Man fatally stabbed in Las Vegas Strip hotel parking lot

By BeaTravis: 5/8/09 at 1:09 p.m.; Suggest removal

Which strip hotel? Is this another case of casino ownership censoring the news, or just no info yet?

By BeaTravis: 5/8/09 at 1:09 p.m.; Suggest removal

oops, sorry Trop

By JD: 5/8/09 at 1:14 p.m.; Suggest removal

Wow, people are getting killed all the time by knives. Its about time the liberals outlaw them completely, or at least you must fill out some type of application or have a screening process to get them. I'm scarred to leave the house unless i know big brother is looking out for me.

By bighitter1: 5/8/09 at 1:15 p.m.; Suggest removal

Omg, all these Illegal Causcasians killing people on the Strip. Lets round them all up and ship them back across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe.

By goingbust: 5/8/09 at 1:36 p.m.; Suggest removal

Another good reason to carry your concealed Kahr PM9 (or your favorite pistol of choise) white visiting strip hotels. Don't let hotel management talk you out of it.

By JSpence07: 5/8/09 at 1:46 p.m.; Suggest removal

LOL JD!!

I was thinking the same as you. We also must ban the automobile too.. since we have too many fatalities that result in cars. ;)

By Linda_in_Vegas: 5/8/09 at 2:46 p.m.; Suggest removal

Don't they have surveillance cameras overlooking these parking lots?

By not_guilty: 5/8/09 at 3:14 p.m.; Suggest removal

don't judge before you know the facts or the real story. just maybe the 18 yr. old was attacked first.

By tiger22: 5/8/09 at 3:45 p.m.; Suggest removal

well since i know the guy that was arrested this is very sad to me cuz he is not the guy to be stealing or ever killing people he was shy and a very nice kid i think you need to investigate more on the situation and maybe it was in defence. let him come home and be charged in his home town!!!!

By AngryReader: 5/8/09 at 4:32 p.m.; Suggest removal

Just another day here in Grand Theft Auto -- Vegas.

By emann34: 5/8/09 at 7:04 p.m.; Suggest removal

I want all you people who commented especially tiger 22. That person who was stabbed was my little cousin. He has kids and a family who loves him. You call this self defence a man being stabbed multiple times and unarmed?If your friend is so innocent why was he carrying a weapon? When this is all over many lives will be affected, this is reality not a videogame or some show. Please remember when your making your comments have respect for my cousin. He was a father, a son, a husband, and a brother.

By not_guilty: 5/8/09 at 8:30 p.m.; Suggest removal

emann34 i am sorry for what has happend between my friend and your cousin but i need to know some stuff like was he a drugy ,and a bum and 73 years old these are all things we have herd from people like i said i am sorry for your loss and iam not talking crap

By GunslingerA10: 5/9/09 at 8:52 a.m.; Suggest removal

Once again, as is the case with a lot of issues on this site, it's about people, about me, you or someones family, so lets try and keep it real.

My condolences to both families, this will be painful on both sides of the aisle.

Slander, or bad mouthing people who may or may not want to defend themselves is fine, but have some decentsy for RIP.

RIP canot defend themselves, and it does no good for people to sound off against RIP, whom I wish could come and defend themselves.

By jdbaldwin29: 5/9/09 at 1:32 p.m.; Suggest removal

To let everybody know. I personally know Tanner Rousseau. I live in the same small town in Washington that he lives in. I have talked to everybody that was their and the stabbing was self deffence. The man tried to steal my freinds money, And he attacked Tanner. So don't talk bad aobut why you need self defence (Weapons Of any Kind). Like your bad ass. Because personally knowing this kid he would never stab somebody. Thanks everybody!!

By jdbaldwin29: 5/9/09 at 1:37 p.m.; Suggest removal

Oh yah The bum Black man that was stabbed, Was A Big Time Druggy. So i really don't have much pity for him.. IT WASN'T MURDER IT WAS SELF DEFFENCE

By trulee_innocent: 5/9/09 at 2:19 p.m.; Suggest removal

i dont think anyone understands that my betsfriend could not hurt a fly. Now the one time he goes to defend himself he has to go to jail for 25 years. this is the most messed up thing i have ever heard. Dont get me wrong im not blaim either side of the party but this kid honestly had no other chioce. You say why did he use weapons? Because he doesnt even way more than 120-150 pounds. And got hit by a car going 40 about two weeks ago, there for still injuired. And from what i know this other guy was a large old male.

wanna see the real tanner

By trulee_innocent: 5/9/09 at 2:22 p.m.; Suggest removal

THIS IS THE ACCUAL CODE TO SEE TANNER

http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt55/...

By Bodytalk555: 5/9/09 at 3:17 p.m.; Suggest removal

22 and has kids....Ummm, Loser.

By C-Town: 5/9/09 at 6:42 p.m.; Suggest removal

To all of you people who are defending the a**hole who took my relative's life, may his punk-a** get dealt with in the worst kind of way in jail. And if he was quote-un-quote such a nice guy why did his stupid dumb-a** have a knife?

By tinker: 5/9/09 at 7:13 p.m.; Suggest removal

tanner didnt deserve this at all he is a good person. oh and to the person c-town he isnt a punk a** it was self deffence and dont say stuff if u dont really know what happend because if u can say all the stuff u do then obviously u dont know crap. I wish u good luck tanner and to all the ppl who r deffending him it is the right thing to do because he is innocent

By alice1: 5/9/09 at 8:31 p.m.; Suggest removal

Tanner is a great kid! I personally know him and he is a sweet and kind person. I will defend Tanner because I know who he is. I think this is a very sad situation. My heart goes out to both families whom are all dealing with this situation. Also to answer the question asked by c-town on why he would carry a knife...The world is a crazy and scary place and innocent law abiding citizens are hurt or even killed for no good reason! I know many people who carry some sort of weapon because of this.

By minority101: 5/9/09 at 9:32 p.m.; Suggest removal

I'm so tired of hearing the damn races on these two men. I love vegas, I grew up there, but I'm glad I got out. You keep saying why the "dumb a**" was caring a knife if he was so innocent? IT'S VEGAS!!! HELLO PEOPLE!!! And feel for both sides here- no one wants to recognize the bad side of their own family or friend. I don't care who I offend, but if you can't look -HONESTLY- at both sides, dismissing race- white or black or purple- and come to a reasonable conclusion, then not only do you sound ignorant (as some of the defending messages up above) but then you must be living your life completely ignorant. Thinking that the world owes you something becuase of who are or where you're from. HonestlY, I'm surprised the "big, mean, thug of a bean pole white kid" didn't pull out a big shot gun like most honkies due! Hell I make sure I carry my concealed weapon with me at all times.

By trulee_innocent: 5/9/09 at 9:36 p.m.

Comment removed by staff.

By minority101: 5/9/09 at 9:50 p.m.; Suggest removal

BY THE WAY THIS TANNER KID HAS NO CRIMINAL BACK GROUND WHAT SO EVER- HIS NAME IS ALL OVER THE NEWS! WHY ISN'T THE OTHER PARTY NAMED? MAYBE IT WOULD REALLY BRING SOME LIGHT TO THE SITUATION. JUST BECAUSE HE WAS A "FAMILY" MAN DOESN'T MEAN HE DIDN'T DO DRUGS OR MAKE THE WRONG DECSION TO ROB THE WRONG GUY. IF HE SO INNOCENT WHAT WAS THIS FAMILY GUY DOING AT THE TROPICANA HOTEL AT 4:00 AM ON FRIDAY MORNING ALONE?

By alice1: 5/9/09 at 10:41 p.m.; Suggest removal

I truely cannot imagine Tanner harming anyone, he is such a sweet kid. I can't stand the media I think it is truely unfair how they put things out there and allow people to misjudge situations just for an interesting story! I really will be interested to hear the true full story! Team Tanner

By Bubbilicous: 5/10/09 at 12:13 a.m.; Suggest removal

I personally knew tanner not for along time and not very well but what i did know of him was he was such a nice guy I would always see him at bonfires and he would be smiling dancing he ALWAYS Smiled! he just lite up the room :) it makes me really sad that this happen to him i hope everyone knows hes a great guy!!!!

By cass_s: 5/10/09 at 1:29 a.m.; Suggest removal

Tanner we all are praying for you! We also Love you with all our hearts. Ignore what all the mean people are saying they dont know you. Tanner your a good kid i just cant wait for and hope that everyone can hear your side of the story! I KNOW YOUR INNOCENT and so does everyone back home! I love you tanner! im praying for you every night and day!

By C-Town: 5/10/09 at 5:25 a.m.; Suggest removal

To the people on this site whom insist on bringing up racial imput, my relative whom was killed was half-black,half-white so race has nothing to do with it. And if someone was trying to defend themself against an unarmed man, why would you stab him multible times. That's intent to kill. So you can try to be character witnesses all you want, but intent to kill is intent to kill.

By not_guilty: 5/10/09 at 8:20 a.m.; Suggest removal

This is to every one. No one knows the whole truth but how was there and God .
To all the people that loved the man that got killed I'm so sorry I know you love him and are very sad and angry and want justice, I know you want to know the whole truth we all do. I know Tanner he live with me and I'm so sad and crying all the time. I wish this was a nightmare and I could wake up and it would all be over but it's not . So all I can do is pray that god helps us all to help every one we all need it.
I know Tanners not a cold blooded killer and it sounds like the man how got killed was a good guy , so all we can do is let god handle this. Please every one remember there are two people that are very loved that a bad thing happen to.
Truly and deeply sorry for every one

By alice1: 5/10/09 at 8:26 a.m.; Suggest removal

race has nothing to do with this! people use words like black and white and brown to be descriptive! I think it is to crazy how judgmental this has become yes there was a weapon ....but who's weapon was it really? A multiple stabbing is twice! How big was the knife? their are to many questions here and I think that when you say intent to kill c-town are you sure? were you there?

By trulee_innocent: 5/10/09 at 10 a.m.; Suggest removal

intent to kill???
the man was still punching my
(LITTLE) friend when the blade went in the first time so thats why he stabbed him again

By a3dav: 5/10/09 at 11:06 a.m.; Suggest removal

Most of the people on here are is support of the murderer. Stating that he was sweet, he wouldn't hurt a fly and so forth. I want you all to keep some things in mind. He stabbed an unarmed man and left him to die. A lot of you are saying self defense, it only takes on good hit with anything to stop a man, big or small. Tanner stabbed the victim more than once his intent was very clear ( none of us can truly say how many times the victim was stabbed, we were not there) one thing I am sure of is his intent of murder. He didn't have to leave the victim there dying, he was no longer a threat ( if this was self defense) once he was on the ground. Tanner could have called for help and waited for them to arrive and then explained the situation, in that case he wouldn't be looking at a murder charge. This sweet-wouldnt-hurt-a-fly-guy stabbed an unarmed man more than once and left him to die. That's why he is look at a murder charge, these are the things courts look at. You can bring up the past of each person all you want, it comes down to what happened the night it question. I grew up with the victim he was a wonderful, funny guy, could make anyone laugh and you couldn't stay mad at him no matter how hard you wanted to. He has a lot of people who love him and we will miss him so much. I know most of you support the murderer, but sit back and look at the facts, fight or no fight, self defense or not, once everything was started Tanner decided to end a life as soon as he pulled out the knife, that was his intent, he left a man to die, that was his intent. Since Tanner had the weapon how do you know he wasn't the aggressor?

By not_guilty: 5/10/09 at 11:30 a.m.

Comment removed by staff.

By nittygritt216: 5/10/09 at 11:33 a.m.; Suggest removal

EVERYBODY CAN HAVE ALL THE OPINIONS THEY WANT. ALL I KNOW IS GOD IS THE ONLY ONE THAT SEES AND KNOWS THE TRUTH ABOUT THE ENTIRE SITUATION.

AND IF IT WASN'T AN INTENT, THEN YOUR (LITTLE) FRIEND TANNER COULD HAVE RAN AFTER THE FIRST STAB. IF HE WASN'T TRYING TO KILL MY COUSIN, THEN THERE WERE OTHER OPTIONS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN.

BUT JUST TO STAB HIM MULTIPLE TIMES IS TRULY INSANE. BUT JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE "TRUST AND BELIEVE THAT"

By tiger22: 5/10/09 at 11:45 a.m.; Suggest removal

wow seriously. i understand that this man is dead and i feel bad for the family that lost him i lost my dad 2 years ago i know how it is!!!!!! this is a 18 year old boy who was terrified! you need to understand this NO ONE knowes the truth on here.. but guess what i do. i get the information from a credible source and moltiple stabe wounds IS 2 THANK YOU VERY MUCH MEDIA!!lets be matture about this now why cant we. this guy was 77 years old right?? how matture is it to beat up a freaking 18 year old boy?? he pulled out this knife cuz he felt threatend right? he didnt just wake up in the morning saying im going out to kill someone tonight. thats not the point the man shouldnt have been fighting with a teenager in the first place. and WHO CARES ABOUT THE RACE dude you could be white black purple it dont matter what color he was ok!??! tanner has never gotten in trouble like this.. or ever.. just because you guys lost someone your so angry but put yourself in his shoes ok! the MAN WAS 77 or whatever jesus!!! i cant believe you thick headed people on here.. and the not guilty poster i agree with you i know the stuff tanner went through i know people didnt like him he is a scater and hicks are stubborn and idiots i lived in a hick down my whole life i know how it is. im glad you gave him the knife cuz if you didnt tanner would be dead. he just got hit by a car 2 weeks ago!!! and had a concusion still and the guy was beating him in the face! get the story straight! not pulling stuff out of your butt!!! sorry if you have a problem with me saying this. DEAL WITH IT! :)

By trulee_innocent: 5/10/09 at 11:48 a.m.; Suggest removal

honestly a3dav i have asked my self the same things. I just want you to know while Tanner is in jail right now no matter what anyone on here is saying, i can garantee Tanner regrets the intire situation. NOT for the fact he is in jail. but more for the fact he took a mans life. He looks so crazy in his picture because this sweet guy all of us no just made a horrible desision. You think hes not in there thinking about all the other things that could have easily dodged this hole thing. Tanner no matter the situation would not wish death appon anyone.

