Monday, September 24, 2007

Loyer D. Braden

UPDATE, December 27, 2007: Alleged DSU shooter released on bail

Former Delaware State University student Loyer D. Braden, who faces a murder charge in the death of a fellow DSU student in September, was released from prison Friday night.

Braden, 18, had been jailed since he was arrested several days after the Sept. 21 shootings and was held on a cash bond of $192,000 – that meant he had to put up all of the money to be released.

But on Friday, Superior Court Robert B. Young modified the bail from cash to secured, meaning Braden only need to post a percentage of the $192,000.

The Delaware Attorney General’s Office opposed the modification, department spoke Jason Miller said.

As a condition of his release, Braden must keep daily phone contact with the Delaware Department of Correction until an electronic GPS monitoring device is placed on him.

Braden was initially charged with attempted first-degree murder, but the charge was changed to second-degree murder after one of the shooting victims – 17-year-old Shalita Middleton of Washington, D.C. – died on Oct. 23.

He was also charged in connection with the shooting of Nathaniel Pugh, another 17-year-old Washington, D.C., resident who suffered an ankle wound during the shooting.

Investigators allege that Braden's intended target was James O. Richmond, a freshman with whom he had fought a few days before the shooting. The shots were fired as a group that included Richmond, Middleton and Pugh left a campus cafe where, according to court testimony, Richmond and a group that included Braden had engaged in an argument minutes earlier.
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UPDATE: Shalita Middleton, DSU shooting victim, dies.
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Who is the Delaware State University shooter?


DOVER, Del. -- Police arrested an 18-year-old man in the shooting of two students at Delaware State University, authorities said Monday. As they led him into a courthouse, he told reporters: "I'm sorry."

Loyer D. Braden, arrested about 3:30 a.m. in his dorm room, was charged with attempted murder, assault and reckless endangerment, as well as a gun charge, according to court documents.

A justice of the peace set bail for the East Orange, N.J., teenager at $75,000 and ordered him to stay away from the victims and Delaware State. Braden is a freshman at Delaware State, according to a man at Braden's home in East Orange who identified himself only as a family member.

University offficials, who had assured the campus community over the weekend that the gunman was not on campus, could not explain how or when Braden returned to his dorm room.

"I'm not clear on that matter," Delaware State University Police Chief James Overton said. "I can't get into that."

That's not good.

The shooter is not on campus. No worries. Oops! He was arrested in his dorm room.

That is not good.
Four Dover police officers escorted Braden to the court Monday afternoon with his hands cuffed and his legs shackled.

In response to reporters' questions, he said softly: "I'm sorry." Asked what he was sorry for, he replied only: "She's in the hospital."

One of the wounded students, Shalita Middleton, 17, was being treated for abdominal wounds at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. University spokesman Carlos Holmes said Middleton had not been questioned and "will not be questioned until we get clearance from the physicians."

The other wounded student has been talking with police, officials said, but that student's mother said the 17-year-old freshman didn't know who the gunman was or what triggered the shooting at the Village Cafe, a campus dining hall that stays open until 3 a.m.

Braden is sorry.

That's good I guess, but sorry isn't good enough. At least it's better than showing no remorse.

...Braden was also accused of firing at a third student, James Richmond, according to the documents describing the reckless endangerment charge.

The shootings followed a fight Tuesday between Braden and one of the victims in a university parking lot, according to an affidavit by Lt. Donald Baynard of the Delaware State University police department. The heavily redacted document said the victim involved was male, but did not say whether he was Pugh or Richmond.

So did Pugh know Braden or not?
...The family member at Braden's New Jersey home said Braden's mother went to Delaware to get more information on the charges. "The whole thing is just not his M.O.," the man said. "It's really puzzling to us."

Not his M.O.?

What an odd way to talk about a family member!

For example, I can't imagine saying, "The whole thing is just not my brother's M.O."

Braden graduated in June from Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, N.J., where he played basketball and football. "This would be the last thing I'd ever expect of Loyer," football coach Sean Morris said.

In 1998, Braden was among a group of Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts who escorted jazz great Lionel Hampton to an East Orange elementary school that had named a concert hall in Hampton's name, according to The Star-Ledger of Newark.

What a waste!

Braden had a lot going for him.

He had opportunities. He was enrolled in college. He threw all of that away.

There's no excuse for such sociopathic behavior.

No one can say that he had no hope for a good life, or that he was trapped in poverty with no chance of realizing the American dream.

Braden made a terrible, terrible choice. Now, he'll pay.

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DSU Press Release
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From The Star-Ledger, September 25, 2007:
Police in Delaware today searched the car and dorm room of an 18-year-old East Orange man charged in the shooting of two students at Delware State University last week, according to a report in the News-Journal of Wilmington.

Investigators also went to the home of a relative of Loyer D. Braden, but have not found the weapon, authorities told the newspaper for a story posted on its Web site.

"The investigation is still going on and they're still trying to figure out where this gun is at," DSU spokesman Carlos Holmes said this afternoon. In addition, police now say they "do not believe that the victims in this case, Shalita Middleton or Nathaniel Pugh, were the intended targets," Holmes told the News-Journal. "They have a strong belief that they were not the intended targets."

Police had said early in the investigation that they did not believe the shootings - which sent both Middleton and Pugh to the hospital - were entirely random, but Holmes said he was unsure whether that has changed, according to the newspaper.

