of how irregular and inconsistent our justice system is.some where else someone with the exact same charges,received a completely different sentence.Maybe another view to try could be one of a more of a human to human approach.How can we as society not see how hypocrite our system is? We take our young men and women and train them to go over seas and kill people in order to stop killing.what does that mean to you? It was never right in any way to go do such stupid and careless things,putting others lives in your own hands, but we find it deserving and satisfieing to take another persons life in the same way but with the brute force of THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF (What applies) and somehow call it justice?Thank God no one was hurt or killed,and I'm sure a lot of people gained a respect for life that they in some way had not before.Now Day after day after day a young man will sit and never develop socially past the age of 16, never learn independence and be so institutionalized by the time he is eligible for parole that our system can continue financially supporting him and the thousands more like him that we constantly throw away.why do we think we are so much better.GOD BLESS THE OFFICERS AND GOD BLESS JOHNATHAN "

" To something else, is was" not the six", it was the three that ran, it was the ring leader that wanted to do this and they did not! Not even a issue here! "

" I feel no sympathy for any of the 6 people. They are monsters. I do not care what anyone says.....They ALL made the decision to do what they did. Thank GOD it didn't kill anyone. "

" I don't think that the records have been made public as of yet since Mr. Howell still has a trial sceduled in February. However it is interesting reading once it becomes available. "

" Tamara, try to understand how we feel. This adult and these boys were shooting at our police officers, one of whom I know. Every time they pulled the trigger they missed what they were shooting at. Where did the bullets that missed go? One of them could have went in my house and hit me or a member of my family, possibly killing one of us. There are numerous houses along the chase route this could have happened to. I thank God that it didn't. You keep blaming the 30 year old adult and saying he forced the boys to do this. I don't buy that. There were 5 of them and one of him, they could have overpowered him. The sentences that any of them got were deserved in my opinion. They are all quilty of attempted murder of a police officer as far as I am concerned. "

" I suppose the one could defend the actions of Bonnie and Clyde base on their poor upbringing, how their deaths at the hands of Sgt Hammer and others impacted their surviving families and so on. None of which considers that these thakfully dead bandits intensionally broke myriad laws and killed, injured and endanger many, many innocent folks. Focus on the crime and the criminal not on the fring issues. We must stop this deflection from the central toic at hand. Rationalization and shifting of blame are a national diease that will end civility and safety if we do not stop it now. We've already lost enough ground; get a clue folks the next victum may well be you or your family at the hands of one of these "poor, misunderstood" CRIMINALS. They made the choices and they commited the crimes and they did not care one wit about their own families while doing it. "

" Thank you all for your input, added to another chapter of my life, To Chris B. I do understand, I have had to live with the heart break of accepting the fact my 16 son was involved with frightening a whole town, community and law inforcement. I understand, how much fear each of the residents of Casper felt when this group from Colorado came shooting and leading police on high speed chase. I am not excusing my son in any means, I believe he has been given a fair sentencing in this case. I would not want to be the Judge here in this case either. My son feels horrible for the fear that the bar, town, and officers have had to go through. I had to talk my son out of killing himself one night after this. He did not want to live anymore over the pain that was caused to so many people. I was scared for quite some time thinking I would find my son dead by his own hand. Please try to remember I am a mother of this now 17year old. Trying to move on and live a life, raising his adopted 5 year old brother explaining to him where his big brother is and why. All I can tell the people of casper is that when the full story comes out and all have access to public records, then maybe some of this you will understand better. We parents of these 4 boys had no idea our son's were involved with the adult male at all. I had never seen, nor spoke to this man. Someday everyone will know some of the issues that caused this night to happen, regarding our sons actions and why! And if you don't think an adult can have a major influence on a teenager, Your wrong look at "Hitler" and the brain washing tech, he used! And to S.Smith I would like you to know "My son is not a loser" Loser's Don't get down on their face before God and scream out Please forgive me Lord, Please comfort the town of casper, please comfort all the officers minds, and their family's. My son prayed for you S.Smith and if you feel better by belittling your self with calling children losers than your the one who needs to seek mental help! "