That is the reason i know it was self defence.

and the knife was just so if someone did try to attack him he would have a little thing to scare them with.
He never thought he would need to use it.

By tiger22: 5/10/09 at 11:49 a.m.; Suggest removal

TWO STABBED WOUNDS NITTYGRITT216!!!!!!!!!! it was so fast!!!!! he was purtecting himself!! we KNOW its your cousin he shouldnt have been doing what he was TALK TO THE INVESAGATOR!!!!! multiple!! is 2! HE COULD HAVE RAN AFTER ONE but he didnt!!! he was getting hurt and what elts do you do! god you guys on here need to learn the true story! and put yourself in 18 year old shoes! the guy that attacked tanner was 77! he was immature for that in the first place he should have been sober.. what was he on??? everyone has secrets!

By not_guilty: 5/10/09 at 2:28 p.m.; Suggest removal

I was there, I saw the whole thing. I know what happened and you guys don't. The guy kept hitting him in his head after he was stabbed the first time and he still had tanner by his hair. He was hitting him over and over again in his head so how could he run after stabbing him once?

Tanner just got hit by a car going 40+. You smart people that think they know everything would have to know what that means right? Well he had concusions. That guys fist are like weponds to someone with concusions.

""""Second-impact syndrome, in which the brain swells dangerously after a minor blow, may occur in very rare cases. The condition may develop in people who receive a second blow days or weeks after an initial concussion, before its symptoms have gone away.[37] No one is certain of the cause of this often fatal complication, but it is commonly thought that the swelling occurs because the brain's arterioles lose the ability to regulate their diameter, causing a loss of control over cerebral blood flow.[49] As the brain swells, intracranial pressure rapidly rises.[51] The brain can herniate, and the brain stem can fail within five minutes.""""

I really care less what you guys have to say but I love tanner with all of my life and it WAS self-defence.

We love you tanner.

By MSBENZ66: 5/10/09 at 3:01 p.m.; Suggest removal

I am a very good friend of the victim.There is no INNOCENCE in repeatedly stabbing some-one!You can know a person all your life,but you don't know what goes through their minds when it comes to anger!!There are so many people that went on killing sprees and we always hear"I never thought he would do this" Unless you're in the killers mind,you don't know! No-one in this world BLACK or WHITE deserves to be repeatedly STABBED!!! Anytime a person continuously stabs a person,they have some PSYCHOTIC issues going on that could have possibly triggered them to do such a VIOLENT act. This man(THE VICTIM),graduated from high-school,went to collegemand has always had a JOB! He is also a FATHER!!! No-one deserves this!!! No-one!!! There are so many IGNORANT people in the world who always seem to bring up RACE!! This man is mixed so DON"T GO THERE!!! I think anyone who takes a life,should have theirs taken away!!! If it were a black man I would say the same thing!! How can a man defend himself to several repeated stab wounds??? I don't HATE the KILLER but I pray for justice, HIS LIFE!!!

By keepitreal: 5/10/09 at 4:15 p.m.; Suggest removal

So the fact is that Tanner was defending himself (yet not released) as stated above by key witnesses. So, let me see I once was attacked by a man and pinned down on the hood of a car. I was very scared. I could not use my strength to push him away so in my right hand was a lit cigarette. My instant thought and actually it wasn't much of a thought. I took that cigarette and touched it to his face. Guess what? He released his hold on me and I was able to break loose. So, I wonder what you would do if you were being attacked inclusive of getting punched and getting your hair pulled? Just sit there and take it? No, I think anybody that could try to defend themselves would try to get away and if that doesn't work then use whatever you have that you can reach to get out of the situation. Your talking about a barely 18 year old that as mentioned prior is not a very big guy. He didn't take tae kwon do classes, he learned music. So, maybe it should be the law to take some kind of defense class and this kind of thing wouldn't happen. What was the "victim" who's age I hear is 26, 72, 73 (not sure)but not 18 doing having an altercation with teenage boys? He should have had much more sense as an "adult" to not be beating up on teenage boys. Jeez! What would you do? Just sit there and take it and fear for your life the whole time? Again, facts not released yet, his friend's were there and I am sure there were surveilance cameras as well and other witnesses. A person defending themselves is not "psychotic". I guarantee you many people would use whatever they could find around them to defend themselves if they can't break loose.

By MSBENZ66: 5/10/09 at 4:57 p.m.; Suggest removal

Working in the medical field for years,I have looked into the eyes of drug addicts and people who suffer from bi-polar,paranoia,and other psych dis-orders.Tanner has the look of a KILLER!!!! I'm sorry,he looks CRAZY!!! I've seen the look!!

By MSBENZ66: 5/10/09 at 5:04 p.m.; Suggest removal

And to TIGER22 who said he was SHY!!<so was the Columbine killer and all those other kids who shot up the schools!!! Only he is 18 so he WILL be charged as as ADULT thank GOD!!!!

By tiger22: 5/10/09 at 5:05 p.m.; Suggest removal

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!! just because you stabbed someone dont mean your PSYCHOTIC! now you guys are really making me mad! you dont know tanner! when you get in the situation of beaing beat up and you have a knife on you.. tell me what you did ok? YOU DONT KNOW WHAT YOU WOULD DO TILL IT REALLY HAPPENED TO YOU IN ALL HONESTY! so stop saying he was PSYCHOTIC your going way to far on that one. think about it really he defended him self thanks. he didnt kill his family cuz he lost his job like the reall PSYCHOTIC people have done!!!!!! SERIOUSLY!!! he was 18!! and another thing.. i wasnt there so the friends of tanner im sorry to be rude but it hurts be deep down i just have questions ok? why did you let him just go to jail.. why didnt you stick with your friend? you just let him go. and one of you have a warrent out for your arrest tanner told me after he got hit. thats why you fled but you still got help for him thank you. IM NOT BEING MEAN i just would never let my freind go to jail like that. and i really wouldnt just take him from his family and go to vegas. he was moving in with his dad this weekend... WAS!!!! he is 18 i know. but tanner needs to go back to school. and get a job and his dad was doing that for him but you guys are his "family" now how does that make his REAL "family" feel. it sholdnt have been tanner im sorry to his friends. but it just hurts so bad that it happend to someone that could have gone far in life. sorry again.

By tiger22: 5/10/09 at 5:07 p.m.; Suggest removal

haha MSBENZ66!! you dont know that. im going to be so happy when this back fires in your guys's face he had a concustion if you no what that is. TELL ME WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR IN THAT SITUATION WOULD YOU JUST LET A 77 BEAT YOU UP IR TRY TO LIVE. you guys have no heart and i really think tanner will be coming home soon.. just from the things i know!! :) :)

By tiger22: 5/10/09 at 5:09 p.m.; Suggest removal

and tanner was not a drugy but cool! think what you want..WE LOVE YOU TANNER YOU WILL BE COMING HOME SOON! :)

By C-Town: 5/10/09 at 5:10 p.m.; Suggest removal

For everyone's info, the victim was in his early 30's not 77. And to the people who said the victim kept on hitting Tanner after he was stabbed, well who wouldn't put up a fight for their life. What, he was supposed to not do nothing and let Tanner keep on stabbing him,get real.And to the person who said multible stab wounds is 2, no it can be anywhere from 2-102+. And as far as this so-called nice 18 yr old, it's the teenagers now-a-days whom don't have any respect for their elders.And to be honest Tanner looks like a crazy older man on his picture on this site.He dosen't look 18. He looks psyco, and I would be terrified if I saw him on the streets somewhere.

By not_guilty: 5/10/09 at 5:11 p.m.; Suggest removal

Okay so Im going to tell you the same thing I told the detectives, We had the fight between the two guys (Tanner was not one of them) Broken up and we were walking away. he ran up to tanner when we were almost around the corner grabbed him by the hair and punched him repeatedly in the head. I really don't understand how that is not self-defense.

O and to MSBENZ66!! Go to myspace and put in Tanner Rousseau and tell me if that is a killer to you. That kid got hit by a car and the first thing he asked was if the lady that hit him was okay.

O and P.S
Tanner wasn't even the one that started the fight. The guy attacked him from behind after the fight was over.!

By tiger22: 5/10/09 at 5:23 p.m.; Suggest removal

NOT GUILTY! YUP thats the story and i know it! the guy attached him cuz maybe drugs? the guy ATTACHED tanner the people on here dont know that. haha but thats what happend its funny you say he looks crazy go look at paris hiltons mug shot everyoine looks crzy cuz there in trouble for something. he looks like that cuz he is terrified... wow he has long hair COOL. he was getting his A** kicked so that put more bruises there. he is so scared guys hes going to look scary. ITS A F******* MUG SHOT GET REAL. go look at his myspace. he is so sweet. i would hangout with him at his dads house we all went bowling he was a someone that would make you laugh. and you could have fun!

im sorry but i dont think this man was 30 and the investigator said he was in his 70's guess he looked older then he was really if he was really 30!! haha and they told us it was 2. stop being a media lover. get the facts the MEDIA IS FULL OF BS!!

By not_guilty: 5/10/09 at 5:26 p.m.; Suggest removal

Okay to Tiger 22 Im sorry If you are hurt I can't even begin to tell you how hurt and torn up inside we all are. But I will tell you one thing I was with tanner the whole time I got put in hand cuffs to I was ready to go to jail right beside him and If you are a blood relative I truly am sorry we all made the decision to go and I will be the first to addmit that it was a very dumb choise but we can't take it back and the only thing we can do is hope everything works out..

By tiger22: 5/10/09 at 5:29 p.m.; Suggest removal

thank you NOT GUILTY thank you.. i just needed to know that can i talk to you and reveal myself so i can talk and feel better about this.. email- brunette4life169@hotmail.com i wouldd appreciate it, i say my name and if he has talked about me you would know who i was.. ANYONE ELTS BESIDES TANNERS FREINDS EMAIL ME I WILL BE VERY UPSET.

By loveyoutanner: 5/10/09 at 6:03 p.m.

Comment removed by staff.

By tiger22: 5/10/09 at 6:21 p.m.; Suggest removal

yup he was a drug dealer like i said EVERYONE HAS SECRETS why would the "victim" tell you guys that.. he prolly was homeless i guuess you will do anything for drugs huh? wow people are pieces of crap out in the world i dont care if he was 20 he still beat up a 18 year old boy!! how matture right? NOT

By God_Knows: 5/10/09 at 6:21 p.m.; Suggest removal

I don't believe one minute this was self defense..what the hell was a 18 yr old doing out at 4am anyway...CAUSING TROUBLE! He did not have the right to take his life..now he is going to get what he deseves..leaving his body in an alley sounds like he was up to no good. Why is he carrying a knife anyway if he is such a good kid? He must live a shady life. If he was so innocent why did he run? He knew he was in the wrong, he knew he was out causing trouble, so being the guilty one he runs..but he gets caught cause God knows he must pay for his actions...nobody knew the victim like I did..very smart, talented and wise..now both familes are hurt..a mother has to bury her son, kids are without a father, siblings loose a brother...and the guilty parties family or friends has to deal with the wrong actions of the killer. He should not have picked a fight and brought in a weapon..from what I read today..the killer was not even in school,no job and hanging out on the strip at 18yrs old...everybody knows you have 2 be 21 or older to get in casinos or what not in vegas...so that tells me he's out doing something he has no business doing.. the victim could have been going into work or just getting off and some kids out doing who knows what decide to pick with an innocent man. This just is not right..taking a persons life is nobody decision but Gods.

By not_guilty: 5/10/09 at 6:38 p.m.; Suggest removal

God knows I was there my best friend did not pick the fight he wasn't even in the fight smart one. It was another guy that was fightin your "friend". Read the stuff I wrote.

I really don't understand how your friend can just run up to tanner and grab his hair and start punching him when WE WERE WALKING AWAY and its not self-defense. Seriously?

By not_guilty: 5/10/09 at 6:48 p.m.; Suggest removal

O and God knows you need to get your story stright because we went to the cops and turned our selves in. And he was outside of our hotel smoking not out causing troble.

By God_Knows: 5/10/09 at 6:55 p.m.; Suggest removal

im not here to argue..im just stating the obvious...read my post again and u will see where im coming from...the story you guys are stating seems very suspect..why were yall out so late? what was the reason to pick a fight? why did yall run?? of course you will say anything to take the side of your friend...since u were there, i consider u guilty as well. u probably help to move the body...ur friend took it apon himself to take a mans life...u tell me whats right about that..NOTHING...

By tiger22: 5/10/09 at 7:02 p.m.; Suggest removal

OMG YOUR "VICTIM" WAS KEEPING A F****** SECRET HE WAS OUT BUYING DRUGS GET OFF HERE IF YOUR NOT GOING TO ARGUE.. WHO CARES IF HE HAD A JOB OR NOT DONT MEAN HE IS A KILLER YUP HE KILLED TO SAVE HIS LIFE MAYBE THE DUDE SHOULDNT BE PICKING A FIGHT WITH A KID. GET THAT THROUGH YOU HEAD REALLY. YOU THINK THE "VICTIM" IS IN THE RIGHT AND HE DID NOTHING WRONG CUZ THATS WHAT YOU SEE WHAT DOES HE DO AFTER WORK? WHO KNOWES GETS HIGH APPARENTLY!

By God_Knows: 5/10/09 at 7:04 p.m.; Suggest removal

funny u say you all turned yourselfs in..when the story states the cops stopped a vehicle and arrested tanner..lol...

By not_guilty: 5/10/09 at 7:05 p.m.; Suggest removal

Okay I can promise on my life that we didn't run We Saw the cop drove over to him got out of the car and put our hands up the cop didn't even know that he did it we had to tell him. You were not there that is what I am saying. I don't care what anyone said we went to the cops the cops didnt come to us we could have left but we didn't why do you think we didn't leave because it was self-defense.