Braden, a Delaware State freshman who graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, remained in custody today at Delaware Correctional Center near Smyrna, Department of Correction spokesman John Painter told the News-Journal. Braden, who is being held on $75,000 secured bond, is charged with first-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, reckless endangering and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
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DSU expels Braden.

70 comments:

Anonymous said...

I grew up with Loyer and I am shocked that he did this. For some reason I feel that he did not act alone. This does not excuse what we did and the only thing we can do is pray for the students in the hospital. He is not a sociopath and if you don't know him you really shouldn't judge him until the case unfolds

Anonymous said...

Don't be so quick to call someone a sociopath. I'd like to point out that a sociopath doesn't show remorse, and also has a lack of empathy, you realize yourself that he even said he was sorry, something not typical of sociopathic behavior. Let's wait till the facts come out before labelling. Also when the family member said it's just not his "M.O." that is to mean that it is not his style or not something the family would have thought he would do. He should be punished for any and all wrong doings, but I also know he is NOT a sociopath.

Mary said...

To anonymous #1:

It must have been a terrible shock to learn that Loyer was arrested in the DSU case. I do feel sorry for his family and friends who were blindsided by this. It must be very disturbing.

You're right. I don't know him. But no matter how the case unfolds, Loyer should not have fired a gun into a group of people on campus.

To anonymous #2:

First, when I called him a sociopath, I wasn't making a psychiatric diagnosis. I used it as part of the common vernacular. I was speaking in terms of his anti-social behavior -- shooting at people.

Second, I know what "M.O." means.

Third, what gives you the authority to say with such certitude that Braden is NOT a sociopath?

Anonymous said...

i know for a fact that loyer is not a sociopath, we graduated from high school together. yes what he did was wrong but that still doesnt give you the right to judge him for his actions. there was just a serious problem that he felt needed to be taken care of. would i have gone about it that way, probbly not, but thats how he felt he needed to defend himself. who knows he could've ben threatened but of course the media wouldnt put that out there because they want everybody to think that he's some type of monster and that's not the case at all. all that's left to do is leave it all n GOD's hands and pray.

Anonymous said...

How dare you call the alleged gunman is a sociopath? Are you a licensed psychologist? Sociopath is not part of the "common vernacular" and anyone asserting such is demonstrating that she has a "common" mind.

Do you believe in the justice system? If so, you will agree that Mr. Braden is innocent until proven guilty and you will leave your ignorant opinion out of it. Only God can judge; the only thing we should do is pray for the victims.

Anonymous said...

Loyer is a very smart and intelligent young man. He played varsity Basketball since freshmen year! I had many classes with him and he made my high school years very memorable. I dont believe loyer did it i actually believe he is covering for someone so quit the judging L. Dont judge him! He does have alot going for himself and its still going. Loyer your in my prayers!

Anonymous said...

Loyer Braden is a close family member of mine and I do not appreciate any judgement being brought upon him. He is the most undescrible person, he's intellegent, a gentleman, an excellent althetic, who has just made a very bad descision. He should not be judged, nor should he be looked at like as a "sociopath". He is loved by many and all of his family and friends have him in their prays, because he will remain innocent until proven guilty!

Mary said...

He shot TWO people!

Sorry, but that's more than "a very bad decision."

That "bad decision" could have resulted in murder.

Anonymous said...

I went to HighSchool with Loyer for two year and we continued to be friends afterward. So for allof you that think you have the right to judge him SCREW YOU!!!! Loyer is not a terrible person, he's actually very sweet and can make anyone smile that crossed his path. Yes I think what he did was wrong but i do truly believe that he is sorry....And for the reporter who tried to make a mockery of "M.O," You need to grow the hell up, your pointing the blame but if it was someone you knew you'd be doing what we're doin SHOWING SUPPORT! Loyer isnt in this alone,WHEN HE GOES TO TRIAL SO WILL ALL OF US!!! We Love you Loyer.

Mary said...

When an individual is charged with first-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, reckless endangering and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, it's public record.

I understand why Braden's friends and family are supporting him. You don't abandon someone you care about when that person is in trouble. That's when he needs support most from those close to him.

However, it's perfectly legitimate for others to comment on his case.

Have a problem with free speech?

Anonymous said...

I know Loyer and this does not seem like anything that he would do,and for the ignorant pompus person who decided to throw their own opinions in this article should get both sides before determing someone is guilty. I know for a fact that if the shoe was on the other foot and it was them who got arrested they wouldn't wanted to be judged. Please don't say that you couldn't do it because you are capable of doing anything if the time presents itself. Even though Loyer apologized for something doesn't make him guilty!

Anonymous said...

MARY you don't know if he shot two people because of the fact YOU weren't there!

Anonymous said...

I also grew up with loyer from k-8th grade and it broke my heart to see one of my boys that was trying to get it be forced back in...i know he did not act alone sumone influenced him to do it and they should be charged with the same account...he is no sociopath...he was a boy scout...a friend and just overall cool...i dont think life is what he deserves if you knew him you would know hes not short tempered or anything...hes usually a mediator...i say free him on probation his mother and him dont need 2 go thru that stress....we love you loyer

Anonymous said...

mary, please! i know loyer for almost 5 years now! i know him better than that! for u to judge him in any kind of way is retarted. when the family says M.O. it means his style. that is the way we talk is Essex County! if he did it or not, we should not judge til the real, honest truth is revealed. because honestly there are other people involved and i think that he may not be guilty with every single one of those charges. i am shocked to see that a close friend to is in this situation, and yes i have mixed emotions towards it, but u calling him a sociopath goes beyond the line, no matter how you meant it! there's no factual edvidence that he did such a thing, you weren't there so dont judge him. like everyone said innocent until proven guilty! n i believe that to the fullest! if u knew him, and where we come from you might have a understanding of what we are talking about. so watch what you say! cause feelings can get hurt!