" Tamara; You raised a monster. Please, have no more children for the sake of public safety. "

" Funny how people tend to pray for the comfort of others AFTER they have caused them grief. Funny how they seek the help of God AFTER they have done wrong. Tamara, maybe your son and his "friends" should have considered God prior to this incident. Then I wouldn't think of them the way I do. There obviously wasn't a whole lot of religion flying around the truck full of guns and criminals. Only bullets were flying, so I have a hard time calling them WINNERS. I can't imagine others thinking of them as winners either. What does that make them? Believe me Tamara, I feel for you and your family. I pray for them and the victims. Tell your son to not bother praying for me. I wouldn't be too sure that his prayers carry much weight with God right now. Hopefully in time they will. He can use that extra thought on the people whom he and his friends caused so much pain. I am safe in my own prayers and relationship with the Lord. In addition, your son is not a child so let's leave that alone. Children don't hold up businesses with stolen cars and guns. If you find someone who can offer mental help, then talk to them yourself...I don't need it. Peace to Officer Slattery and the rest of our policemen and women, and peace to you Tamara. "

" Can't do the time????? Don't do the crime.... "

" Tamara, thank you for the response. It would be hard for me to know any of my sons were involved in something like this. I wouldn't approve of it or try to excuse their behavior. I do hope and pray that your son comes out of prison as a good person. He onviously has a caring and loving mother to help him through it. MY TURN: I am one of the people the government trained to be a "killer". I did my time in the Marine Corps and, yes, I was trained to kill, in several different ways. I don't go out and terrorize people or rob bars though. Very few ex-military do. Stop using that as an excuse for the bad things that happen, it doesn't hold water. "

" I just wanted to let the news paper know I enjoyed this post area. I needed to scream out and cry now for the last year and had to hold it all in. I want to tell everyone here That I myself am sorry for our son's actions in this story as well. I pray someday you can all find forgiveness some how for some of these involved here. Thank you! "

" Let's review. Six people in STOLEN vehicle (strike one). Six people stop to ROB a place of business (strike two). Ok, so three out of the six were there in the truck and couldn't leave during the chase. My arse! They could have run like Hell when they sopped to commit the robbery (strike three, you're out). Each person made the DECISION to break the law. PERIOD. They were all old enough to know right from wrong. John-Boy SHOT at other human beings without any regard for any consequences for his actions. He's damn lucky he wasn't killed himself. Of course had he been, the cops who did their duty would be sued for that. What a crock! He's where he belongs. Harsh sentence? Maybe so, but that's up to the courts to decide. He shouldn't have been there to begin with. Pretty simple really. The only time it seems that CRIMINALS are sorry is after they're caught. Riiight. Being in Law Enforcement in the military for going on 18 years, this is generally how it is. "I'm soooo sorry"...not you're not. You're sorry I caught you. Maybe some of these folks are remorseful after time to reflect. But if they're truly remorseful, they wouldn't have placed themselves in that situation to begin with. "

" To SSmith, Thank you I have sought mental help by the way! And I do have peace now, I guess somehow I am trying to give it back to all of you. "

" Dear all, This thread points out a significant debate about our criminal justice system, should a person be sentenced because of the crime they committed or because of who they are and what their individual circumstances are. For example, in a DUI conviction should the person who will leave his family without support if he is jailed get a less harsh sentence than the person who doesn't have anyone relying on his support? Should the 3-time loser get the same sentence as the first time offender? Should the victim have any say in how harsh or mild the sentence will be? ---- These are significant issues which should be addressed by candidates for the legislature and DAs/County Attorneys. ---- I don't have many comments for the particular case here except to wonder why the parents of the teenagers were allowing them to hang around with a 30 year old. I have a 16 year old son and I would bring a similar relationship to a screeching halt. There may be a perfectly acceptable answer to that question but when I first read the story that is the issue which sprang out at me. "

