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Jaleel Smith-Riley

According to WBCO, Jaleel Smith-Riley admitted to shooting and killing 22-year-old Porshia Brooks and injuring her boyfriend in 2013 withdrew his guilty plea at his sentencing hearing. On Nov. 16, 2013 , the couple was sitting in a parked car on Carthage Avenue in Norwood when Riley-Smith approached the car and ordered Martin out, according to police. After finding Martin had nothing of value to rob, Riley-Smith shot him in the head, then leaned into the vehicle and fatally shot Brooks, Deters said.

Jaleel became an internet sensation when he sobbed uncontrollably after being sentenced to life without parole. (The viral video is below) Half way through the hearing he chose to withdraw his plea, which means the state can now pursue the death penalty.

What makes this noteworthy is this man's attitude. At the time of the crime, not only did he have no issue with taking things that did not belong to him using a weapon, but felt it was acceptable to kill both parties when they had nothing of value. This is many things, but the most important thing is that it is the definition of entitlement. Jaleel believed he had a right to not only take their belongings, but their lives as well. Again, he was raised in a home, where at one point he was an innocent child, until he figured out there were no consequences for his choices and his family would shield him from any external consequences. The blood from this murder lies not only on his hands, but the hands of family members as well.

People like this are the reason why prisons exist – to protect society from extremely entitled people who feel they have the right to rob, steal and kill other human beings. There is no evidence of racism in this case debunking the prison pipeline myth. He admitted to his horrific crime and had no issue admitting he killed them when he was disappointed when he robbed them.

Since this has happened, a judge has denied his request to withdraw his plea and sentenced him to life without parole. I have actually been in court for this process with someone else. In order to even enter a plea, you are required to answer a series of questions that indicate you understand what you are doing. Clearly he had answered this questions and his request was made after this process. 



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