Anonymous said...

loyer did not make a "bad decision" he just got caught up in being at the wrong place at the wrong time. he has not been found guilty of ANYTHING, therefore he DID NOT "shoot two people". just because your accused of a crime doesnt mean that you committed it. loyer will not go through this alone and will overcome it all.

Anonymous said...

mary, lets get one thing straight...U KNOW NOTHING....everybody wanna have they opinion on something they kno nothing about....firstly how does anybody kno loyer did it....WHERE IS THE GUN!!!!....exactly nobody knows....they searched everywhere he was and they found nothing...and how dare u label somebody as sociopath...only a sociopath kno wat a sociopath is so...maybe u did it!!!...since u kno so much...shut up...and loyer would not do something like this...i been to school wit him and he was never suspended for anything even closely related to something like this....SO B4 U LABEL SOMEBODY AS A SOCIOPATH GET YA FACTS.....LOYER WE HERE FA U BOO...FREAK WAT THESE PEOPL SAYIN BOUT U....WE ALL STILL LOVE U!!!!

Anonymous said...

freedom of speech, plz! im tired of the system these days and the media. how r they going to compare this to v-tech massacre, like seriously! look what was going on with the jena 6, its sad! u have ur opinion and i have mind! loyer is innocent no matter who i am to him! so fall back mary, because all u r doing is adding more nonsense!

Mary said...

As I said, I understand why Braden's friends and family are supporting him. You don't abandon someone you care about when that person is in trouble. That's when he needs support most from those close to him.

Of course I wasn't there. I know only what I've heard and read about the DSU shootings. I never claimed otherwise.

If you believe that what's being reported in the media is so unfair, then you should call or e-mail the outlets with your complaints.

Braden will have his day in court. If he pleads not guilty to the charges, if he's found to be not guilty by a jury, I will note that here.

I think the whole thing is very sad.

Anonymous said...

Listen here to all you people who think he did it you know what you all can do....and to all who support him keep doin what you do pray or something but i have no doubt in my mind that he commin home i knew him from birth dis aint him so i aint stressin

Anonymous said...

To All those on this forum let me just say i do not know Loyer at all but I too Believe he did not do it and the police know that he did not do it.. simply becuz every and there mother knows if you shot a gun there will be gun powder left on your hands and clothes they found no power on him at all and its not easy to wash that stuff off so just let loyer go home

Anonymous said...

To All those on this forum let me just say i do not know Loyer at all but I too Believe he did not do it and the police know that he did not do it.. simply becuz every and there mother knows if you shot a gun there will be gun powder left on your hands and clothes they found no power on him at all and its not easy to wash that stuff off so just let loyer go home

Anonymous said...

listen to me mary. i went to highschool with loyer. when he was a senior i was just a freshman but i knew him. now im not saying what he did was right nor am i saying they should let this poor boy rot in jail, but look at it really...... he has his whole life to look foward to. also we dont even know if he did it himself! i mean cops put people to jail for things they never did and then 30 years later after they get out their whole life has gone down the drain. if you knew him you wouldnt be judging him but praying for him. im just a 15 year old girl but i know what i am talking about. everyday i see people, young kids smoking, in gangs, having babies and when i look at him he deserves way more. who says sorry isnt enough. it is enough even when some one truly mean especially when it is comming from his heart. next time when you are writing some thing think about it first and then write because if this was your brother you wouldnt want this for him.

Anonymous said...

All this bullshit is being talked about my friend L, and nobody was actually there to see anything that went down, no one really knows what was the situation if anything it has to have a cause nobody just gets up one day and says "ooh i'm just going to wait for a couple of hours and see who will I like to shoot at" And Mary don't know anything about him so you should really have NO COMMENT what-so-ever..... No one obviously gives a damn about what you have to say so you mighT AS WELL KEEP YOUR LITTLE COMMENTS TO YOURSELF and let everything ride what ever comes out by the time everything is done and over with...thats what it is... theres nothing much anyone can say about except for learn what your mouth, and leave everything else up to GOD....

Anonymous said...

