This is a very complex problem.It's a sure bet that his parents have not had a positive influence on him.The schools have lost some very important things over the years that may have helped like bustin his butt for stuff like that on a smaller scaleThe jails are full of drug offenders and people that steal or kill don't have a place to go,along with the fact that some dogood judge is going to give him 90 days and suspend 89 of them,he can now move up to Harleys and Escalades.

ladyofthehill; Same here; I would have rather faced the law and the courts than my father had I been caught doing something wrong! My seat of learning learned a lot while growing up. Now, it's against society's "rules"; hence, less respect from younger people, more crime, need I go on? I'm with wp and Heather on this one; send him to boot camp, and make him pay every dime for all the damage, stolen items, court costs, etc.

Are there still any of the old school military schools around like there was in the 70's and 80's? I had a cousin that was sent to one when he was 16 for stealing candy (what an idiot) and it set him straight and scared the living hell out of him. These lil hood rat thugs need something like that.

jail for life is a little harsh, so is adult prison...He needs a drill sergeant to shove a boot up his rear and teach that kid some kind of respect...Respect for himself, respect for other's property and respect for the rest of society in general..The little thug will just keep stealing and robbing and become better at it if he goes to prison..He should have the chance to go to boot camp and get his record cleared if he behaves and completes it.If he doesn't complete it, then send him to big boy jail.. He's just 16, he hasn't killed anyone, yet..

Take the board of education and apply it ot his seat of learning and i bet he would get the message.If i had done this when i was a 16 year old i would have rather faced the death penalty than my dad.Look at the parents they may be law abiding and they may not.So many kids now days are left to raise themselves and this always leads to trouble.

I dont care that "he is only 16 years old." If he wants to act like a criminal, treat his lil punk ass like a criminal.

He is 16 give him one more chance and if he does it again drop the hammer on his little butt i lost a 16ft boat this year and a 4 wheeler a few years back, hoods are in every town no matter how big or small but its not to late for this boy to get it right with his life.

Please don't send him to prison for life...He has done some very bad things and he needs to learn a lesson. He is only 16, he can still turn out to be a great adult. We were all 16 at one point, and while I never stole other peoples property, I did make some bad choices but I was lucky enough to never be caught. I now have my own construction company. I do hope they make him work some back-breaking job to pay for everything he stole and all the damages to the ones recovered. He should also have to pay for all court fees and fines. I believe some jail time would help him see that is not the kind of life he wants. A major butt-kicking from his parents might also help.

Send him to jail for life. I'm sick of these kids thinking they can get away with anything!!!