O yeah we moved the body genius your acting like you god and saw the whole thing. Wow. We didnt move any body.

By tiger22: 5/10/09 at 7:10 p.m.; Suggest removal

FUNNY TO HOW THE COP SAID HE WAS 70 YEARS OLD THE COP TOLD THE FATHER OF TANNER THIS. BUT COOL.

By trulee_innocent: 5/10/09 at 7:30 p.m.; Suggest removal

WHO SAID ANYTHING ABOUT MOVING A BODY.

were did u read this the ENCQUIRER.

u need to understand of course there going to make tanner sound bad. Its the news!

but you and everyone else knows...

TANNER WAS A SWEET KIND KID

who went to las vegas because his friends were going and it sounded like fun, what kid wouldnt want to.

YOUR FRIEND WAS A DRUGY

who was trying to sell drugs on the strip."after work" bowl s--t and i think your family knows it.

By trulee_innocent: 5/10/09 at 7:32 p.m.; Suggest removal

Tanner Doesnt Look SCARY
He looks SCARED

because he just killed a man and was interigated for like 14 hours hand cuffed to a seat

By loveyoutanner: 5/10/09 at 7:42 p.m.

Comment removed by staff.

By not_guilty: 5/10/09 at 7:44 p.m.; Suggest removal

These people don't know anything but what they heard about in the media. They don't know tanner like we do.. I know the facts and what really happend and the media doesn't.

By trulee_innocent: 5/10/09 at 8:08 p.m.; Suggest removal

DAMN STRAIGHT

By 4Tinman: 5/10/09 at 8:26 p.m.; Suggest removal

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/image...
-A smile from Tinman-

Judging the photo of a sweet innocent teenager as a psycho, is completely out of question and f'n' rude. He's about to cry in the mug shot photo (it's not like police ask you to smile for your photo and warn you it'd be posted for media, how are you supposed to smile in a terrified situation), I know for sure Tanner or any of us for the fact wouldn't take a life unless his own was in danger thus self-defense. Only if you truly knew the kind, innocent, outgoing, lovable Tanner and if we all were there to witness the situation then all our comments would make a difference.

I knew Tanner pretty well and from all the photos I've ever seen him in, the mugshot is definitely the saddest picture ever. Even after he got hit by a car 2 weeks prior till' he still held those cheeks up high for everyone in the world to see that bright beautiful smile. The one-photo has nothing to prove for his morality as a person.

If we could all take a moment to think of a situation where we got bullied and slammed into a terrified situation where you'd do anything, anything to protect your own life then we would have done the same as Tanner. It's not like we have the ability to freeze time, think about the situation and act upon it the best way possible. We're scared, so we strike back harder, we try to run, we scream for help, we're all humans and it's human instinct to hold his own, no matter the circumstances or thoughts of what the situation would turn out like.

I know for a fact Tanner is not a "murderer." And if he could turn back time to make best of the situation for both worlds, he would. I'm sorry for the families and friends of the victim, everyone has their own comment of both sides, but in a self-defense situation, Tanner does not deserve 25 to life for an "accident."

"Can't wait for you to come back home, pick up that guitar, and play a tune that will cure us all of our worries, you're the best bro and we're all doing our best for you in return for the friendship and love you gave us!"

-We love you Tanner aka Tinman!-

By keepitreal: 5/10/09 at 9:12 p.m.; Suggest removal

Hmmmmmm.... THE POLICE ALSO SAID THE VICTIM WAS 72 YEARS OLD. Why would they say that to a family member of the accused when C-Town stated he was in his 30's? Sounds like nobody truly knew what happened, including the police, but the people at the scene. And why would the police say he was 72 and also state that they were driving away in a vehicle when again the people at the scene state otherwise? Tanner will prevail!

By MSBENZ66: 5/10/09 at 9:30 p.m.; Suggest removal

Judging by the way u Tanner fans spell,(ILLITERATE) Tanner was a BUM!! For the last time,the victim was in his 30's *****OLES!!!! Tanner is going down and all u fans are upset!!! Tanner should have had his **S in BED!!!4am!!!God will see JUSTICE!!! 72???? Not hardly!!! Get the facts right!!! And 4tinman look at the news and GET REAL!! A lot of murderers friends and family "DID'NT KNOW"!!!

By Jtown: 5/10/09 at 10:31 p.m.; Suggest removal

Let us examine the situation OBJECTIVELY A witness testifies that tanner was being attacked having his head beaten, prior to this tanner was hit by a car, it is apparent that tanner was mentally hurt by this crash, " their was no mental illness, but rather a concusion. Although I am familiar with tanner and he is a good person saying that to a judge will surely not vantage his argument, on another note a man was murdered whoms family, is surely devasted, it would be most profitable to both sides considering the situation, if tanner did 2 year, not 25. Naturaly no amount of time will compensate for the families loss, however, Let us not bring dissolution to tanners whole life

By random_las_vegas: 5/10/09 at 10:41 p.m.; Suggest removal

Wow! Such as SAD situation for BOTH SIDES.

My condolences to the family of the deceased. Tanner's friends should keep in mind that at least Tanner is still ALIVE and if found guilty there is a chance that he will be free someday. NO ONE knows the true facts yet and it will take time for the investigators and the courts to piece it all together and hopefully get the honest accurate FULL truth.

I'm familiar with (and therefore AVOID that back part of the Tropicana). Due to the economy the Tropicana's Security is understaffed and that back area has become a hangout for drug dealers, prostitutes, and general hustlers). I've heard of fake drugs being sold to dumb tourists there.

It seems like BOTH TANNER AND THE VICTIM MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MODEL CITIZENS. There isn't much information about the victim online so I won't make to many guess. Just that he was around 30's, college educated, employed, father, and husband.

By random_las_vegas: 5/10/09 at 10:43 p.m.; Suggest removal

From his friends on here and looking around his myspace page (escially the photos). It is obvious TANNER was NOT a goody two-shoes by any means. He doesn't seem like "a bad kid" just VERY NAIVE, Immature, and fairly reckless.

It is mentioned right on this bored that he was NOT in school NOT employed, and estranged from his family. Also the people he was with just kind of randomly snatched him away to Vegas. One of the people he was with that night had a prior warrant and fled the scene because of that.

With the being hit by a car thing and the randomly showing up in Vegas with no REAL ADULTS @ barely 18 I have a feeling Tanner was a party kid.

I'd love to find out if Tanner had ANY alcohol or drugs in his system during either the getting hit by a car or stabbing an unarmed man (who may or may not have been robbing him or fighting with him or his friends)?

If he was being robbed you CAN'T kill someone over trying to steal from you. You can get money and things back you cannot get a life back. If he was being beaten he can fight back to defend himself but you can't overdo it, deadly force is only right when you are moments from dying yourself. It sounds like he MIGHT have been being beaten pretty good, but that's not enough for deadly force. He had"friends" with him who could have gotten security or jumped the man themselves. I'd even venture a guess it may have been more of a matter of "getting ripped off" versus "getting robbed".

A few things are for certain a BARELY 18 year old kid shouldn't be wandering around the back of a Casino at 4 am with no REAL ADULTS with him (it sounds like he was with a group of people who were adults in age only). Also he shouldn't have had a knife in the first place. Carrying deadly weapons is NOT safe for most people. It will get you in more trouble most of the time as seen in this case. He would have been better off with pepper spray! Sounds like it could have been a case of feeling 10 feet tall cause he had a knife.

Tanner is a great example of why "stupid kid stuff" should NOT be taken lightly. It can have real consequences. Maybe this is just the wake up call Tanner and others need. Was he drinking when he got hit by the car? Was he drinking when he stabbed a man to death? If so how much of a wake up call does he need to better himself?

He may not have MEANT to do this but it is likely his poor decisions/lack of thought led up to this tragedy.

By random_las_vegas: 5/10/09 at 11:10 p.m.; Suggest removal

Sounds like Tanner WAS troubled and in need of a wake up call. There are myspace comments on his profile with people asking if he REALLY is getting sober and wishing him clean pee.

Getting hit by the car. He was skateboarding in a road with no sidewalk and no shoulder (not smart, was he sober?). there were cars coming in both directions and he said he just had to pick a lane and hope the car would stop in time (DUMB).

Sounds like he and his "friends" have ingrained that everything is someone else's fault always.

25 years to life would ruin his life but also he has ruined many other people's lives

2 years would be too short. It's too much of a slap on the wrist and not enough time for his friends and family to get over the "poor baby it's not your fault thing". They'd probably through him and party and keep telling him how bad he got wronged and it wasn't really his fault. The car thing should have been time enough to stop and think about being responsible for his own actions. Not "the car should have stopped for ME!".

Some people need harder lessons than others. 10-15 years MIGHT make him grow up and he'd still be able to piece together an adult life after.

By Jtown: 5/10/09 at 11:10 p.m.; Suggest removal

using empirical findings about drinking and effects or rather was he in school or not, is irrelevent what is relevent is that tanner, could possibly face the rest of his life in prison, I care a alot about tanner, and i do not want this 18 year old boy in prison for the rest of his life, if he does go to prison for a long epoch, people close to him will most definetly work on his case until he is free, I feel so bad for both families, If you care at all about THIS 18 YEAR OLD GO TO HIS MYSPACE PAGE LOOK UP TREVOR AND DONATE TO AID HIM IN GETTING A LAYWER, i am not asking for him to have impunity but i want him to be judged with a holistic analyisis

By cass_s: 5/10/09 at 11:30 p.m.; Suggest removal

To all the people on here writing mean things about tanner, your wrong! we love and miss you TANNER. Im praying for you! love you with all my heart!

By random_las_vegas: 5/10/09 at 11:36 p.m.; Suggest removal

Tanner is still ALIVE! What about the man that was killed and his family?

I'm not saying mean things. I'm saying how Tanner doesn't have to suffer in vain. The most good that can come of this if that SOMEONE SOMEWHERE learns something from it.

Your actions and poor decisions DO effect the WHOLE WORLD. Nice use of big words for no reason by the way.

Even if he does get life GOOD CAN COME OF THIS IF TAKEN IN THE RIGHT LIGHT.

Instead proving how "innocent" Tanner was. Why not go into schools and try and teach kids not to make similar mistakes. That yes bad things can happen to them if they make the wrong choices.

By random_las_vegas: 5/10/09 at 11:43 p.m.; Suggest removal

2 years is TOO SHORT! but life is too long too! Something in between.

It's really not a case of, oh poor Tanner he was out doing absolutely nothing wrong and this man attacked him at random he killed him in self defense and the mean police arrested him.

It's more a whole lot of poor decisions led to a crazy outcome no-one expected. I don't think either side is innocent.

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at midnight; Suggest removal

This was privately emailed to me by Jtown

"so what if i have a big vocabulary and see it as most profitable to use it to get my point acros"

Nothing wrong with a big vocabulary but using big words just to sound smarter is silly.

Yes through empirical evidence I figured out Tanner a pretty big drunk in general. IF he was drunk that night it is relevant.

By 4Tanner: 5/11/09 at 2:53 a.m.; Suggest removal

It's funny how MSBENZ66 judges the way someone spells to tell whether or not someone is a BUM. Haha.
The way someone spells doesn't define a person.
And I think most of us can all agree upon that.
Yes Tanner didn't have a job but what does that have to do with any of this? It doesn't mean a thing. He is just 18 he has a lot more time ahead of him to do great and wonderful things, to find a job etc..
And you say look at the news? Obviously the media is full of false bs.

Tanner was by far not troubled. You all very well know that young people such as Tanner have experienced those party fazes. That does not make Tanner a troubled bad kid. Also, from what I have heard, he was not drunk when he got hit by a car by the way. Drinking was not something he did ALL the time, so a so called "drunk" is not what he was.
He's a wonderful kind-hearted person. Always thinking of others. He's probably thinking of the man that died even..and how terrible he feels for it. I'm sure he'll always wish things were different and that had never happened. I'm sure if anything Tanner is not taking that whole situation well either. I can only imagine the pain the family of the victim is going through, but he's in pain too, we all are.. It's a sad and terrible thing, on both ends.

Tanner would never intentionally mean to harm anyone. I believe the only way it would come down to that is if he was put into great harm and feared for his life.
Only the people that were there know the facts, and from what I know.. I honestly do believe it was Self defense!

Tanner was the type of guy who would do anything for anyone just because he has such a big heart filled with love and respect for others. Never able to say no to someone when they asked something from him. So giving.

I'm not trying to convince any of you how great of a person Tanner is. I'm just fortunate enough to know. :)

I don't know the story from the other side, or much about how all of this happened, and it appears a lot of you as well don't either. Your just judging Tanner on weather or not he drinks, goes to school, has a job ect as a bad person who would sanely want to kill someone.
Or by his picture above, I mean wow. No offense - I don't have to work in a medical field to know that a "mugshot" of someone isn't the accurate way of forming your opinion on someone. Especially a mugshot.

And I'm only giving my input about Tanner and how I feel for the simple fact that I know Tanner. I did not know the other guy, but I'm sure he wasn't a bad person either. There's wrong on both ends.

I'm praying for you Tanner!

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at 5:32 a.m.; Suggest removal

Wow! I'm so glad I'm 10 years older than Tanner and in friends. A lot has changed in teenagers in that short time and it is NOT at all for the good. One of the most entitled generations of teenagers ever. They think they are really special and deserving of respect just because they exist. Also they think rules don't apply to them because of this specialness.

They made LOTS of mean comments about (especially at the top) saying that the victim was likely homeless, unemployed, a druggie, or a dealer.

Truth be told Tanner was a few of these things himself. He was "couch surfing" bouncing around living from friend to friend. This is just a glorified version of homeless. Unemployed not in school. Tanner has pictures labeled "blazed" so we know he at least smoked pot once in a while and has bough drugs himself at some point.

Tanner may have not just been in a party phase and may have actually had a problem with alcohol. There are messages on myspace where people ask about if he is getting sober, messages written by him saying how badly he needed to get his crap together and get a job, mood status saying how drunk he was. Denial is a big part of being an alcoholic (I am a recovered one). It's easier to say someone likes to party than say that they might have a problem and you DON'T have to drink "all the time" to have a problem. If your drinking is causing your life to lose quality and bad things to happen you have a problem.