a wise man once said "you can not judge a man until you have heard his story" Mary you don't know loyer's story you just heard a few pages of it..DO YOU GO TO DSU?...WHERE YOU THERE? Nooooo breezie you wasnt!!! ...be
for real its not because we are loyer's family and friends that we are defending him...its because of the no evidence...they gave him a
gunshot residue test and it came back NEGATIVE!!!...let me repeat
that...especially for the breezie or baby boy who commented and said loyer should be prosecuted!!!!...the test was NEGATIVE!!! There are no
eyewitnesses..you asked us how would we feel if our sister was shot...well how
would you feel if your brother was wrongfully acussed just because he MIGHT
have been the closest link to the crime...be for real!!! I'm not even
OFF you really sitting on your computer saying he deserves to be
prosecuted!! what were you thinking!!! HOW DARE YOU!!! Between you and MISS
MARY I dont know who is more ignorant!! CONTROL YOURSELF!!! Look at
the case pay attention to what's being said...the cops claim they had
loyer on watch..but when the lawyer asked where was loyer after he left
the apartment the cop answered he doesn't know!!! Be for real please...i
know it hurts to see a loved one hurting (because trust as his family
and friends we are going thru it right now) but it dosent excuse the
fact that what they are saying just does not add up!!! and if shalita is
your sister I' am sorry for what happened to her..honestly I'am.. but
do you really want to see a innocent boy go to jail! HOW BOUT YOU THINK
ABOUT THAT AND GET BACK TO ME!! "innocent till proven GUILTY!!!"..the
cops haven't even given anybody a reason to believe it was loyer why is
he still sitting in that hell hole!!!!.let me ask you another
question..why is it ok to punish someone for something they didn't do?...I don't
believe LOYER D. BRADEN did do it because of the evidence they ARE NOT
giving us!! Tell me again because I didn't catch it the first time why
do you believe he did it!!! and MISS MARY I'm ON you!!!! WHO ARE
YOU!! What is ya business out here on this internet...be for real... you
thought you had a friend? Huh really? You thought people was going to
agree with you? NOOOOOOOO!!! Breezie!! Never will you ever have a
friend!!! never will we ever turn our back on L..be for real. Mary imma take
it easy on you cause obvisously you aren't from our side of town!!
Obvisously you weren't taught that if someone barks at a loved one you bark
back..and I'm sorry that isn't your "M.O" ..yes you are entitled to
your own opinon don't read me wrong but when your opinons are not involing
the facts..you begin to offend others!... like I stated earlier in my
comment do not judge someone until you have heard his story...L we love
you and we here for you 100 percent..be strong and focus!! You, your
family and the VICTIMS (note: I'am praying for the victims too so I'm
not being bias) remain in my thoughts and prayers!!!

Anonymous said...

breezie you aint got nothing going on in your life!!!! IM ON YOU for your blog!!! LBOOG we holdin you down in jerzey, (E.O), essex county...the whole tri-state area!!! so mary mannnnnn GET YA MIND RIGHT!!!!! ~breezies

Anonymous said...

We don't really know what happened. He said he was sorry, but not what for. This is America so innocent until proven guilty right? I hope so becuase I graduted with L-Boog too. We got your back L.

Anonymous said...

I GREW UP WITH LOYER I'VE KNOWN HIM SINCE KINDERGARTEN THIS IS DEFFINITLY NOT HIS M.O. AT ALL LOYER ISNT THE TYPE OF PERSON TO WANT TO KILL SOMEONE I PERSONALLY THINK THAT LOYER DIDNT SHOOT ANYONE HE MIGHT OF HAD A GUN OR HELD A GUN BUT I DONT THINK LOYER WOULD WANT TO KILL ANYONE GROWING UP IN EAST ORANGE THEN GETTING OUT TO GO TO COLLEGE... LOYER IS SMARTER THAN THAT HE WOULDNT THROW HIS LIFE AWAY OVER A FIGHT

Mary said...

More on Braden here and here.

A Delaware State University student accused of shooting two others has been expelled, university officials said.

Loyer D. Braden, 18, violated the university's zero-tolerance policy for guns on campus, spokesman Carlos Holmes said Saturday.

"Loyer Braden is going through the same judicial procedure any similarly situated student would go through if they violated university policy," Holmes said.

Braden has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment and possession of a firearm during a felony.

Two freshmen, Shalita Middleton and Nathaniel Pugh, were injured in the Sept. 21 shooting. The gun has not been found.

Braden's attorney, James E. Liguori, said Friday his client was being subjected to a rush to judgment despite a lack of evidence linking him to the shooting. Liguori said a test revealed no gunshot residue on Braden's hands the day of the shooting.

Braden can request a formal hearing with the university's judicial affairs office to contest the expulsion, Holmes said.

Anonymous said...

wow....i went to high school with loyer my freshman and sophomore year. he is a real cool and relaxed guy. i don't believe that he did this, and i don't think ppl who don't know him should falsely judge him if we don't know for sure if those were his action.he's innocent until proven guilty period!

Mary said...

Of course, he's innocent until he's declared guilty in court.

That's the way our justice system works.

As Americans, we have the right to express ourselves. That includes commenting on stories in the news.

It's free speech. Period.

Anonymous said...

One of his victims, Shalita Middleton, has died of her wounds. Tell me again what a great guy he is.

Anonymous said...

People, please either learn how to spell or use your spellcheck function before you finalize your comments. Some of the spellings on this are utterly painful to read.

rich said...

She died.You homies need to lather up even more now.He said he was
sorry and asked why stated'cause she is in the hospital'.Sounds like the shooter to me.Hey Loyer,
are you now 'REAL SORRY'.Your homies say you have a lot of life to still live.You took her life from her when you picked up that gun and pulled the triger.Time to pay when you are found guilty by a
court of law.Meantime,lather up.

Anonymous said...

This entire situations is so sad. I am so sick and tired of seeing young black lives going by the wayside. This young black man was in college (and we know not to many young black men make it that far. He had his whole life ahead of him. Why would he have a gun on campus? It seems to many young black men carry guns like people carry a wallet. A gun is not an accessory. What could he have been thinking? And now he's just another young black in the system. A young black woman's life is gone before it even got started and a mother has lost her child. If there is merit to the DC New Jersey feud going on at that school that crap needs to stop right now! You guys arent going to school and paying good money for the kind of s**t! The focus should be on learning. Who has time for that kind of silliness when your in college? Two young black lives cut far to short.

Anonymous said...

And now my taxes have to pay for keeping another piece of garbage in prison for 20 years. And, yes he is a full-on psychopath - shooting into a crowd qualifies you. Not much empathy there.

