Topic : 03/16 Cheerleader Scandal

I am so sorry for both families having to contend with their individual grief.  I am a mother of three children, two girls and a boy.  When my daughters were dating they too had experienced bad relationships with boys who were dominating.  One daughter made the mistake of marrying this person and regretting it, finally ending in a divorce.  The other daughter had a horrible bout of depression after he broke up with her.  They were both physically and mentally abused. Their self worth was damaged by these young men.  Of course Dad and I tried everything we could to help them through their ordeals.  It is so sad that there are so many of these relationships like this out there.  Sadly this one turned into a tragedy. 

Dr. Phil, 

I watched the show on "Cheerleader Scandal" and I must say and this may sound callous. But, Daniel's mom's crying and grief almost seemed fake and over the top. I had a relative who would act like that when she wanted all the attention or wanted someone to fell sorry for her. It just brought back memories. In your jail house interview with Brandi, she mentioned Daniel beating her. Could it be they knew he was abusing her physically/verbally and never did anything about it? Could it be they are angry at themselves? and what better way but to direct it at Brandi and her family. Don't get me wrong, this was a tradic incident. I wasn't there and don't know all the details. But, it was apparent from Daniel's mom and her words and posture that this is about getting back at Brandi and her family and not about justice for her son. They do have alot of anger, I just wonder really who they are angry with? Their son or themselves. Should Brandi be punished? Yes! But to what degree? If it truely was an accident, should not the truth come out? I have to say with today's justice system though, it would not surprise me if Brandi got bad advice from a public defender. Dr. Phil are you going to help get the truth out, to help mend these two families? 

 Dr. Phi, 

In August of 2001, just 2 weeks before my son's 21st birthday, he was shot and killed on his way to a barbeque.  The one who shot him, had lived with us for a few months as he had been kicked out of his own home and had no where to go.  He came back after being gone for about a year.  I told my son that I didn't want him around any more as he was trouble.  My son and another of his friends were going to a barbeque at a friends home.  They picked up this kid to go with them.  This kid was in the back seat of the car. Had a gun with him that he loaded and then proceeded to shoot my son in the back of the head. 

I do know what the family that lost a son is going through.  I have felt the same way.  But because of my faith in the Lord and the hereafter, I know that my son is doing great on the other side.  I do not hate the kid that did this to my son.  I do not like what he did, and I know that he is where he needs to be in prison.  We found out that this same kid that killed my son has killed 2 more people, so he will never be on the streets again, which is a relief.  I do not give him room in my mind anymore.  I cannot control anything in his life and can only control my own life.  I have chosen to move on and do the best I can as nothing I do will ever bring my son back. 

My heart goes out to the families. 

Michele 

Daniel's family didn't seem ready to be on the show as they did not seem concerned about whether or not Brandy actually meant to kill their son (which I assume was the point of the show?).  Anger and revenge should not be the issue- the truth should be.  All involved should realize that searching for the truth would show more respect for Daniel than arguing and carrying on about things that they aren't even sure of (everyone was talking about what happened and the only one who actually saw it- besides Daniel and Brandy- was an eye witness who wasn't on the show).