The knife. He wasn't mature enough or responsible enough to have it. You shouldn't carry a deadly weapon if you are not fully comfortable with the possibility that you will kill someone. A knife or a gun is NOT "a little something to scare someone if needed". If you not prepared to kill don't have it and don't pull it out.

What if Tanner pulled the knife got to scared to use it (because he really does seem to be a very sweet and kind but irresponsible troubled kid) and it got yanked out of his hands and used on him? I don't know how close to self defense this was though considering it was hand to hand fighting. He doesn't have a mark on his face except for ones that match the car crash photo. He went straight to jail not the hospital. Killing someone to defend yourself is overboard. The concussion thing could come into play with a good lawyer I guess.

Most importantly, a group of mostly (someone may have been 21 to get the room) has NO GOOD REASON to be out alone @ 4AM in the parking lot of a Las Vegas Casino. Yes, the drinking and gambling ages apply to EVERYONE and for a good reason. Barely 18 behind a casino at 4 AM no reason to be out there (even if to just smoke a cigarette) except for trouble.

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at 5:33 a.m.; Suggest removal

I don't think this group of kids was just out there quiet and calm minding their own business and the guy picked a fight with Tanner's friend and then attacked Tanner while they walked away after the first fight. Why weren't they RUNNING from the 1st fight if it was so serious and a matter of life and death?

They most likely were being loud, drunk, and stupid (opps I mean just partying like every normal teenager). They said or did something stupid that sparked the first fight off. It's also a strong possibility that they got ripped off or they ripped the victim off drug wise. As they were walking away I bet they were talking crap and the guy grabbed Tanner. In a moment of "I'll show him" he stabbed the guy. The knife gave him a false sense of security. Self defense is cool when warranted but it's not an easy automatic get out of jail free card.

POOR DECISIONS ALL AROUND. The victim doesn't get the possibility of a 2nd chance.

Tanner did seem like he was a very sweet kid, extremely nice to his family and friends, talented, and funny. He is NOT a bad person. But he was irresponsible and made poor decisions.

THE BEST THING TO DO IS HOPE SOMEONE LEARNS FROM THIS. NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS BE HONEST WITH YOURSELVES AS TO THE HOW AND WHY OF WHAT LEAD UP TO THIS.

Go into the schools and tell Tanner's story you might save lives. You'd definitely help your own hurt and pain and avoid it for other's too.

25 - life is too harsh. I really wish him the best. Maybe jail will be a blessing in discuss. If he spent 15 years in jail he'd get out in his early 30's. He'd have plenty of time to have a wife and kids and all of that. The victim doesn't get a 2nd chance. I don't want Tanner's life ruined. I want it improved and I don't want anyone else including Tanner to get hurt or killed to to his immaturity and poor decision making.

But to play the poor baby he didn't do anything wrong at all card does a disservice to everyone.

By Sinatra711: 5/11/09 at 6:35 a.m.; Suggest removal

I am sure the attorneys for both sides will have a field day with the comments on this page. If there is in fact witnesses posting comments on this website, you will be doing more harm than good......no matter which side you are on. The 1st thing an attorney will tell you is to keep quiet until after the court proceedings is over.

Oh, and by the way.....can everyone please learn how to spell Self Defense? It is very annoying to read how ignorant society has become.

By Sinatra711: 5/11/09 at 6:40 a.m.; Suggest removal

random_las_vegas - You make some very good points and have probably posted the most relevant and meaningful comments on this page.

S711

By C-Town: 5/11/09 at 6:45 a.m.; Suggest removal

random_las_vegas,I couldn't agree with you more. Thanks!

By 1st_cuz: 5/11/09 at 8:31 a.m.; Suggest removal

TO ALL YOU GUYS WHO DON'T KNOW. MY COUSIN WAS ONE OF THE NICEST PEOPLE YOU WOULD WAN'T TO MEET. I DON'T THINK ANYONE WANT'S TO LOSE A LOVED ONE. WHEN I HEARD THE NEWS IT RATTLED ME, BECAUSE WE WENT OUT AND HAD A GOOD TIME, BEFORE HE LEFT FOR VEGAS, NOW HE'S COMMING BACK IN A CASKET. I FEEL WHEN YOUR CARRYING ANY KIND OF WEAPON ON YOU IT'S AGAINST THE LAW! YOU HAVE TO TRUST THE PROTECTION OF THE POLICE FORCE AND IF YOU TRY TO BREAK THAT LAW(MEANING CARRYING A CONCEALED UNARTHERIZED WEAPON) THEN YOU ARE TAKING MATTERS IN YOUR OWN HANDS.AS YOU CAN SEE; MY COUSIN WAS UNARMED AND WAS STABBED TO DEATH. WHY DID HIS FRIEND LEAVE THE SEEN OF A CRIME?WAS HE PART OF THE MURDER?YOU HAVE TO TAKE THESE THINGS IN CONSIDERATION.BECAUSE OF THIS SITUATION; I'M LEFT WITH THE LAST MEMORIES OF MY COUSIN AND TANNERS MOTHER AND FATHER ARE MISSING A SON ,"WHO'S STILL ALIVE", BUT PRESENCE WILL BE PROBABLY MISSING IN THEIRS AS WELL.

By tiger22: 5/11/09 at 9:07 a.m.; Suggest removal

TANNERS DAD IS GOING TO VEGAS TODAY TO GET HIM A LAWYER BUT A DONATION WOULD BE GOOD TO!! THANK YOU! HIS DAD SHOULD BE THERE ALL WEEK AND IM SURE TANNER WILL BE OUT SOON SO IT SUCKS FOR THE VICTIMS FAMILY IM SORRY BUT PUT YOUR FEET IN AN 18 YEAR OLD SHOES!!!

By tiger22: 5/11/09 at 9:22 a.m.

Comment removed by staff.

By tiger22: 5/11/09 at 9:29 a.m.; Suggest removal

let me clear this sorry for posting the one about tanners friend read it clearly this was not the murder he left i talked to them and all of them got arrested too.. that comment i posted yesterday has some false information after i spoke with his best friend my bad.

By tiger22: 5/11/09 at 9:30 a.m.; Suggest removal

about the car accident

By C-Town: 5/11/09 at 9:40 a.m.; Suggest removal

To tiger22, you are the most rude a** jerk on this site! May you one day experience our pain, and you are the BASTERD. You punk a** b***h!

By alice1: 5/11/09 at 10:19 a.m.; Suggest removal

What is self defence? To me self defence would be when you'r life is bieng threatened in anyway! I am completely confused how people can think a fist is not considered a weapon? a fist can kill! Kicks can kill! I have seen the news to many times where some randon good guy was jumped and beaten to death. On a personal note if I were being punched I possibly could get hit so hard so many times it could kill me, or for that matter I could be killed with the first hit depending on where I was hit and how hard. Tanner has been charged NOT CONVICTED! And I do believe in INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY! no matter what! Also if I were attacked I would defend myself my family or my friends with whatever means possible that includes using a knife in which I do carry (small pocket knife)! Tanner had all right to defend himself if this was the case anybody does! I think that nobody has a right to threaten someone or make a person feel fearful or even hurt someone and whomever chooses to to this is putting themselves in danger (knowingly) the fact is that usually the innocent person ends up dead. Whomever chooses to use the words murderer or killer You are slandering! I think people on hear need to really proof read their statments....you accuse others of judgment but yet you are also in judgment! maybe you don't know you'r friend!

By alice1: 5/11/09 at 12:25 p.m.; Suggest removal

I am waiting for all information to be put on the table here! Not such a good call for people to be insinuating "WHAT IF!!!!!" scenario's, poor judgment...that is my opinion. Lets show some compassion here for ALL parties! I do not know the man who has died but I am sad for him and his family/friends, I am sad to hear anyone who has died! but as I said before IF this is a case of self defense, whether one person is unarmed but using physical violence that is threating a life, to inflict harm on another person. I think people are failing to see that nobody has the right to even hit another person no matter what! I am curious is to why people assume that an eighteen year old thinks like an adult! I can look back to remember situations I was in at eighteen and I will admit that I certainly do not think as I do today, so what was he doing in Vegas.....having fun! Hanging out with his friends. If the situation went as been posted by witnesses, I would expect more from an adult.....maybe walk away! as adults we are examples and teachers or at least we should be! If my child was in a situation that his life was threatened I would want him to do anything and everything to SURVIVE.

By Jen227: 5/11/09 at 1:02 p.m.; Suggest removal

Tanner is the sweetest guy I have ever ment! He wouldn't harm a fly. My heart goes out to him and am parying for him. It was self defense not murder. It was a terrible thing that happened but it did. Tanner I love you and will be praying you WILL get out of this!

By keepitreal: 5/11/09 at 1:05 p.m.; Suggest removal

To C-Town you are rude and very vulger! Tiger22 is telling it like it is. Funny how you get so defensive. Who's rude here? Again, as I stated before THE COPS SAID SEVERAL THINGS that weren't true! FACT! FACT! FACT! Why did they say the guy was 72 then if he's not?

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at 1:40 p.m.; Suggest removal

Thank you so much for the compliments C-Town and Sinatra :)

I do apologize for my spelling and grammar errors. I am writing with emotion and in a stream of concious style. I should proofread but I feel it interferes with the random flow of thought.

Alice your posts are awesome. You make me feel kind of guilty for playing what if. I definitely understand your position of reserving judgement until all the actual facts come out. I just kind of wanted to balance out his "friends" statements that make Tanner sound all lily white and innocent sugar couldn't melt in his mouth. They almost made it sound like the poor victim deserved to die. I'm even starting to doubt the victim was "beating" Tanner (there are no injuries reported at all). I think it was either a snatch and grab robbery attempt, a drug deal gone bad, or just some stupid teenager crap.

I and the law do disagree with your definition of lawful self defense. You state if you someone makes you feel fearful or threatened in anyway you have the right to defend yourself by any means. Sorry this isn't true. You can't for example shoot someone for yelling at you and scaring you. In most cases a fist is NOT considered a deadly weapon in the eyes of the law (and yes you can be killed by almost anything so by your logic anything and everything is a deadly weapon). There is a case right here in Vegas right now where a pawn shop owner was charged with murder for shooting an unarmed man that broke into his store. I imagine he felt threatened and scared but in the eyes of the law he could not shoot the man over just that (he shot him in the back for what it's worth).

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at 1:44 p.m.; Suggest removal

I do admit I am a huge dork and being experienced both in the hospitality industry and the dark seedier side of the world this story really piqued my interest. It is so wonderful and interesting to be able to dig deeper into a news story in ways not possible in the past. With teenagers nowadays documenting every time the fart sideways online, once you get the name from the story you can start to do your own research and develop your own opinion independent of traditional media.

Now I'm going to get a touch harsh. I still believe that Tanner was out of control and needed to find out he is responsible for the things that happen to him. It really sounds as if he was conditioned to believe that nothing was his fault. Getting hit by the car based on his own stupidity should have been a time to realize "Hey, I need to be more careful about what I do"; Who skates in the MIDDLE of a road with no sidewalk and no shoulder at night? People supported Tanner on his myspace saying to the effect of, I hope that driver feels like a butt hole for hitting you. One must remember that cars take time and distance to stop (it's just physics) and the middle of the road is for cars, not skateboards. Tanner admitted on myspace he was at fault in that accident.

Two weeks later he makes the decision to carry a knife and go to a place that offers almost legal to do for 18 year olds at night. Las Vegas is not a place for unaccompanied teenagers. I don't know why he didn't decide to get back with his real family and not his "friend" family ASAP after almost dying. It's obvious he didn't learn that he needed to be more careful in his life.

I hope he doesn't get to go home soon. I don't think the lesson would sink in. It would be another case of, oh my gosh that was so unfair how I was treated, see all my "friends" say that was bogus and I did nothing wrong.

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at 1:44 p.m.; Suggest removal

A short sentence like the proposed 2 years doesn't seem like enough either. This wasn't something minor like possession, he KILLED a man (by accident in a way). I really feel a short time like that he'd get treated like a victim of the system by his "friends". They might do something like save up for a big huge party and spoil him when he gets back after two years.

A longer time like 5-15 years would give time for the lesson to be learned and the gravity of the situation to really really sink in. The victim doesn't get to come back to life in 5-15 years. Also it would give enough time to naturally filter out his true friends. I bet it would be surprising which friends are still in Tanner's life and which ones aren't after a longer sentence. I hope he'd lose the bad influence of the person who gave him the knife and the kids who convinced him to go to Vegas from Washington (especially the one with a prior warrant). One has to keep in mind all the kids involved in this are young. So they are at that phase where they think they know it all when they really don't/

The facts as they stand right now is Tanner is the one who stabbed the guy with a knife. So the people who are calling him a killer are not slandering. He did kill someone accidentally. In the eyes of the law it's still murder, it's just a matter of what degree.

He has to live with this for the rest of his life. Hopefully he will get to build a better life for himself in the future. I just don't want him to go back to just doing whatever whenever.

This story has made me look at myself and realize how precious life is and we have to be very careful with our decisions and actions. I hope instead of doing the "poor baby" Tanner thing. His friends look at themselves and the world around them and figure out how to do positive things.

I really am not kidding when I think they should go into schools and speak to children about how bad unexpected things can happen if you make poor decisions.

