On Thursday, the Superior Court of California released documents linked to the case of Brock Turner, a former Stanford University student convicted of sexual assault. One of these documents: a letter to the judge from his grandparents, who shift blame away from their grandson.
Here are their words, via Kate Irby of McClatchy DC:
“Brock is the only person being held accountable for the actions of other irresponsible adults,” they wrote.
“Other irresponsible adults.” It’s unclear who they mean by “other irresponsible adults,” but it’s obvious they think he shouldn’t have been convicted.
Turner’s own letter to the judge, which deflected blame onto drinking culture, has been shredded by many critics (including head LawNewz.com editor Rachel Stockman) because he didn’t accept full responsibility.
Other pro-Turner docs were also released, and obtained by Think Progress.
In one, a probation report stated Turner claimed never to have used illegal drugs (possibly a lie says the prosecutor). A family friend said Turner’s personality didn’t “reflect” the crime he allegedly committed. Also, Turner’s employer at the time said, “In many ways, Brock has already paid for what happened.”
On June 2, a California Judge Aaron Persky sentenced Turner, who faced up to 14 years in prison, to six months behind bars, and three years of probation.
–
Follow Alberto Luperon on Twitter (@Alberto Luperon)