" Tamara - I can tell you that I know your son and the other boys. I have never had a problem with your son, but I can tell you this as well. The people that are being as you would think "hateful", realize that this has made MUCH MUCH more of an impact on peoples lives then you will ever know. You cant defend your son forever, and he better just be very glad he didnt get shot. Any one of those boys could have gotten out of the truck and never gotten back in. ANY - ONE - OF - THEM. They CHOSE not to. Your son got a light sentence, a slap on the wrist just because he didnt do any shooting. Im sorry he threatened to kill himself. Thats the cowards way out. He just needs to learn to be a man now and deal with the sentencing he received. "

" I wonder if Stacey Peterson's husband, a cop, if found guilty, will be sentenced to prision for 28 to 45 years for her murder? I HIGHLY DOUBT IT. It's so easy to think that your kids will never do anything stupid, and then one day it happens,as my family has also found out. In the case of this 16 year old child, there is no chance for redemption or rehabilitation. In Nebraska a cop killed a kid who was suicidal and holed up in a closed-up building, he was put on leave pending an investigation. The grand jury said there was no call for him to shoot the kid. People on both sides of the law need to be held up to the same standard. I am sure this cop will not go to prision at all but get some kind of slap on the wrist. "

" Tamara you can and need to defend your son forever. He needs your support now more than ever. You face no judgement from me for defending him. The courts used to give young offenders a choice between prision or the military. I have personally spoken to men ( in their 60's) who took the military option. They became productive, contributing members of society. One even served in law enforcement. How many can say this after serving out a prision sentence. "

" George M. Your remarks about "subjective" punishment vs. objective punishment remind me of my Navy days long ago. Around the holidays we single fellas always got assigned to the watch bill on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Easter. The married folks were seldom on the watch bill to stand the duty. Commands always "justified" this by saying that the married sailors should be home with their families on holidays whenever possible. I guess that meant that my quality of life being single just wasn't as important to the Navy? We have got to get past subjective values and situational ethics. The dope that got the DUI did not care one bit about his family's welfare while he was breaking the law, and it is not our collective responsibility to ensure thier quality of life. Our personal choices come will personal, not societal consequences. "

" People have got to understand... Even though I don't even know who Jonathan is, he may have done wrong but him being sentenced to 28-45 years behind bars is just nonsense. Look at all the people now who rape all these small children, and all the people who do all the other things wrong that are worse than Jonathan's case but never get sentenced so many years in prision. The officer that was shot at has no right to answer the door with a gun in his hand and to laugh about something that Jonathan did....Its not fair. Yes. I do understand how the policeman and his family feel but come on now. Think about it...It didn't really have to end this way. I pray for Jonathan and his family everyday and for the policeman and his lost mind. "