As to the 70 something years old thing. I think it's just a matter of Tanner's friends and family misunderstanding. A man in his 30's would be BORN in the 70's and victims are usually first identified by their date of birth (your D.O.B printed on your license, not your age)

By conrad_f_______nichuals: 5/11/09 at 2:16 p.m.; Suggest removal

i am one of tanner closes friend my name is conrad vincent nichuals any body talkin s**t i will be down their for trial as long with all arlington so run your mouths ill find ya punks and i gave him the legal 2 1/2 blade u do not need a counceiled wepons perment just need to be 18 it was for protection from any body whom wished to hurt him and im glad i did it would have happend to ure friend anyways so i did feel for his famly but know burn in hell like his punk a** father,son,child i dont give a f**k he obviously deseved to die or god wouldent make him burn in hell for his sins tanner has been living at my house for almoust a year he has not been jumping from house to house. school he could not affored to go any more this kid was hedding for greatness and just has a minnor set back but he will come home soon we love u tanner and i would die for u so if im a bad friend im sorry my brother

By Jen227: 5/11/09 at 2:20 p.m.; Suggest removal

Wow I can not beleive what im reading here!! You people have NO idea what happened!! I wasn't there I dont know "all" the facts but I do know Tanner. He was NOT phsycotic in any way he wasn't crazy Tanner is a kind hearted guy. He was in Vegas! What f***ing 18 yr wouldnt be up wondering the streets at 4 am. F*** I kno I would be if I was there with my friends. That picture is the only picture you will see of Tanner without a smile on his face. He is always laughin and always has a grin on his face. THIS WAS NOT MURDER! My heart goes out to the family and friends of the victum. Nobody wants to wake up and find out someone close to them has passed away. But you have to look at the situation here. That guy started s*** with Tanner and attacked him he wasn't even involed in the fight prior to it. He was still suffering from a concusion what was he suppose to do he is a lil guy was he just suppose to stand there and let the guy beat him to death. I hardly doubt his intentions when he pulled out the knife was to kill that guy. I can only imagine what is going through his head right now I will continue to pray for you Tanner. We all are.

By annagraham: 5/11/09 at 2:32 p.m.; Suggest removal

Random - you talk too much. You should type out your long winded response, cut out 95% of the sentences and then post. Sheesh, a freakin book.

By conrad_f_______nichuals: 5/11/09 at 2:38 p.m.

Comment removed by staff.

By conrad_f_______nichuals: 5/11/09 at 2:42 p.m.; Suggest removal

who is annagrahm

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at 2:42 p.m.; Suggest removal

Oh my gosh. I feel sorry for Tanner. Most of his friends are dumb as bricks. Just look at the spelling and grammar and the straight arrogance. The threats on the board. You know LVMPD reads this and you have your name right their and it's super easy to find your myspace. Mind your P's and Q's in Las Vegas because Metro likely already knows your trouble. Heck stay home you probably will do more harm than good in helping Tanner. It sure doesn't look like Tanner was living with you because it's fairly obvious Tanner left Arlington for some reason, and he left messages saying how much he missed you.

Yes a 2 1/2 inch blade is legal to carry I never said it wasn't. I never said he needed a permit. I just said it wasn't smart to be carrying it and it wasn't. There isn't a mark on his face (besides the marks from the stupidness with the car). A man DIED and will be gone forever because you gave Tanner that knife. Make sure to tell police you gave him the knife, maybe you can go to jail as an accessory. It sure doesn't look like he was being beat to death. He may have got his hair pulled or something, or he was being robbed, ripped off, or he or his "friends" ripped the guy off. People don;t do the smartest things in scary situations, and being young and drunk certainly didn't help matters.

Also Jen, Las Vegas is NOT for 18 year olds. They were at the back of the Tropicana. It is closer to Hooters and a Motel 6 than it is the strip. Nothing very interesting to see there at all so they weren't sight seeing. The last time I used the bus stop their two hookers and a drug dealer annoyed me so much where I now completely avoid that area. Their was something dumb going on, I just don't know what. I can't wait to see how this all plays out.

This man didn't deserve to die in vain. Let something good come of this. Tanner is an example of what can go wrong if you are irresponsible and make poor decisions. Don't let what happened to Tanner happen to other kids.

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at 2:48 p.m.; Suggest removal

Sorry for being long winded. I'm a thinker and it's just naturally how I write. I've tried to work on it but it just still comes out all long.

As to the concussion. If it was such a big deal and we should feel sorry for him abut the concussion, he should have been in WA resting, not parting in Vegas.

By conrad_f_______nichuals: 5/11/09 at 2:51 p.m.

Comment removed by staff.

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at 2:59 p.m.; Suggest removal

Conrad's post was removed because he was threatening me with violence.

WOW! He is SO TOUGH talking all big and bad over the internet. If he was a real man he'd come here tell the cops he gave Tanner the knife, and take whatever punishment like a man.

Tanner should NOT get to oops I killed a man skate out of jail with no consequence. The victims life did have value. God does have an purpose for Tanner's life, it's to be a lesson on to others. He wasn't a bad kid, but he made a string of very poor decisions helped by his supposed friends.

By tiger22: 5/11/09 at 3:04 p.m.; Suggest removal

i am just trying to state the facts the reason why i was harsh is cuz people dont have a heart on here seriously give tanner respect!!!! he was defending himself i understand someone died in the process but this man really shouldnt have been attacking a 18 year old. PLAN AND SIMPLE.. who cares if your a bad speller or not!!! sorry that has nothing to do with the person we are! this is all really needs to stop in all honesty.we are fighting on here and its not getting us any where.. im sorry i just state the truth! tanners friends care way to much for him and if they say there going to vega there going to fight for tanner. :)

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at 3:09 p.m.; Suggest removal

If you want Tanner to come home soon. His hotter headed friends that can't be trusted to act like adults need to hang back. Acting like a lil punk thug in front of attorney's, lawyers, and police will not help things at all. Self defense is cool but they will have to prove that Tanner was in mortal danger at that moment. I have a heart, I just want to see some good come of this tragedy. A slap on the wrist sends the wrong message How long till the facts come out?

By conrad_f_______nichuals: 5/11/09 at 3:11 p.m.; Suggest removal

i would take 25-life for this kid and im serious sorry to the po-po this is not a threat or a plan its a warning for random_las_vegas but u dont shut your mouth ill be in their wit him couse i got his back and no one talks sh*t about him u got these punks on here thinkin they know what happend im the one that gave him my knife and im sorry but if he stabed someone they deserved it maybe not deseved it but had it comin becouse he was a drug dealer rippin people of good way to die thought he was a little thug but was just a scrub

By tiger22: 5/11/09 at 3:16 p.m.; Suggest removal

"conrad"- we just need to calm down for a little ok?? i know its hard but WE know the facts and everyone elts are looking like fools that dont know anything!! hopefully he will come home soon. even 2 years is better then 22!! i dont want any time done.. really. but at this point who knowes what will happen! =/ my email is up there and if you want to talk message me. THE TRUTH DID COME OUT READ VEGAS

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at 3:19 p.m.; Suggest removal

Yeah and the truth doesn't look good. It was a drug deal gone bad

By tiger22: 5/11/09 at 3:33 p.m.; Suggest removal

are you kidding me right now! why do you think it was tanner though he was breaking up another fight and some OLDER MAN came and attacked himm.. what would a 120 pound kid do? he was a kid. really.. think about it.. im guessing your 20 something let me guess 200 at the most? lets have a 35 year old come after you about 250 maybe. tell me what happens if you just let them beat you up cuz you couldnt get away and your brains were all over the pavement! sad right? what if that happend to tanner.. ok.. would you guys still be on the victims side if the victim was alive and tanner was dead? was this guy on some hella drugs just to attack?!?!

By not_guilty: 5/11/09 at 3:48 p.m.; Suggest removal

Tiger22 hey do you have a myspace??

By tiger22: 5/11/09 at 3:51 p.m.; Suggest removal

yeah i dont want to give it out on here if you understand but i can on my email! :) may i ask why? im not friends with tanner on there cuz i dont stay on for long when i do go on.. lol :/ my bad.

By mikegino: 5/11/09 at 3:51 p.m.; Suggest removal

Poor sweet little Tanner will be someone's b!tch in the big house real soon. Too bad he can't be joined by more of the young punk know-it-all I've-had-every-toy generation. Was little Tanner employed? How did he support himself? Was he a high school grad? Come on kids, wake TF up.

By not_guilty: 5/11/09 at 3:56 p.m.; Suggest removal

I hope that GOD doesn't judge people like you judge Tanner!

Or else I bet everyone would go to he** you guys don't know the truth, You didn't see it? DID YOU?

Actually I know you didn't see it..

By tiger22: 5/11/09 at 3:56 p.m.; Suggest removal

come on mike why would it matter? he just turned 18! it takes time to get a job in washington.. if you dont know are economy is CRAP!! read. just cuz your not a high school grad dont reflect you!! but cool man. stop making your pissy comments on here

By mikegino: 5/11/09 at 4:02 p.m.; Suggest removal

Hey Tiger, nice to hear from you. Here's some free advice: why don't you put your semi-illerate psyche back in school and learn something...such as grammar or spelling. If you don't, you're going to end up just like poor little Tanner. Normal 18-year-olds are graduating from high school and going to college or into the military. Where are you going?

By not_guilty: 5/11/09 at 4:07 p.m.; Suggest removal

Tiger22. Check your email I sent one on my brothers acount.

By tiger22: 5/11/09 at 4:09 p.m.; Suggest removal

sorry me typing fast is not the way i am as a person. i dont care about my spelling, im in school still thank you. and yes most are graduating! but school might be difficult for some people you dont know tanners schooling back ground and from what i understand thats none of you business either! i dont think you need to be yelling at me cuz of my spelling your just but hurt! :) hahaha

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at 4:14 p.m.; Suggest removal

Oh my gosh these arrogant morons are our future!

By C-Town: 5/11/09 at 4:17 p.m.; Suggest removal

To keepitreal, in defense of my relative, I'm not going to allow some a**hole like tiger22 call my relative a bastard. He needs to grow-up, the victim has family on this site. And we don't need some dum-a** calling him names. So,that's why I said, what I said!

By not_guilty: 5/11/09 at 4:24 p.m.; Suggest removal

And you best believe that Random_las_vagas!

By Sinatra711: 5/11/09 at 4:27 p.m.; Suggest removal

random_las_vegas - I agree with 99% of what you have said. Unfortunately, you are dealing with a bunch of immature kids that have their emotions running on full tilt right now. It is useless to try and speak intelligently to people like that, because they are incapable of comprehending the message.

I find it both comical and sad to read the comments on this story. Comical because I don't know how else to deal with the realization that these teenager's reaction to their friend's situation is probably the norm......most teenagers probably think this way.....and it is pretty messed up. Sad because the same realization makes me have a negative point of view for our future......this is the result of bad parenting.

Can you imagine what it must be like to live in the same neighborhood as these kids? Scary.

S711

By keepitreal: 5/11/09 at 4:49 p.m.; Suggest removal

I am an adult and think it's comical that you people are speaking the way you are (if you are adults). You keep referring to them as kids so my guess is that you must be in your 20's at least. Why do you have so much time on your hands? Do you have jobs? Well I do and I have said nothing but to try to put perspective and light on what you would do if you were being attacked. I have not slandered anybody on here. With that said I must say I strongly disagree with the "adults" on here making the kind of statements that have been made... about the kids and the suspect. It is expected for younger people to not have as much knowledge as we "adults" do. But to have the knowledge and still do it is very mysterious to me.
As far as Tiger goes she is not illiterate and she is in school.
To C-Town she has experienced the "pain". Her father was attacked by a man that broke his neck. He was paralyzed from the chest down. He lived in a wheelchair for 13 years then finally died two years ago. I am sure that is why she is so defensive. If her father had a weapon he might not be dead today. Her father died when she was only 15 years old! Yes, I did say attacked- full nelson- broken neck!

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at 4:59 p.m.; Suggest removal

Yup, I have a job, interest bearing investments (high yield savings accounts were smart in this economy) own my own home and am working on my 2nd degree. I take time to comment on this because this story interested me and the comments turned me passionate about this. We can learn from Tanner's mistakes.

For the record I'm in my mid 20's and 125 pounds. So I empathize with Tanner's size.

I feel for Tiger and her late dad. I've been handicapped all my life.

I just don't want the next generation to short change themselves. In general they are kind of used to having everything handed to them on a silver plater with no effort. Instead of drinking, partying and having fun for months on end. He could have been in school, he should have been in WA looking for a job or reconciling with his estranged family. Not with friends trying to buy drugs behind a Las Vegas casino at 4 AM.

By tiger22: 5/11/09 at 5:07 p.m.; Suggest removal

not guilty no request on myspace. i sent you in info on his adress.
and to comment on RANDOM, you have a point.. but you dont know tanners situation about school and i dont think that is anyones business. he went to vegas last minute with his buddies but schooling has nothing to do with it. and vegas is also a family orientated location as well as well as tourism. read what people said they were out smoking and the 30 year old was trying to sell them coke.

By conrad_f_______nichuals: 5/11/09 at 5:08 p.m.; Suggest removal

livin in our neighborhood is great we are all friends and love to hang with each other but anywere can be a bad neighborhood u stupid peice of sh*t anyone can take a life u got to be smart ure callin me stupid but when ure in there screamin and cryin self defence who gives a fuc* burn in the deepest darkest hottest part of hell sinatra711

By mikegino: 5/11/09 at 5:09 p.m.; Suggest removal

randomlv: unfortunately, your sage advice is doomed to fall on deaf ears. Having said this, I congratulate you for having achieved in the face of adversity. Keep moving forward and your life will be good, full, and worthly of emulation. This situation is a byproduct of our hedonistic culture and the stupidity of two miscreants who didn't care about societal norms.

By not_guilty: 5/11/09 at 6:21 p.m.; Suggest removal

So to random_las_vagas

You as a 125lb male wouldn't do anything in your power to defend yourself to a guy that is twice your size even if you had to take a life. I can tell you one thing I know tanner didn't want to do that to anyone, but he was being attaked and there was nothing he could do. Tanner doesn't know how to fight he has never even been in a fight. He may have not made the best choises but I bet you have made bad choises to but not such a harsh punishment. I know what happend I really don't need to say much more. But I can't stand to hear you guys talk about stuff you don't know.

By Jtown: 5/11/09 at 6:32 p.m.; Suggest removal

mikegino, thats a good objective percpective however, i hope that you as well as random_las_vegas, have some respect for tanners friends tendencies to think with their subjective emotions.

