This is just so sad,,and makes me ask WHY would someone do this?? I don't call it 'playing'??

[wgeo]

I remember them getting deleted left and right, just the one on the NCL board remained. I think there was discussion on that thread about how the ones on RCL kept getting deleted.

That's what I remember too - and I coulddn't figure out why it was happening. The mods must each have their own little fiefdom or something, but I didn't get why the threads got deleted on RCCL. In my opinion there have been much much worse threads there.

 

[sam_gordon]

According to multiple news sources (bolding mine)...

Prosecutors allege that Anello "negligently exposed [his granddaughter] through one of the windows," according to a statement from the Puerto Rican Department of Justice.

 

[DLgal]

According to multiple news sources (bolding mine)...

Sigh. Sounds like the initial dangling story may, in fact, be true.

 

[AppleDumpling]

Just saw this story on ABC News. The family is still blaming the cruise line and plans to sue them. They want to see the surveillance video. The grandfather, Sam Anello, has been released on bond, awaiting a hearing.

 

[tzolkin]

Sigh. Sounds like the initial dangling story may, in fact, be true.

Yeah, I was also wondering if there's something revealed in the video evidence that shows he was behaving more negligent than a simple accident and that's why the charges have been brought.

And in reference to this thread, what if, instead of a family member, we substitute a nanny or babysitter. Should they be prosecuted? If convicted should they serve time?
Should accountability and consequences vary, depending on who is involved in the (potential) crime?

Several people have posted that he has been "punished enough", but it's possible that the parents may have a say in whether he is prosecuted for this incident. I'm sure there are countless people who have been prosecuted for a death that they are distraught with guilt over. It think the majority of parents would want a negligent caregiver or driver to be held accountable if their actions directly resulted in their child's death regardless of whether the person felt bad about it or not.

I know it's a complete assumption, but based on their initial reaction with lawyers and blaming the cruise line I would bet that if this had been a nanny or babysitter they would definitely be trying to hold them accountable for the child's death. I know this is a close family member, but it's possible that over time (and maybe after watching the video) the parents felt that he should be responsible regardless of their relationship.

 

[ronandannette]

Just saw this story on ABC News. The family is still blaming the cruise line and plans to sue them. They want to see the surveillance video. The grandfather, Sam Anello, has been released on bond, awaiting a hearing.

At the time we either assumed they had, or it was reported that they had. (Sorry, I can't exactly remember). It seems like a huge risk taking the position they took without having seen the video footage.

 

[lifesavacation]

Just saw this story on ABC News. The family is still blaming the cruise line and plans to sue them. They want to see the surveillance video. The grandfather, Sam Anello, has been released on bond, awaiting a hearing.

Interesting. When the media went silent on this, I assumed they had settled with the cruise line. That does not appear to be the case.

 

[TipsyTraveler]

At the time we either assumed they had, or it was reported that they had. (Sorry, I can't exactly remember). It seems like a huge risk taking the position they took without having seen the video footage.

It’s my recollection they had declined to watch the video when the police offered them the option.

 

[ronandannette]

It’s my recollection they had declined to watch the video when the police offered them the option.

You could be right, but again, it's hard to believe they jumped into the whole media circus without all the facts that were available. Or that the lawyer allowed it. The existence of the tape was known.

And as much sympathy as I have for the grieving parents, I don't think for a minute their position was trying to preemptively defend the GF against charges. It vibes way, way more as a cash-grab from the cruiseline.

 

[wgeo]

You could be right, but again, it's hard to believe they jumped into the whole media circus without all the facts that were available. Or that the lawyer allowed it. The existence of the tape was known.

And as much sympathy as I have for the grieving parents, I don't think for a minute their position was trying to preemptively defend the GF against charges. It vibes way, way more as a cash-grab from the cruiseline.

I just really want to see the best in people and I can't fathom that during the immediate grief of having lost their child their main thought was "lets get a cash-grab from the cruiseline". I can very much understand them trying to shift the blame from their loved one to the cruise line, that seems like an understandable way of trying to cope (even if it is misguided). However to assume that their first thoughts were about money is a big leap in my opinion.

 

[fly girl]

You could be right, but again, it's hard to believe they jumped into the whole media circus without all the facts that were available. Or that the lawyer allowed it. The existence of the tape was known.

And as much sympathy as I have for the grieving parents, I don't think for a minute their position was trying to preemptively defend the GF against charges. It vibes way, way more as a cash-grab from the cruiseline.

They did have the option to see it, but refused. Personally, I thought then (like I do now) that seeing it would be too difficult. That would be a horrific last image of your daughter. It will be burned into their brain, and from a psychological standpoint the stuff of nightmares. I personally don’t blame them. I hope they don’t watch it for their own sanity. But I know, it would be terribly hard not to want to know exactly what happened. Such a slippery slope.

Ehhh, I don’t think it was just an instant money grab. I believe on some level they are doing everything to not blame the grandfather, it’s too hard. I know if it was me, I’d harbor such anger and resentment for letting this happen. This is someone they love. So, instead they can easily chose to pick the company that is faceless and has no family ties. Now add in the ambulance chaser of the cruise line lawyer ... and you definitely add money grab in. I think it’s mix of both.

And it is just me, but was anyone else shocked to hear the grandfather was only 51? Idk, I just assumed he was much older.