Why can't I judge him. It's clear he did it. He told his buds he wouldn't do it again, if he got away with it this time. So I judge him to be somewhat lower than dog poop.

By the way, I really enjoyed the comment by the person who said that saying sorry was enough. Must be national idiot day.

Anonymous said...

ok like i said earlier none of us know who pulled the trigger...yes iam very sorry for the middleton family that they hd to go through this, and i pray that shalita soul rest in peace... however why woul you comment on something you dont know...what if loyer didnt pull the trigger? what if the cops just jumped on the only lead they had? now that wuld be another man falsely accused of a crime he did not commit... for all we know loyer as much as shalita could have been in the wrong place at the same time...you werent there so you cant JUDGE!!

Anonymous said...

i would like to first say LOYER KEEP YA HEAD UP CAUSE WE DEFINITELY GOT U IN OUR PRAYERS. now to that person talkin all that shit about him bein lower then "dog poop" u need to shut the fuck up cause if ya homie was in the situation u would feel the same as loyer supporters do. im not sayin what he did was right but u really blowin it up ..it iz a lil late for sorries but atleast he had the decency to apologize and he should get credit for that ..........LOYER STAY STRONG SKOOB IM PRAYIN FOR U

rich said...

Since there's a lot of praying going on for Loyer you might want to let HIM know how thankful you are not to have been the one wasted by Loyer that night.After
all,it was a needless,senseless,
random murder.That prayer makes a
lot more sense to me.It could have been any of YOU.

Mary said...

Judging by some of these comments, it appears that emotions are running high. That's to be expected when a girl is shot dead and a guy with so much going for him is being accused of the shooting.

I'll repeat what I said almost a month ago:

I understand why Braden's friends and family are supporting him. You don't abandon someone you care about when that person is in trouble. That's when he needs support most from those close to him.

Braden needs prayers, but so do Shalita Middleton's family and friends.

Their loss is so great. Her life is over. The whole thing is so sad because it was so pointless.

I addressed that when I wrote this blog entry.

Braden was successful. He was in college. He had a bright future.

And he ALLEGEDLY chose to carry a gun and fire it, injuring one person and killing Shalita Middleton.

A jury will decide whether Braden is guilty of those crimes.

The DSU shootings were so senseless. Many of the comments here reflect that.

Really, really sad.

Mary said...

Maybe universities should have mandatory courses in gun safety.

Rule #1: Don't fire into a crowd.

It's really sick that Shalita Middleton lost her life because someone thought firing a gun was the right thing to do.

Mary said...

I'm sorry for your loss.

Everyone touched by this tragedy is in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

L KEEP UR HEAD UP HIGH.. WE GOT UR BACK NO MATTER WHAT !! WE l0VE U L.. WE H0lDiN U DOWN !

Anonymous said...

I UNDERSTAND WHY EVERYONE WHO GREW UP WITH DUDE IS STANDING BY HIS SELF BUT WHAT ABOUT LEE'S SIDE. WELL LET ME BE THE ONE TO BE ON HER SIDE AND TELL IT LIKE IT IS...FIRST OF ALL LEE DIDN'T GROW UP IN THE HOOD AND SHE DIDN'T DESERVE THIS. I GREW UP WITH HER NOT MOST OF MY LIFE BUT MY WHOLE FUCKING LIFE, ITS NOT A DAY GO BY THAT MY HEART ISN'T HEAVY AND I DON'T CRY FOR HER. I'M CRYING WHILE WRITING THIS AND I CRIED EVEN MORE WHILE READING SOME OF THIS BS. MY BEST FRIEND IS GONE AND WILL NEVER COME BACK...THEM FIVE LITTLE WORDS (SORRY) ISN'T GOING TO LET HER WALK THROUGH MA HOUSE DOOR'S OR EVEN GRADUATE FROM DSU. GOING TO HER FUNERAL WAS THE HARDEST THING THAT I EVER HAD TO DO IN MY LIFE, AND I WOULDN'T EVEN WISH FOR DUDE'S FAMILY/FRIENDS TO GO THROUGH IT BUT AT THE SAME NON OF YOU WRITING CAN UNDERSTAND THE PAIN THAT HER MOTHER GOES THROUGH. EVERYTHING THAT HAS BEEN WROTE ON HER, SHE HAS READ IT MORE THAN ONCE!!! BUT I GUESS NON OF THAT MATTERS CAUSE HE IS SORRY...I DONT THINK SO. WE DONT EVEN HAVE TO JUDGE HIM BECAUSE IN THE END GOD WILL THAT TASK!!!! ALL THAT I ASK IS WHEN EVERYONE MAKES THESE CRAZY COMMENTS STOP AND THINK ABOUT HOW ONE OF MY FRIEND'S CAN'T WALK FOR A WHILE AND HOW MY MAID OF HONOR WILL NEVER PHYSICALLY BE AT MY WEDDING...OR I WILL NEVER BE AT HER'S!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

My condolences go out to the family and friends of "Lee". I am very sorry this has happened, I know how it feels to lose someone who has a major impact in your life. However, I gratuated with Loyer and we do have some type of history and I can HONESTLY say that I do not believe he did it. Loyer is an intelligent young man, not only with academics but he is also street smart. With that being said, shooting into a crowd of people while aiming to hit one target is not something he would do. It just doesn't make sense and if you knew him u would agree. He is just not that type of person, he's smarter than that. I also don't believe there is enough substantial evidence to convict Loyer. With all the pressure put on after the incident in Virginia I feel that there was a rush pinning a suspect. A previous comment noted that there is no gun or gun residue and to me those pieces of evidence are extremely important. I too have Loyer in my prayers, and again my condolences go out to "Lee's" family. I'm sorry things happened like this. I understand why there is name calling, but Loyer is not a monster, hes in a monstrous situation. We love u loyer and you have IC's support.