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at 6:47 p.m.; Suggest removal

Oh I've made plenty of bad choices. I used to drink and do drugs. I was homeless for a short time when I was 19. I am so grateful that nothing truly bad happened to me. I got very, very lucky. But my life has been effected. I feel like it's slowed down my progress and I'm not where I'd like to be at my age (married settled down, higher up on the career ladder).

As far as self defense. Someone in my family is LE so I've grown up around guns. I learned to shoot at an early age and I'm actually quite good. I own a gun and I have a concealed carry permit. But in the process of getting that I made the choice not to carry and I don't. It just seems like too big of a liability and too big of a responsibility. A lot of the people I know that do carry, it seems more of a macho thing. It's like they want to use the gun and they are dying for an opportunity to be a badbutt and use it. The point of having a weapon on you is to do everything in your power not to use it. Also you never ever pull out a weapon unless you are willing to kill someone. People that flash knives and guns without intent to use them really irk me. I also have knives that are suitable for carry and I choose not to. Knowing how to use a knife and a gun is a good skill to have. But for the reasons I outlined I choose not to carry them.

I don't know how to fight. The best defense really is a good offense. Not carrying makes me focus more on avoiding trouble to the absolute best of my ability. I've lived on the streets of a different city. When I did drugs in my younger days yes I'd sometimes score on the street. Yes I've been ripped off. In my situation I just walked away feeling like an idiot. But, I got to live another day without long-lasting trouble. Having a gun or a knife on them makes a lot of people itch to use it. Drug dealers really don't want to draw attention to themselves (cuts into business and causes them trouble). I picture some teenage mouthing off or trying to beg/steal back money may have been involved. But I don't know. We just have to wait for the facts to reveal themselves.

I'm not a fuddy duddy by any means. Even though I don't drink or do any drugs at this point. I do believe in the legalization of marijuana to stop the crime related to the black market.

I really don't feel a 5-15 years in jail would be too harsh. If he just got sent home with no consequences it kind of sends the message that somehow Tanner's life is more valuable than someone else's life.

I feel like I got a bit too personal, but now you can see why I feel passionate about this.

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at 6:49 p.m.; Suggest removal

I forgot to mention. I do carry pepper spray. I've never had to use it, but I do sometimes unlock it and get my hand on it in certain situations (hidden). I'd feel a lot better spraying someone and getting myself to safety while they are dazed. Than hurting or killing someone and dealing with the legal and emotional mess after.

By Jtown: 5/11/09 at 7:17 p.m.; Suggest removal

conrad quit acting like a punk on this website that's not going to get tanner anywhere

By loveYOU: 5/11/09 at 7:32 p.m.; Suggest removal

I am sorry but for the people who do not know Tanner need to stop talking bad about someone you dont know someone you have never met. he does not deserve all the time in the world in prison he does not deserve to die. A 35 year old guy needs to beable to walk away after the fight was already broken up. Tanner is not a disturbed young man. I would not let a so called disturbed guy who just want's to kill hold my baby or even be around my baby! But you know what I would let a guy who was just trying to deffend himself hold my baby! oh and yeah living by tanner's friend's is a blast they don't fight or just go looking for trouble!

By mikegino: 5/11/09 at 7:56 p.m.; Suggest removal

Jtown: I spent 20 years in the USMC. Sorry, but I don't believe in "subjective feelings" when it comes to body bags and their contents. This situation involved two people who made, and probably had a history of making, bad choices. The consequences were foreseable.

By conrad_f_______nichuals: 5/11/09 at 8:51 p.m.; Suggest removal

1st cuz i am sory for all the sh*t i sed i belive u that your cuz was really your cuz and u have reason bein here on this site tell your famly we are all sorry and im sorry and i know tanner is sorry but he will tell u that and it is up to u to foregive or not all these other people are purposly tryin to get us goin takin advantige of our situation and im truly sorry please forgiv me i sed sh*t i never shuold have sed and im sorry but fuc* random_las_vegas suck my cock i am not apoligizeing to ure fag ass

By bad_situation: 5/11/09 at 8:52 p.m.

Comment removed by staff.

By 4Tinman: 5/11/09 at 8:57 p.m.

Comment removed by staff.

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at 9:04 p.m.; Suggest removal

I never asked for an apology from you Conrad. The opinion of a total immature idiot doesn't matter in the least to me.

Honestly in the eyes of the law Tanner is pretty screwed. It's just the reality of self defense. You have to be VERY careful with it. After educating myself as much as I could and getting a CCW permit. I made the decision to NEVER carry a deadly weapon.

If you want some real perspective on what Tanner faces read this.
http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/let...

I highly doubt a bunch of his fake thug friends (your no where near as tough as you'd love to make yourself out to be) his dad and a lawyer will sweet talk the justice system into letting him pussyfoot home.

He made some poor decisions and you helped him make them. Yes, decisions do have consequences. I HOPE PEOPLE LEARN FROM THIS TRAGEDY.

By MissGirl: 5/11/09 at 9:04 p.m.; Suggest removal

I am from a-town. I didnt know tanner very well but i do know he has much going for him and is smart as hell!I would like to say it is not eligle to carry a knife under two inches on you and i believe tanners knife was legal. I would know my boyfriend has two. We believe in protecting ourselves its our right (maybe some people should read up on it). I dont believe tanners intent was to kill I believe he was scared,omg he was being beaten up by a man well over his size and well over his age! That man should have known better! As far as i know what was going on had nothing to even do with tanner, he was just the last to leave the area and the guy attacked him. He was just in the hospital two weeks ago or so for head injuries from being hit with a car of corse he was scared and in pain as a guy probably 2-3 times his size or more was upper cutting him in his head and face! He is a small kid from a very small town were people dont attack people and not many deaths happen from man to man. This is very sad to me because a great kid in now in trouble for self defense which is exactly what it was i probably weigh twenty to thirty pounds more than him and if a big thirty five year old guy was beating me in my face i would reach for my knife and i would stab him until he stopped attacking me. What if tanner didnt stab him what if that thirty five year old beat tanner to death? what would you say then, i would have said why didnt he try to defend himself? well its the other way and he did and the guy still wouldnt stop, what was tanner suppose to do o well i stabbed him once i dont wannna hurt him so i'll just stop an let him beat me to death. Like a person said he has no RECORD he is a good kid from a little town. I am going to wait and see what happens i am going to check every day to see what is being said. and another thing if i had just killed someone and been in that much shock and been beaten up and scared and far from home i probably would have ran too, he should have called the police i understand that but we are all just people and people get scared! I hope the best for tanner and I hope the "victim" is at peace now. Because if he was alive today i am sure he would be getting a lot more time than tanner would have! Now its for the courts to decide and i hope that they make the right choice. Not the choice i want them to make not the choice the victims family wants them to make or even all of tanners friends and family. i just hope they know what to do because i really dont know what should happen i know that tanner shouldnt have to do a life sentence or even 10 years but i just dont know what is right for this he did make mistakes but f*** he is a kid! this thirty five year old guy was an adult what the f*** was the guy doing making all this trouble! :( I pray tanner I do. You deserve a chance, im sorry i cannot give it to you! I await for your return we all do! ~Scared & Innocent

By alice1: 5/11/09 at 9:16 p.m.; Suggest removal

Hypacritical...... everybody has an opinion. Everybody has a right to their opinion whether it be insulting or not...deal with it! how do people feel they have a right to critisize other yet can't stand to be critisized themselves! If you don't know tanner don't judge him! He can carry a knife and he certainly can defend himself, anyone in this situation would do anything to survive it's human nature! It is not a crime to be eighteen in vegas, he was not astranged from his family matter of fact his father is a great man! It is not abnormal to be with you'r friends more than you'r family when you are a teenager, it is not abnormal to not have a job at eighteen, it is not abnormal to not know what you want at eighteen. Sometimes I think that as people age they tend to forget what it was like to be a teenager, it's not a bad thing to give teenagers respect and try to understand what it was like for you mentally as a teenager. I think it is really interesting how the only interest here has been about Tanner, what about the other guy, what the heck was he thinking being an adult dealing with eighteen year olds, should'nt we expect better from an adult.....older and wiser! It is pretty unbelievable to me to think to myself to leave my pocket knife at home risk being attacked and if I am attacked hopefully I survive! BS but then again I always carry my keys in my hands in belief that hopefully that will discourage an attacker but that only makes me lauph! I think the way this went down (as witnesses say) I really would not want to wait around to see if I will survive, I would like to know that if I had to take destparate measures as to pull a knife that I would be defended. Also had this gone the other direction would people then be so upset at the other guy for doing what he needed to do to save his life! I teach my children never to harm anyone unless they are being harmed, I teach them to defend themselves because I want them to come home, I want them to grow up and have a family.

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at 9:17 p.m.; Suggest removal

MissGurl, just because your boyfriend owns two knives doesn't mean either of you know anything about self defense and the law. Yes, we do have the right to keep and bear arms, but with this right comes VERY GREAT RESPONSIBLY.

Before either of you get hurt or get in trouble. Find a gun shop in your local area and take a concealed carry course. DO NOT BUY A GUN (your not ready for it at all) just take the course. It will change you. If anyone needs to read up about self defense you two do. Self defense is NOT glamorous, it is not macho, it is not fun. It is an absolute last ditch effort when no other option is available. In tanners case he would have had to be in IMMEDIATE MORTAL DANGER at the VERY MOMENT he stabbed and killed the man.

http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/let...

Lets say the mugshot was taken 15 hours after the crime. If he was being beaten to death there would be marks on his face besides the scars from his stupidity with the skateboard and the car. He may have been being hit and he may have been scared but not to the point of being allowed to use lethal force.

I really do feel bad for all involved. But actions and decisions do have consequences.

By Jen227: 5/11/09 at 9:19 p.m.

Comment removed by staff.

By tiger22: 5/11/09 at 9:27 p.m.; Suggest removal

brusises dont always come to the skin right away. and a picture dont always have to show them.. im sorry but you dont know tanner and what happend i guess LASVEGAS, so shhhh.. its not being stupid that he was skateboarding its the construction workers fault for not having a sidewalk it was dark and the lady prolly was not paying attention and hit tanner. and why does that have anything to do with this.. its not trully his fault he got in a car accident so DONT call him stupid for that seriously now that pi**es me off! HE GOT HIT BY A CAR, thats a horrible thing. so yea he has marks from that but looks now he prolly has brusises on his face fom the f** that beat him up. he attacked a teenager he has issues he prolly would beat his wife and kids to if he was high enough.

By trulee_innocent: 5/11/09 at 9:35 p.m.; Suggest removal

tanners an amazing kid

the guy sounds like a really good guy as well

but this hole situation has been getting looked at all wrong.

people need to understand its not about picking sides.

its much more than that.

its about the fact that this situation has taken two people we love.

and i hope to get my best friend back as soon as possible

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at 9:35 p.m.; Suggest removal

Wow! you've really proved my point how everyone is convinced that nothing is Tanner's fault and he had no control over anything.

The construction workers held a gun to his head and made him skate in the middle of a road at night.

The guy he stabbed begged him to come to Las Vegas and hang out in a sketchy area at 4 AM.

I seriously doubt that when the being dragged into court pictures come out we are going to see bruises.

By mikegino: 5/11/09 at 9:41 p.m.; Suggest removal

random: you're wasting your valuable time on these idiots unless this is part of your therapy. They just don't get it and they never will.

By random_las_vegas: 5/11/09 at 9:45 p.m.; Suggest removal

Oddly I find it relaxing and I'm trying to do some good. But your right. it is HOPELESS, most of them are TERMINALLY STUPID AND ARROGANT.

I give up, I gave it my best shot. Hopefully one of them will see reality for what it really is, go in the schools and tell kids of Tanner's Tragedy. Bad things can happen to good people if they make poor decisions.

By trulee_innocent: 5/11/09 at 9:50 p.m.; Suggest removal

THE CAR ACCIDENT...

he just got off the bus

and there is a road that a mile long stretch.
(ive had to do this myself)

you have to just go on one side and if a car comes on your side then you go to the other side.

in tanners case there were two cars in both lanes.

he had his hands up like hey i am going to the side.

and as he skated to the side..they hit him. not slowing down at all. they were going 40+ mph

and he had the skateboard so it they wouldnt have to walk on that road at night because it is really dangerous. and whos to blaim. not tanner but more the city..

SO F--K YOU Randon-Las-Vages

why dont you stop going to news rooms that have nothing to do with u or your family

and get a GIRLFRIEND you fat 40 year old doushe.

YEAH WE KNOW YOUR SECRET

By MissGirl: 5/11/09 at 9:51 p.m.; Suggest removal

Actually i do know the laws, i grew up with two sherifs as parents and one that still works in corrections in our county prison here. I have many laywers on my fathers side of my family states away. I am not dumb founded on laws. I know tanner will not be a free man, without a great laywer! I do believe tanner thought he had no other choice. HE WAS SCARED and it is self defense i am not saying he didnt do anything wrong he should have called the police. But how many people who are in shock from being attacked and then killing a man in SELF DEFENSE would not be scared to call athorities! I would have but that is only because i know the laws and i understand them quite clearly because of growing up in a law inforced family. But tanner didnt and tanner was scared, truely, think of what you would have done? you can lie or you can tell the truth the only one u will be lying to is yourself though. And who told that thrity five year old that is a FATHER and a HUSBAND to come and beat up kids at 4 am in the morning it is not eligal to be out at this time but what the f*** was wrong with that man he was an adult and he knew the difference! He had lived longer and seen more world, tanner didnt, that guy is suppose to be a role model to his own kids look at him now, I hope his children never have to know, and i hope they dont learn the same behavior!

By Sinatra711: 5/11/09 at 9:59 p.m.; Suggest removal

In summary:

Conrad - Angry. Illiterate. Confused. Immature. Future inmate.

Tanner's Friends - Loyal. Naive. Immature.

