Coleman expressed that he is praying for the boy and his family and hopes that they might attend Carondelet Baptist Church sometime in the future, saying, “We don’t exclude anybody. We are a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.”
Nevertheless, Coleman expressed that he feels it is important to prosecute the young boy, “not out of meanness or ugliness, but turning a life around.”
“Crimes have to be paid for. Whatever is fair and just, let it happen,” Coleman said, nevertheless adding, “I don’t want this to define his life. I don’t want this to follow him.”
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Reflecting on the ordeal, Coleman said, “I’m blessed. It’s actually made me a little more positive because I’ve been spared and able to serve. This goes so much farther than one night in a parking lot. We have an opportunity for the ripples of this and change the tide to really help our community.”
The 13-year-old does not have a previous criminal history and has been released into the care of his mother. Another hearing is set for Feb. 14.
The identity of the second young assailant is still unknown. The investigation is ongoing.