 

[ronandannette]

I just really want to see the best in people and I can't fathom that during the immediate grief of having lost their child their main thought was "lets get a cash-grab from the cruiseline". I can very much understand them trying to shift the blame from their loved one to the cruise line, that seems like an understandable way of trying to cope (even if it is misguided). However to assume that their first thoughts were about money is a big leap in my opinion.

You could be right. In the interviews they were not strongly defending the GF though, they barely talked about him. They were just vilifying the cruiseline.

They did have the option to see it, but refused. Personally, I thought then (like I do now) that seeing it would be too difficult. That would be a horrific last image of your daughter. It will be burned into their brain, and from a psychological standpoint the stuff of nightmares. I personally don’t blame them. I hope they don’t watch it for their own sanity. But I know, it would be terribly hard not to want to know exactly what happened. Such a slippery slope.

Ehhh, I don’t think it was just an instant money grab. I believe on some level they are doing everything to not blame the grandfather, it’s too hard. I know if it was me, I’d harbor such anger and resentment for letting this happen. This is someone they love. So, instead they can easily chose to pick the company that is faceless and has no family ties. Now add in the ambulance chaser of the cruise line lawyer ... and you definitely add money grab in. I think it’s mix of both.

And it is just me, but was anyone else shocked to hear the grandfather was only 51? Idk, I just assumed he was much older.

I completely agree with the bolded - 100%. But the lawyer could have viewed it on their behalf. Why, oh why, would he risk the entire premise he's building a case on if there is evidence available that might be to the contrary? That's just illogical to me.

 

[RedAngie]

Just saw this story on ABC News. The family is still blaming the cruise line and plans to sue them. They want to see the surveillance video. The grandfather, Sam Anello, has been released on bond, awaiting a hearing.

They had their chance before. If this case goes to trial they'll get another opportunity thru discovery.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

And it is just me, but was anyone else shocked to hear the grandfather was only 51? Idk, I just assumed he was much older.

Well, he's the grandmother's second husband (step-grandfather to child).

 

[fly girl]

I completely agree with the bolded - 100%. But the lawyer could have viewed it on their behalf. Why, oh why, would he risk the entire premise he's building a case on if there is evidence available that might be to the contrary? That's just illogical to me.

The lawyer has not been allowed to see it.

 

[fly girl]

Well, he's the grandmother's second husband (step-grandfather to child).

I knew he wasn’t a biological parent, but by his photos I thought he was in his mid to late 60’s. Just took me by surprise.

 

[ronandannette]

The lawyer has not been allowed to see it.

All the more incredible as to why they proceeded the way they did. At this point, if the video shows the child was dangled and dropped, it's the family that will be vilified, based on their initial actions. That will be crushing, on top of what they've already suffered.

 

[fly girl]

All the more incredible as to why they proceeded the way they did. At this point, if the video shows the child was dangled and dropped, it's the family that will be vilified, based on their initial actions. That will be crushing, on top of what they've already suffered.

However it happened, I hope they are not vilified.

I was not a fan of their Today Show interview, nor do like their blaming RCCL. But I am an outsider ... looking at this with different and much clearer eyes.

I thank God I have not been through any tragedy like this, but I realize during the worst type of life event you could have, your mind is not in a right state. The enormity is too much. I don’t like some of their actions, but I do have empathy for them at the same time.

I also think with tragedies like this, it’s natural to try and place blame on someone else. Is it right, no. But it is human. And when you combine the trifecta of a grandfather who is saying he didn’t know the window was open, a lawyer telling you it’s the cruise lines fault, and your mind trying to comprehend the unimaginable — you’ll follow suit. It’s still only been a few months. They are still grappling with this tragedy, barely scratched the surface. I just can’t on a human level, especially as a parent, vilify them for this (if the tape proves it’s grandpa’s fault.) Even though I disagree with almost everything they’ve said.

At the end of the day, they are just parents who lost their 18 month old daughter tragically. And I wish that on no one.

 

[ronandannette]

However it happened, I hope they are not vilified.

I was not a fan of their Today Show interview, nor do like their blaming RCCL. But I am an outsider ... looking at this with different and much clearer eyes.

I thank God I have not been through any tragedy like this, but I realize during the worst type of life event you could have, your mind is not in a right state. The enormity is too much. I don’t like some of their actions, but I do have empathy for them at the same time.

I also think with tragedies like this, it’s natural to try and place blame on someone else. Is it right, no. But it is human. And when you combine the trifecta of a grandfather who is saying he didn’t know the window was open, a lawyer telling you it’s the cruise lines fault, and your mind trying to comprehend the unimaginable — you’ll follow suit. It’s still only been a few months. They are still grappling with this tragedy, barely scratched the surface. I just can’t on a human level, especially as a parent, vilify them for this (if the tape proves it’s grandpa’s fault.) Even though I disagree with almost everything they’ve said.

At the end of the day, they are just parents who lost their 18 month old daughter tragically. And I wish that on no one.

I agree with all you've said.

 

[DLgal]

The grandfather is only 51?????

Well, there goes the "elderly guy who didn't have his mental/physical faculties about him" defense.

If this happened to my child, I would HAVE to see the video. I would need to know what happened and how, for closure. It would haunt me for the rest of my life to wonder and create all kinds of scenarios in my mind, much more than viewing the video. I imagine the video doesn't show the moment of impact, which would be the part I would not need/want to see.

I think the parents and the grandpa need to watch that video together. They all deserve to see what actually happened. The video will show the truth.