KeepItReal - By the way, I have a job.....make well over $100,000/year. Graduated a 4 yr University....and I am in my mid 30's. I commented on this thread only after I read dozens of ridiculous comments from Tanner's friends and supporters and their ridiculous reaction to random_las_vegas' comments. Someone has to stand up to these punks.....that's why they act they way they do, because adults like you enable them to act this way.

S711

By keepitreal: 5/11/09 at 10 p.m.; Suggest removal

We are talking about a human being defending himself. The kids that were his friend's were there. All of the rest of you were not there but yet you keep going on and on about how innocent the person who was the aggressor is. The old saying goes put yourself in the shoes of the person who had to defend himself and think about what you would do. You better bet I would defend myself in a heartbeat! No, the facts aren't final and the so called victims name was just released today however, the only true part of the story stated on here were from the witnesses. Not only are they stating the facts about what happened that evening they are freaked out that this could even happen in the first place. So blame them for going to Vegas under whatever pretentions you want. You are only speculating and do not know what truly happened. The thing is they do, the camera's do and any eyewitnesses do.

By Sinatra711: 5/11/09 at 10:07 p.m.; Suggest removal

Outstanding questions in my mind:

- Why didn't the "friends" try to break up the fight before the knife was pulled?

- How long did it take Tanner to pull the knife out of his pocket & activate the blade? or was it in a sheath on his belt?

In all the fights I've been in with my friends, they had my back and we broke up fights before they ever got to knife pulling or life threatening situations. I guess they weren't willing to die for him then. A lot of bravado on this website, but under real circumstances it sounds like a lot of cowardice.

S711

By keepitreal: 5/11/09 at 10:44 p.m.; Suggest removal

S711 if you had already read what was posted you will notice it wasn't long and of course his friends had his back. These kids are not used to being in fights in the first place let alone this kind of situation. All you people want to do here is talk trash and humiliate yourselves to the public. It is amazing to me that people are still speculating and asking questions and why this and why that and these kids are stupid blah, blah, blah. There are facts relative to the situation here. Most of you are speculating and asking questions indicating suggestion of wanting to tramatize these younger adults that are scared and tattered by the situation. Just back off they are obviously looking out for their friend who is behind bars for defending himself. They saw, they know and that is all they are trying to say. But yet, everybody is slandering them, using their youth as a justifiable measure of reason.

By keepitreal: 5/11/09 at 10:58 p.m.; Suggest removal

Oh S711 you don't know much about anything do you? Punks huh? Why are they punks? Let me see because they witnessed their best friend getting attacked and defend himself. Oh ok I guess their punks now, that should be defined in the dictionary you might want to contact them and have them add it.
By the way I don't care how much money you make or what you do for a living. I work too, I own my own Company and blah, blah, blah.
These young adults deserve a chance and you people are just shutting the door on them.
I don't need to tell you anything about me because that is irrelevant and you can say all you want. IT DOESN'T MATTER!

By Jen227: 5/11/09 at 11:08 p.m.; Suggest removal

keepitreal Thank you that needed to be said! That is very true

By why0: 5/11/09 at 11:16 p.m.; Suggest removal

I am so sick of reading about how much you people love Tanner! You love him so much why don't you try to teach him what is right and what is wrong, so if his ass ever gets out of prison he will not kill anyone else! What he did is ripping my heart apart! I miss Gregory so much and am devastated that I will never talk to him again! At least all you Tanner loving people can visit him and talk to him, send him books to read in prison. I will never be able to see or hear from Greg again!

By trulee_innocent: 5/11/09 at 11:29 p.m.; Suggest removal

why???-bother

we love tanner so get over it.

By why0: 5/12/09 at 12:07 a.m.

Comment removed by staff.

By alice1: 5/12/09 at 12:10 a.m.; Suggest removal

kudos to keepitreal! I absolutely agree. I believe if these dodo's were put in the same situation they to would do whatever they could to survive! I almost thought there in random las vegas earlier posts that he had some interesting things to say being pretty neutral but then he fell victim to not being able to adapt and understand a teenager, I find this interesting due to the fact that everyone must endure the teenage phase befor becoming an adult, but I do notice that it is hard for most adults to remember thier teenage years and have a little compassion and sensitivity tward thier behavior, these are kids who are very sad and they are trying to understand! heck I am an adult and it baffles me to think that I could actually get in trouble if I defend myself. I think we all have a right to our opinion "stated properly". I also believe that people making comments against Tanner are being judgmental arrogant and ignorant trying to teach and councel on here when you can't even control yourself. Statements that have been made on here with no proof or factual information is not a very intelligent way to try to communicate with the teenagers on here whom are upset....matter of fact you are doing more harm than good! Also why is everything about Tanner? because he survived! I would really like to hear a bit more from random las vegas or sinatra on the other man involved..... maybe like what was he doing @ 4 in the morning with eighteen year olds? why would a 35 year old chase a eighteen year old down and beat him (if this is the case)? should'nt an adult know how to handle this situation better? should the adult be held accountable (here or not) for not setting a very good example (again if this is the case)? If this is how the situation played out the grown man could have prevented this by setting a good example to our youth and walked away! This is why I wonder about the other man involed, something is here that we don't know. If this has something to do with drugs (been stated) what the heck is this 35 year old doing? I hope that the people I have questioned could try to be a bit more supportive of both sides here.

By hhlf: 5/12/09 at 1:43 a.m.; Suggest removal

i cant beleive some of the things people come up with. its crazy. tanner is a good friend with a good heart. he would never want any of this to happen. this was just a really horrible situation. its a tragedy that a man had to die and it kills me to know my friend is bedhind bars. none of this should of happened, but it did. i have respect for the friends and family of the man killed but please respect tanner. he is not a killer! all of the "adults" on here are just as immature as the kids they bitch about. all your accusations are incredibly ridiculous, immature and false. if your getting attacked, your instinct is to defend yourself. its not hard to understand. its an absolute tragedy he had to die, but tanner never would have wanted that. MY FRIEND IS NOT A MURDERER! all the kids in vegas that night are good people with good intentions. all of your anger, disrespect and frustration is only making you sound dumb and making things worse. and yes, the teens are angry and scared and frustrated too. im a teen and im very scared, but please understand that its frustrating to read all the stupid ass ignorant bull sh-t that you guys write.

By random_las_vegas: 5/12/09 at 3:29 a.m.

Comment removed by staff.

By Sinatra711: 5/12/09 at 5:16 a.m.; Suggest removal

KeepItReal - I only brought up how much I made because you questioned it. As far as why I am calling these kids punks.....are you reading the same comments I've read? Do you live on the same planet I live on?

If the answer is yes to both questions, then it is obvious your moral standards are much different than mine. If you haven't read the disturbing threats that Conrad and all of the other Tanner friends have posted, then I suggest you reread them. If you still don't believe these kids are punks after reading them, I feel really really scared now......when adults begin to sympathize for blatant threats to human life, that's really sad.

If Conrad has it his way, there will be 2 or 3 more murders and another one of the Tanner party going to prison.......his words, not mine.

random_las_vegas - Great research.....now, let's see what the posse from Washington comes back with. I can't wait to read their responses.

S711

By Our_Linn: 5/12/09 at 8:42 a.m.; Suggest removal

If Tanner was such a "great kid," as all of his defenders claim, what was he doing involved in a drug deal?

By keepitreal: 5/12/09 at 9:01 a.m.; Suggest removal

1 person's actions should not classify the whole group as "punks". I did just read over what Conrad said and do not think his comments and reaction to his anger about what happened are called for. I still disagree they "all" be classified as punks.
This is just the police report, the actual truth is yet to be admissed. Tanner is a good kid. With that said on the flip side what about Dominique? Supposively he was a great guy and wouldn't do this kind of thing either according to his friends and family. Also, he was 35, not 18 not a good role model for the young one's.
So, again Tanner is the one entirely at fault here, not the victim at all. He did nothing wrong. Whatever!

By Sinatra711: 5/12/09 at 9:09 a.m.; Suggest removal

keepitreal - You don't see the victim's family on here calling for people to be beat up and killed like Tanner's friend Conrad do you?

I'm not defending the victim......he was into a bad scene too. But guess what? He's dead. He's paid his price for his lifestyle.

All I'm saying is that we need to take a clear and objective look at this situation. Unfortunately, Tanner's friends are too emotionally attached to be objective.....hence the flaming, name calling, and threats made here.

Time will tell....and as everyone says, the Truth will come out. The question is....can you handle the Truth?

S711

By MissGirl: 5/12/09 at 9:50 a.m.; Suggest removal

They are kids what do you expect them to do when people lash out at them and tell them they are wrong to defend their friend they are threated by people when they do that, most people feel threatened when they are told they are wrong with their own thoughts! How would you feel if it was your family member or best friend in this situation he was in a bad place at a bad time! All the kids were, an there is more to the story than what has been let out. I just hope that tanner tells them the truth about everything and everyone involved! It will save him a lot of blame and picking up others garbage that has now been dropped onto him. ~Scared&Innocent

By mikegino: 5/12/09 at 9:55 a.m.; Suggest removal

The bottom line is that two budding criminals are now off the streets. How many thousands of times over the course of their wasted lives did someone try to put them on the straight path? Tanner, say "Hello" to Chester Arthur Stiles for me.

By Sinatra711: 5/12/09 at 11:16 a.m.; Suggest removal

MissGirl - I use the term Kids very loosely. They are actually 18 yrs old and in the eyes of the law, adults. My use of the term kids was intentional because of the way they were reacting.

I understand they are upset & confused.....but where I draw the line is when these feelings become threats. Not only that, they are proud of the fact that he was carrying a weapon.....legal or not.

The other disturbing thing about the comments on this page is the lack of remorse from any of the so-called friends who were there. Like it or not, someone died.....and I don't know about you, but if I killed someone, even in self defense, I would still feel bad about it. That's just the way I was raised.

S711

By not_guilty: 5/12/09 at 11:38 a.m.; Suggest removal

Your a fool.

By not_guilty: 5/12/09 at 11:56 a.m.

Comment removed by staff.

By 4Tinman: 5/12/09 at 12:11 p.m.; Suggest removal

Random Vegas dude, we don't want some scratch you thought up on your own, jotted down, and posted on this site as a police report. If there's a real police report, we'll see it. Don't just make up some crap, you're a joke dude.

By alice1: 5/12/09 at 12:13 p.m.; Suggest removal

sinatra.......I do see and read the victims family and friends saying terrible things and fueling an already heated situation! teenagers vs adults you decide whom should be setting examples and making the effort to rise above the adolescent's state of mind! As in the thesaurus ADOLESCENT: growing to maturity; in a state of adolescents. ADULT: having attained full size and strength; matured. I absolutely agree with taking an objective outlook, I also agree with taking an objective outlook twards the teenagers as well, obviously people (adults) are having a difficult time respecting and understanding them! lashing out and saying negative things about our youth is not helping matters at all! Yes a man has died, yes this is sad! but I feel very strongly that we should be able to defend ourselves, I do feel that a fist is a weapon whether or not you are a registered martial artist, "IT'S A WEAPON" and fist are threatning! And if someone is attacking you, you have every right to defend yourself! A grown man selling marijuana to eighteen year olds ticks me off! A grown man attacking a 120 pnd kid ticks me off! I am 34 years old and I know better than this, I know not to harm or threaten someone in any situation and I also know what could happen if I chose to do something so irrisponsible!

By 4Tinman: 5/12/09 at 12:18 p.m.; Suggest removal

Thank you alice1 :)

By random_las_vegas: 5/12/09 at 12:21 p.m.; Suggest removal

I didn't make it up. Follow the link. I didn't create a reputable blog a few years ago. Classic Vegas has been around a while and I have nothing to do with it. They just can get more info than I can.

That story fits with the bits and pieces Conrad gave. Also, it make a whole lot more sense than the people who want to paint Tanner as a kid who was just doing nothing and randomly attacked.

I can't wait for the trial.

By random_las_vegas: 5/12/09 at 12:26 p.m.; Suggest removal

Alice, the man wasn't Marijuana. Tanner was trading Marijuana and $6 to try and get cocaine (this is according to his "friend" Conrad who gave him the knife). The man gave Tanner an empty envelope, and him and his friends were fighting to get their $6 and small amount of pot back. Hence the comment from Conrad. That the victim though he was a thug but he was shown he was just a scrub. Why not just except getting ripped off for $6 and a little weed and not try to fight for it back. It doesn't make sense that the Gregory would sell him the empty envelope and then just attack them for no reason. It was an argument that spiraled way out of control. No one who was there has clean hands.

By 4Tinman: 5/12/09 at 12:31 p.m.; Suggest removal

Dude you led me to a blog website. Blog website? Oh that's gonna prove everything, cuz blog websites are completely honest. Get a real website, that doesn't seem like crap.

By random_las_vegas: 5/12/09 at 12:38 p.m.; Suggest removal

The blog has NOTHING @ all to do with me. I just found it by searching Tanner's name in google. Just like I found this news article.

http://classiclasvegas.squarespace.com/

It makes a whole lot more sense than the story his friends are telling.

I forgot, teenagers with a history of trouble and poor decisions are the voice of the truth.

By random_las_vegas: 5/12/09 at 12:59 p.m.; Suggest removal

If found out why my post was likely removed. The blog quoted another major las vegas newspaper. If you search Tanner's name you can find the snippets of the arrest report in an article about the body (unrelated) found at another casino.