" Cindy, life sometimes is not fair but we all know the rules and should be willing to accept the consequences for our own actions. Would it have been fair for my wife to be without a husband or my children to be fatherless? I accept that fact and that it is a posablility, but would it really be fair? I was mis quoted by Judy who I do not believe was even in the court room that day and really has no idea what was said or not said and I reserve the right to have a happy moment and laugh at any given time. When life deals you a lemon make lemonaid. Judy has no idea what I may have been laughing at, in fact I don't even know when I was observed laughing by the family because they exited the court room and went right to the elevator. I absolutely did not make that statment about answering the door with a gun and I'm sure that you can verify the complete statement that I made by checking with the either the court reporters records or looking in the PSI that was provided to the Wyoming Probation and Parole as a victims impact statement that I prepared and read from. As to whether or not I answer the door with a gun in my hand so what if I did or do it's my house and I guess it would depend on who knocked on my door. I might just shoot through the damn thing then say hello. Perhaps you should know what you're talking about before you talk, you have assumed to much. Thank you for your opinion, however, it doesn't change anything or make the situation any better for anyone involved. Your logic and sarcastic tone is pathetic and on the same level that blames the battered wife for staying in the relationship and then when she gets killed you say well she got what she deserved. I really doubt you know how either my family or I feel and I think that is a very inconsiderate thing to say. As far as the outcome I had no influence over the judges decision. In fact I stated in court that I forgave these men. Maybe the judge heard that and that is why his sentance wasn't the 40-45 years that the District attorney was asking for. Then again maybee not, who cares it's not my job. If you think the justice system is not fair vote for somebody who can change the system to the way you like it. I assure you I have not lost my mind and I thank you for your prayers even though you sound sarcastic and I doubt that you really are praying for anyone involved and are just saying that because it sounded good and somehow makes you a better christian. To the moderator of the Casper star tribune I don't even know why Cindy's statement was allowed on the board. It is offensive to all the victims and families in this case and is factually incorrect. You had a reporter in the courtroom who did a decent job recording the events and statements that were made. Obviously no attempt was made to verify Cindy's statement. I think that any statements that afronts the victims in any case should have a stricter screening process like verifing the statements that are made against or towards the victims are factual in content and not offensive in nature. I am not the only victim in this case. There was a female driver parked behind me that was in the line of fire as well. My only regret is that I failed to check on her status after checking under my body armor for bullet holes and blood. Not to mention the other officers who chose not to participate in open court and had to drive for miles behind these men with bullets flying down range and the other unidentified civilians that were unknowingly being fired upon. Unlike the criminals who were firing at everyone from their truck I stopped firing when civilians came into the line of fire and checked on the clerk and the customer at the gas station that were placed in mortal danger. And one more thing, the bullet that was fired into my patrol car narrowly missing me was a .308 round not a .40 caliber. I was firing a .40 caliber although they had one of those as well. Please post my retort to cindy's offensive, rude, and factually incorrect statement. Thank-you "

" Dear Dan, Thank you I was about to make my own statement to her as well. We all victums, family have had a year of hell. I commend these officers for a job well done. They spared my son's life "THEY" are the reaon my son is alive today "THEY" were the targets. "THEY" need your support and real prayers. I am receiving letters from 3 Boot Camp kids now. Their day begins at 4:am and ends at 9:pm everyday for 6 months. They are all in class through out the whole day, Drug and alochol , Family Love and Logic, GED classes angre managment classes and physical, physical workouts and work detail jobs. Cleaning their living quarters with tooth brushes and carrying 300 pound logs up hill on their shoulders, Standing at attention every where they go. Eating in 12 minutes showing in 3, My son is paying for his mistakes, he is not a monster, to the person who said I should have no more. He is taking it like a man each minute and the other two as well. I will stand behind and in front of my son and these officers as well any day. Im glad every ones enjoying this story as if it were the OJ case. And to BR thank you I know you know my son, And to each of you as well I work for an Alternitive correction facility as a Resident Manager/ Counseler and I can tell you that people make mistakes and yes the harsh ones need to be punished but not thrown away like trash. I am earning a Degree in Criminal Investigations so I can better understand our system hopefully. As to the person that said where were the parents. We were right here with our son's. Questioning where are you going, following them, making phone calls, But none of us knew of the adult in this case. So as Dan has stated you need to know the story before opening your mouth to subjects you have no idea about. Why are people asking if it were a cops son? and if it were not a cop? What the hell does it matter who was involved here the fact is that it was serious and people could of been killed on both sides. You put law enforcement into a catogory as if they are all pieces of S....... They are not and I dont appreciate some of the comments put here as well. I would hope to be able someday to sit down with Dan ans his family. And tell his wife how proud she should be to have such a wonderful husband that spared a mothers son's life. I will never forget these officers involved "NEVER" "

" All I have to say is that what he has done, is not who he is. Or at least, who he was. Not the Jonathan I used to know. Take care. "