Mary said...

I think you made a good point, Alanna, when you wrote, "With all the pressure put on after the incident in Virginia I feel that there was a rush pinning a suspect."

From what I read about him back in September, he seemed too smart to do something like this and throw away everything he had going for him.

Braden will get his day in court and hopefully justice will be done.

Anonymous said...

If you feel so strongly about Loyer beening innocent, please keep "Lee's" name out your mouth. We don't need your sympathy at all. He shot into a crowd of people and my best friend was "killed". He admitted it on National Televison. If you knew "Lee" you would have knew that she was a wonderful person, well respected, and never got into trouble. She wasn't raise in the projects, nor was she a trouble maker. She was trying to make peace because Loyer and Richmond and he "killed" her for no reason. While Loyer parents can see him and talk with him when I talk my best friend can't physically talk back nor can her mother see her wonderful smile or hear her voice ever again. "How innocent can he be when I know people who seen him pulled the trigger?"

Anonymous said...

This blog has made my blood run HOT. I understand that Loyer is yall friend and all but you have admit to faults. Lee was also my bestfriend and the two worst phone calls I got was when she was shot an when she pasted away. It hurts everyday to know that I cant talk to her or to see her. Now I know that the gun wasnt found and everyone keeps sayin how smart Loyer was. Well dont you think that if he was really smart he would get rid of the gun. I wish that justice is served in this case. I know in the end GOD will handle everything. I know that when one goes to jail the family does time also. Well Lee is gone and there is no more time to spend with her. Her mother hurts everyday to not have her child in her life. There are just some things that a "I'm Sorry" just doesn't fix.

Anonymous said...

Listen, Nikki, I feel very strong about Loyer's innocence and I will NOT keep anyone's name out of my mouth just because your offended. Now, I never said what happened wasn't tragic. And once again, no matta how offended u get, I sympathize for "Lee's" family. I don't care if u think nobody wants my sympathy, I didn't ask you that. Oh and another thing...DID YOU SEE HIM PULL THE TRIGGER?????? No??? Didn't think so.

Anonymous said...

First of all Alanna, shawty who is you talking too? Offended, UGH no not here...never that! Anything thats said on here doesn't offended me, it may piss me off but I don't get offended over BS. You feel he's innocent so be it, everyone has freedom of speech, apparently I'm not the only one who feels that your sympathy isn't needed cause her mother feels the same way. What I have asked nicely but you did not understand so I have to tell you, keep my best friend's name out of your mouth!!! I'm gonna defend my heart, my best friend for the rest of my life. So you do you and I'm gonna do me...Let me add I didn't need to see him pull the trigger because I personally know others who did!!!!

Anonymous said...

First of all Alanna you not goin come at my friend Nikki like that. Now u asked did she him pull the trigger I want to kno did you see him not pull the trigger. Now yall sit on this blog and take up for him like he was Mr. DO NO WRONG. And whether yall believe it or no he has caused a family to hurt deeply. And like Nikki said your sympathy is not needed because, I see it like this if you dont really see the wrong in whats been done then you can't honestly say that you feel sorry for the victims family. O yea and you make sure you do keep My Bestfriends name out ur mouth.

Anonymous said...

Like I said before...I'm not gonna keep "LEE" or anyone's name out of my mouth because the both of you said so. I'm not a computer gangsta so if you really wanna get at me I went to Immaculate Conception and there are a couple of people who go to Delaware State from Immaculate. So find my info and holla at me.

Anonymous said...

Alanna,

Listen sweetie, I have been reading this blog about loyer and my daughter Shalita. Everytime I read this shit it really pisses me off. I am tired of the bullshit going back and forth with you and my dauther's bestfriends. Iam Lavita Middleton (Shalita's mom) is asking you please keep my daughter's name out your mouth and allow her to rest in peace. The only thing I know is that I will never see my daughter again nor will I get to touch her again. Am asking you again please let me daughter rest in peace.

Mary said...

I'll say it again: Braden will get his day in court.

Let a jury determine his role in the DSU shootings.

Until then, what we know with certainty is that Shalita Middleton was killed.

My heart breaks for her mom, the rest of her family, and her friends.

I don't understand why anyone would want to taunt those grieving the loss of a loved one. It's sick.

They deserve respect and compassion.

Anonymous said...

PLEADED NOT GUILTY ! LOYERSSSS FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE !!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Well, Mrs. Middleton, I was simply giving you my condolences for your loss so you telling me to keep "LEE'S" name out of my mouth proves that you too are an immature individual just like her best friends. I am also a mother, and I can't imagine the pain you are going through, but attacking someone who is telling you their sorry for your loss is not exactly the response I expect from a grown woman. So, mother to mother, I am sorry for your loss and I really don't care if you accept it or not.

Anonymous said...

Oh, and just to set the record straight...I'm not trying to taunt those greiving over their loss. I simply said that I was sorry for this tragic event and I send Lee's family my condolences. Harrassing me for stating this was completely unexpected and just pure stupidity. There are way more hurtful things said in this blog and I'm tormented for this????

Mary said...

Alanna, whether you realize it or not, you most definitely are taunting.

