I met Evan on the playground one night as a kid in Bethel. I was 8, he was a few years older. He tossed a few insults at me and wanted to fight. Nothing came of it. I feel sorry for him. Growing up with such a turbulent childhood without any support. I think he was just reaching out for attention that night. And probably reaching out for attention at school the day he decided to do what he did. 

Josh Palacios was a friend. A bunch of us kids would play baseball at the playground near hospital housing. It's such a sad story all the way around. 

We should all strive to look beyond ourselves, and our problems, and try to reach out to those who need help.