The fact that you would attack Shalita's mother, calling her an "immature individual," is really out of line.

It's hard for me to believe that you're a mother.

Imagine the pain of losing a child.

Are we supposed to feel sorry for YOU because you feel "tormented" for the comments you made here?

That's ridiculous.

Anonymous said...

Alanna,

No one is tormenting you.You brought this on yourself being the child that you clearly must be starting it with Nikki. Now for you to even say that your a mother and say the things you said to my bestfriends mom is immuture all in it self. Now for you to talk about a grieving mother makes you heartless (yea I said it so fell attacked now). Clearly you cannot understand what shes goin through because you would just respect her wishes and let it be. Now I'm not even goin to address what you said about me because it is evident that your not on my level. Oh but I will address that I am NO internet gangsta. Just as well as you would like us to find you (although it would not be worth the time) we kno many of people @ Del State so you can find us if you feel so deeply about it.

Anonymous said...

alanna good point i agree wit u 100% ! thatsvery nice of u giving the mother codolences even though she doesnt want them. what kind of mother is that? and for her friends you guys need to grow up and chill this young lady was just trying to give the family sympathy..ive been reading this blog for awhile now because my daughter goes to dsu and its nonsense. let shalita rest in peace and leave the young man loyer alone. hes out now, and i wish the best of luck for him in everything he does. loyer hunny keep your head up high because from whati see many people have your back.

Mary said...

Braden still has to stand trial. He may be out on bail, but he's not free yet. Let the judicial process play out.

I think it's horrible to bash grieving people.

Anymore comments that attack Shalita Middleton's mother, family, or friends will be deleted.

I will not host that harassment on my blog.

Anonymous said...

I will like to start off by thanking Mary for her comments. Alanna when I first read what you had the nerve to write to Ma, I was offended and I took it really personal. Lee is someone I grew up with since first grade and Lavita has been a mother figure to me; let me add she still it. So for you to come at her in that matter talking about mother to mother was disrespectful. 1) Anyone can give birth to a child but that does not make you a mother. 2) When you were asked by her to leave her daughter’s name out of your mouth if you had any manners, you would have done it with no problems. 3) That’s a grown ass women, who you can never level your self towards so you calling her an “immature individual” was unnecessary. That bullshit SORRY you can keep it!!! Tami and I left you alone after you said what you had to say bout we can find you, because it was nonsense to us. (To let you know without being an internet gangsta if you really wanted us to find you then you could have given your address out!) So with this being said anything else you say, dealing with Tami and I does not matter but when you step to Ma, that’s when you taking this blog shit to another level!!!! Whoever mother that is who made the comment after Tami, you’re a grown women and I have to much respect to say what I really want to say to you…but I will say NEVER question what type of mother Lavita is, because for the record she’s a damn good. To answer you she is the type of mother who sent her ONLY CHILD to college to get an education that she paid for out of her pocket, on top of that she’s a single mother and she’s the type of mother who had to bury her child because of some BS that took her daughter’s life when Shalita had nothing to do with the situation. So instead of questioning her credibility as a mother, maybe you should question your own self!!!! Last but not least, out of respect for Shalita if you don’t know her on the personal level to call her “LEE” then she should be called Shalita Middleton.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Mary for your comments regarding my daughter Shalita. Alanna, I asked you nicely to keep my daughter (Shalita's) name out your mouth. Then you want to disrepect me on this blog. You can't begin to know what am going through by losing my only child. By saying that am less than a mother tell me that you still need to grow up and learn some manners. I don't need your sympathy regarding my Shalita. The only thing I want from you is to allow my daughter to rest in peace. For the other women please keep your negative comments to yourself regarding my daughter Shalita. I am glad that Loyer is out enjoying himself with his family. I will never be able to see, hear, hug, or kiss my daughter again because your friend was accused of killing her. Whenever you feel the need to mention Shalita's name again please remember that she was an innocent bystander and should be here for her family enjoying life. Alanna, you stated that you know alot of people at Del. State and if we wanted to we could asked them about you. That's a waste of my time because I don't have the beef with you I have it with the guy that killed my daughter. I know justice will be served once the trial begins. Since, you are a mother please make sure you teach her some manner, so that she won't disrepect a mother like myself that lost her only child.

Anonymous said...

Ok, I've been reading these comments till the point I cant stand to read anymore. Loyer is free because someone posted bond; thats the way the system works. I wasnt in front of the cafe or near the gym during the shooting ( thank GOD) but I can tell you one thing is that u were not there. Now, I dont know if the boy did it but I know one thing just because you say you went to high school with him or he played basketball does not prevent him or make it repelent for him to not be a killer by accident or a viscious person. That makes no sense as an excuse to say " Yall dont know him, he played on my baskball team".... so what. I know the Unibomber's parents didnt figure he was the way he was or that alot of people who attack and kill others could even have that in their behavior. Picking up a basketball and sitting in class with someone does not make you know him. I doubt the chick who he was in the room with when he was caught thought that was even involved in anything like this but it is WHAT IT IS! And as far as yall disrespecting Ms. Lavita.... thats disrespectful. I dont know her personally and matter of fact I didnt know the victim but when I went to the funeral and seen the discouraging and worrisome look on her face, it told a story. We will never understand how we can bury a child; especially our only child and live to see the next day. It was she who had to decide to let her daughter not suffer and take her off the machine, it was she who had decide what her daughter's last outfit was gonna be and it was she who had to kiss her daughter one last time before her casket was shut close forever. So dont become a thug and shoot words like bullets to someone who is already dying on the inside. Especially since this holiday is coming up. Yeah he got released but God has the final saying... believe that!

Anonymous said...

Ok this has gone way too far. Lavita, I think you rejecting my sympathy was immature...that's my opinion. As a parent I feel I would have handled the comment differently. However, I can't imagine losing my son and so I appologize to you for anything I may of said that offended you. I will not tolerate ANYONE questioning my parenting because of my opinion on this matter. I am a damn good mother and I cannot begin to list my accomplishments which prove this. Mary, and excuse my language, but you can KISS MY ASS! First you agree with my comment and then you try to side with these girls. I DID NOT START THIS. I simply wrote a comment like evryone else and these girls responded trying to bully me. And how dare you say you can't believe I'm a mother. YOU DONT KNOW ME or the sacrifices I have made to provide the most efficient lifestyle for my son. Tami, I'm not going to post my address or any of my information on the internet...that's plain STUPIDITY!! I also want to thank the woman who believes that there was nothing wrong with my initial comment and that these girls are really overreacting. closer2midreams made some very strong points which did cause me to reflect on the things I said to Lavita. So once again for the slower ones, LAVITA I'M SORRY FOR ANYTHING I SAID THAT WAS HURTFUL TO YOU.

Anonymous said...

Welcome home L Boog!!!! Innocent until proven guilty!!!

Mary said...

Unfortunately, you again call Shalita Middleton's mother immature, but I won't delete this comment because you do apologize to her. That's LONG overdue.

Obviously, you've decided to challenge me since I threatened to delete your comments. That deflection is silly. You seem to be bent on picking a fight. If you must attack someone, it's better that it's me than the individuals grieving the loss of a daughter and a friend.

Just to clarify, I didn't question your parenting. Why would I do that when I wondered whether you were in fact a parent? I didn't think a mother could ever be so callous and so cruel when discussing the loss of someone's child. Apparently, I was wrong.

Also, I agreed with your point about the possibility of a rush to find a suspect given the climate on campuses after the Virginia Tech shootings. That's all. In your first comment here as "Alanna," you didn't say ugly things about Shalita Middleton's mother. You weren't harassing her friends.

And I don't think you were being bullied. You were making extremely hurtful comments and people responded to your cruelty. Show some compassion and sensitivity.

You admit you were wrong to attack Shalita Middleton's mother. You should leave it at that.

I suggest you move on. Take your joy over Braden's release on bail elsewhere.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Mary said...

Comments are closed.

Anonymous said...

I JUS WANTED TO SAY THAT I AM BEYOND DISGUSTED WITH THE COMMENTS LEFT HERE BY YOU PEOPLE I WANNA SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO MS.MIDDLETON I AM SO SORRY FOR THE LOST OF YOUR DAUGHTER AND I HOPE AND I PRAY FOR YOU THAT AFTER THIS TRIAL IS OVER IT BRINGS CLOSURE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I HAVE KNOWN LOYER SINCE I WAS IN PRE SCHOOL WE WENT TO ELEMENTARY MIDDLE SCHOOL TOGETHER WE GREW UP AROUND THE CORNER FROM EACH OTHER EVEN THO I FEEL LIKE HE MAY B INNOCENT I DONT REALLY BELIEVE THAT HE WOULD DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS BECAUSE IT JUST DOSENT SEEM LIKE HIM BUT I WAS ALWAYS TAUGHT THAT YOU CANT PUT ANYTHING PAST ANY ONE. BUT THE THING THAT MAKES ME SICK IS THAT A YOUNG INNOCENT GIRLS LIFE WAS TAKEN AND YOU PEOPLE ARE SITTING HERE ARGUING ABOUT NOTHING! NONE OF YOU WERE THERE WHEN IT HAPPENED NONE OF YOU SAW LOYER PULL THE TRIGGER NONE OF YOU SAW ANYONE ELSE PULL THE TRIGGER YOU ARE ALL SITTING HERE GOING BACK AND FORTH WITH THINGS THAT YOU HAVE HEARD VIA NEWS OR HEARSAY OR WHATEVER. I BELIEVE THAT YOU ALL SHOULD JUS LET IT GO AND LEAVE IT ALONE PLEASE! I ALSO WANT TO SAY THAT YOU WISHING THAT LOYER BURN IN HELL IS SO UNNECESSARY NONE OF U NO WHAT HE OR VICTIMS FAMILY ARE GOING THREW RIGHT NOW THEY BOTH DO NOT NEED THIS. MY COUSIN AND HER MOTHER WERE BOTH KILLED IN SUMMTER SOUTH CAROLINA BY MY COUSINS EX BOYFRIEND AND AS MUCH AS I MISS MY CUOSIN I NO THAT WISHING HE BURN IN HELL WONT HELP BECAUSE REGARDLESS TO WHAT ANYONE DOES OR SAYS WHEN JUDGEMENT DAY COMES ALONG THE LORD WILL HAVE THE LAST WORD AND HE WILL SERVE EVERYONE THE JUSTICE. SO BASICALLY IM NOT TRYNNA GET ON ANYONE I JUST THINK THAT IT IS VERY DISRESPECTFUL FOR EVERYONE TO BE GOING BACK AND FORTH ABOUT LOYER AND THINGS THAT YOU ALL NO NOTHING ABOUT AND DISRESPECTING SHALITA (GOD MAY SHE REST IN PEACE)AND HER MOTHER,FRIENDS AND FAMILY