By MissGirl: 5/12/09 at 2:02 p.m.; Suggest removal

You know, from what the kids have said that were there and told their friends, i dont think tanner had anything to do with the trading of the drugs, he doesnt even do cocaine (that i know of). He was pulled into something that didnt have anything to do with him because he was walking in the back of the group! He was just in a bad place that is all! I feel for him because of that! It wasnt his choice to get in the fight he wasnt even fighting with the guy he was pulled in because he was a part of the group that was arguing with the man! I hope everyone see's this for what it really is, just a bad situation no one ment anything to happen, well none of the "young adults" that were there anyways. They might be wanna be thugs and act tough but i really dont think they knew what they were getting themselfs into when this guy jacked them and everything started to go down!It could have all been avoided if the adult had just walked away but no he didnt, he chose this. Sad but its true what 35 year old man acts like that, i dont know any, my father sees them in prison every day though and because tanner protected himself he is going to prison instead of the 35 year old that would have probably ended up there. Its just too bad he didnt get to i bet it would have been the perfect place for a man like that. and you talk about how "aha, it was all over drugs", k what teen or young adult hasnt tried something? And what was that thirty five year old "FAMILY MAN" (selling drugs/ jacking them which ever)doing? If all you need to hear to say he is a bad kid and was on his way in this direction is that it was over a drug trade then so are many BILLIONS of other people i guess!~Scared&Innocent

By random_las_vegas: 5/12/09 at 2:08 p.m.; Suggest removal

Gregory didn't "jack" them (forcibly rob them). He tricked them. Theft by deception. They traded $6 and a small bit of their weed for cocaine. They got an empty envelope instead. It's very likely that the kids got VERY upset and started acting loud and tough. Leading into a mutual fight. But one of the kids involved had a knife.

By random_las_vegas: 5/12/09 at 2:10 p.m.; Suggest removal

Our little young thugs could have walked away too. But they felt mighty tough knowing they had one of them with a knife. Are any of them injured?

By random_las_vegas: 5/12/09 at 2:15 p.m.; Suggest removal

You kids don't understand, that is the risk you take when you choose to carry a knife and you are around shady kids who are trading drugs with a strange man. It wasn't a wise decision to be in that situation. It would be different if Tanner was just randomly attacked but he knew who he was with and why they were back there, and he knew he had a knife.

The best you can do is make Tanner as comfy as one can be in prison (write and visit). Do some good tell his story in the schools, let kids know that bad things can happen to them if they make poor choices. In the end we are responsible for the consequences of our actions. No matter what the intent was.

By random_las_vegas: 5/12/09 at 2:17 p.m.; Suggest removal

There happen to be lots of teenagers that never have tried anything. You need a wider group of friends.

By alice1: 5/12/09 at 2:34 p.m.; Suggest removal

LMAO! To all of Tanner's devoted friends, I highly suggest ignoring randoms comments, obviously he does not listen to his own advice.....who know who this guy is! for all we know this guy could spend all day sitting on his computer taunting people with mindless jabber, or staring at pictures on his wall of his next victim! I am sure this is a guy whom makes weekly trips to the local grocer for his inquirer. He clearly enjoys making a habit of speculating on things he knows nothing about. All you witnesses know the truth! that is all that matters. I believe in Tanner and I believe that he will prevail! and to all the critics keep reading the articles as you will notice they will change everyday! so stick the the globe or better yet the inquirer with stories like "Boy born with wooden leg".

By alice1: 5/12/09 at 2:41 p.m.; Suggest removal

You call these kids young thugs but what do you call a 35 year old man dealing drugs to eighteen year olds? A senior thug!

By random_las_vegas: 5/12/09 at 2:49 p.m.; Suggest removal

You can't just fight and kill someone for ripping you off for anything much less such a small amount. Any human life is worth way more than that. I think these kids overreacted. The self defense thing seems like an after the fact cover story. None of them even went to the hospital. I think a drunk group of stoned teenagers that just got ripped off might not act very rationally. A fight broke out and a person died because of the knife these kids had. It's not kid stuff, it's not a game. The truth needs to be found and justice needs to be served.

By Sinatra711: 5/12/09 at 2:57 p.m.; Suggest removal

random_las_vegas - Again, you bring a very good perspective to this situation that seems to be lost by the Tanner supporters. Nothing can change what happened......regardless of intent, the bottom line is someone is dead.

It doesn't matter if it was a one-time experiment with buying cocaine, or a habitual problem.....the bottom line is he killed another human being, when there were other options.

In case it isn't obvious to some of the readers:

Option 1 - Punch back, don't pull a knife....wait until your "friends" can come help you.

Option 2 - Run away.

Unfortunately, for Tanner and his friends & family, he didn't choose either option. He chose....and I emphasize CHOSE, to pull out a knife and stab someone. Self Defense or not, he chose to do that. Now, he has to deal with the consequences.

The immediate consequence is defending himself for a murder charge, whether he's guilty or not. If found guilty, then prison.

It doesn't matter if he's guilty or not, he's got to deal with the consequences of his actions.....right now, it's a court date and working on his defense.

S711

By random_las_vegas: 5/12/09 at 3:07 p.m.; Suggest removal

Perfect Sinatra. You are really really cool. You said it much better than I ever could. I tend to get a little emotional and passionate. You balanced out my ranting. Your right he is not guilty yet, but he does need to go through the justice system and find his fate. He may or may not be guilty, but there is no way he will magically be sent home ASAP just because he is a kid who made a mistake.

I just got really tired of the "nothing is ever his fault" mentality. He did make choices under his own volition that put him in the position he is in. It's not like he got hit by lightning or something completely out of his control. He and his friends made poor choices and something tragic happened. He obviously didn't mean for this to happen and I'm sure he'd change it if he could. But, it happened and whatever consequences must be dealt with. The "he did nothing at all wrong" thing does a disservice to all involved.

My heart goes out to the everyone involved especially the family of the victim.

By Sinatra711: 5/12/09 at 5:19 p.m.; Suggest removal

random - Yeah, I too am guilty of getting caught up in the heated discussions.

For me, the lack of concern for human life is the most shocking. Conrad's comments from yesterday really hit me hard. I understand they were made without thinking and in the heat of the moment, but that still illustrates the danger we all face with some of today's youth. I'm sure the family or their attorney has advised him to keep quiet today.....which is the best thing for any of these witnesses to do.

S711

By mikegino: 5/12/09 at 6:45 p.m.; Suggest removal

MySpace: This is Tanner.

Mugshot: This is what drug-seeking behavior did to Tanner.

By Linda_in_Vegas: 5/12/09 at 7:51 p.m.; Suggest removal

I have read this particular thread from time to time, but have refrained from commenting until now.

Firstly, whenever I read or hear of a travesty, my heart always goes out to the victim's family and friends , as well as the perpetrator's family and friends. Life as each family knew it was changed in a blink of an eye and it will never be the same again.

Now my opinion on this situation... When someone is dealing with people that are involved in drugs, expect the unexpected. How many of you have read or heard about, time and again of someone getting injured or killed over drug deals? It's common in this day and age, so expect it when you put yourself in a situation where drugs are involved. A person (people) get killed and the one that murdered the other goes to jail. Simple as that.. When you choose a life that involve interaction with drug dealers, you inherit the dangers that go along with it..

This young adult made a very adult decision to use a weapon.. he made that choice and acted upon it... To every action there is a reaction. Each action we take in live involves a reaction, therefore, it pays to make wise decisions. There is a price to pay when one makes a poor decision and actually acts on it. That is what Tanner did. He made a very poor decision and acted upon it. Because of his actions, a man is dead.. Just because he is 18, doesn't mean he doesn't know the difference between right and wrong, after all he is a young adult.

Only the court can call this one. From the article, and the comments posted here from Tanner's friends, Tanner had other options then stabbing a man to death...

If there were several other young adults there, why did they not break the fight up and call the authorities? Were you just standing there watching, maybe even encouraging him to "stick" the man? I mean this part makes absolutely no sense whatsoever... Did someone hand him the knife? What's the deal? Surely several 18 year old young adults could have subdued the lone man in his 30's.

I think there is a lot more to this story then what the young adults have stated here. It doesn't add up. It's possible the young adults attacked first, then when they went to leave the man grabbed the young adult closest to him... maybe they had robbed him or attempted too..

These thoughts would have not crossed my mind if not for the postings of Tanner's friends...

By why0: 5/12/09 at 9:26 p.m.; Suggest removal

Thank you Linda in Vegas. Fanilly someone is looking at things from both sides.
The only people that truly know what happen are the ones that are involved. How did this "little", sad looking 18 year-old fight with this "huge" 35 year old!? Who is older, who is the adult? Stupid discussions, who cares?? Like previously discussed, not every time you feel threatened you should pull out a knife. All I am saying is that I've known Greg for a very long time and he was an easy going guy, until he was threatened. Was scared skinny tanner was so brave and fought all by himself? Greg was 6'1, 190 lbs, athletic, if he was beating him, tanner would be out with one punch. Or did they all jump him and left him there to die? Don't see any black eyes on that low-life. Tell me how many "friend-murderers" were involved in this crime? If there were cameras-great, maybe we will ultimately find out the truth; but again, there could have been different outcomes: like running away from the situation, other friends jumping in and beating him off, or simply calling it in after the fact. And unfortunately none of this happened, no matter what they were doing there. It is time to step up and take responsibility for your actions. His friends should come forward and state exactly what took place. I don't care who was wrong or right- they killed him! They made a terrible choice out of hundreds choices they could have made and killed someone who was a son, a father, a man with a huge family which is going to miss him for the rest of their lives. Adult, not adult: 18 is not 10 that you may not know how to get out of a sticky situation by other then killing someone. Live and learn; some of us also pay" Greg paid with his life... Now its your turn tanner. I will always carry this tragedy in my heart. My condolences for the Dominique family"

By keepitreal: 5/12/09 at 10:40 p.m.; Suggest removal

There are a lot of unanswered questions to those of you who do not know what is going on. I sit here and read all the questions you have when I know what is going on. Truly, I don't undertand the passion behind speculation and what if this and what if that? I guess you don't have anything better to do.
I am behind Tanner 100% first, because although a police report was released it is not telling the WHOLE story,second he certainly was not expecting to get attacked and third, he was lucky he was carrying that weapon he had.
I know what is going on. You don't! There is more to it than you know. There was wrong doing by another young adult in the mix that evening as admitted earlier in this forum.
Intention was not to know self defense had to happen or to try to pull a knife on somebody for no apparent reason or to have the mind to think maybe we should plot out a drug deal and pull a knife on a guy. No that is not what happened in "this" particular situation.
Not a drug deal gone bad and expecting that it might, a drug deal gone bad and freaked out because it did.
Sinatra you might want to look at the statements of the 35 year old elderly thug's friend's and family comments. Yeah ummm they weren't so nice either!

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 12:46 a.m.; Suggest removal

Linda and Why????

WONDERFUL. You guys wrote the perfect things. This is what I've been trying to say all along but my passion and anger about these kids disregard for human life got in the way.

KUDOS

I can't wait for the trial when we see a clearer picture of the truth no matter what it may be.
I'm tired of hearing from Tanner's friends with the whole you'll see. We know more than you. Their judgement is really clouded right now because they are trying to save their friends behind. I do believe they may know some more little details than us. But unless it is some major revelation like someone besides the victim was truly within seconds of dying (just not scared) or one of his friends killed the victim and encouraged Tanner to take the fall. I think it will be pretty close to the arrest report released.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 12:49 a.m.; Suggest removal

EVERYONE, make sure to read Linda in Vegas post. Fantastic way of putting this all together. It's what I was thinking all along but couldn't put into words because I was so angry at the disregard for a human life. No one involved was acting like a total angel that night and someone died because of it.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 12:59 a.m.; Suggest removal

Keeping it real. I was never thinking that a knife got pulled for no reason or that or that the kids plotted this all in advance. That is silly. No one was saying this was a drug deal that might have gone wrong. From what everyone else has said and the police report it did go wrong. What are a bunch of already drunk and most likely (they had their own pot) teenagers going to do after getting ripped off. They are going to get mouthy, loud, and mad. If they are wannabe thugs like their friends admit it's going to be even worse. It sounds like a fight broke out got broken up and restarted.

Their is a BIG difference between defending your life and merely pulling out a knife to win a fight because your scared in the eyes of the law. Under lethal force doctrine in order to be justified in using deadly force one must be in mortal danger at that very instant. It's not a matter of "I might die if I don't use deadly force" it a matter of "I would have died". I would think if someone was being beat to death there would be at least a small mark. But, stranger things have happened and we'll see.

I think they may play the second-concussion syndrome card. That because of his car wreck any further head trauma was life threatening. But if he was well enough was well enough to choose to carry a knife and party in Vegas that will be a hard case to make.

My heart again goes out to all involved.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 1:03 a.m.; Suggest removal

It looks like it might be in the realm of one of his Tanner's friends killed the victim and made Tanner take the fall (I'm getting this from all of his friends with the their is more to the story comments). If so that will be really hard to prove. If this is the case I wish him plenty of luck.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 5:10 a.m.; Suggest removal

Until proven other wise, I highly doubt the knife saved anyone.

Would they have been less likely to fight to try and get their money and drugs back if they didn't know they had the trump card of a knife?

It just doesn't had up, a hustler isn't going to just blindly attack after he got what he hustled for the natural instinct is to take the money and run when running a scam like this. Because no party was doing anything legal it's the kind of crime that doesn't go reported because, no one has clean hands. Knowing someone in the group had a knife it's a whole lot easier to want to play "hero" and fight for the money and drugs back. Money and drugs are not worth a human life. Without the knife in the picture it's a whole lot easier to say "dude we just lost $6 and some weed and didn't get the coke we wanted, bummer".

According to Tanner's friends and their hearsay of the witnesses, after the fight was broken up Tanner was grabbed and attacked from behind. This is assault. I highly doubt that they were walking away peacefully like little angels. After a heated 1st fight and argument talking crap while walking away just makes things worse. It wasn't right for Tanner to be assaulted. It is your right to do whatever you can to protect yourself while being assaulted under the law. But legally you cannot use more force than what was being used on you. In order to have a legal basis for self defense you have the burden of proof to prove at that moment if you didn't use lethal force you would have much more likely than not died yourself. Pulling out a knife while someone is assaulting you can very easily turn you from a victim to an aggressor legally. Using a knife to not lose a fight is not a legal defense.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 5:14 a.m.; Suggest removal

I know we don't have all the facts yet. But from what we do have it doesn't look like Tanner was seconds away from dying himself. Was there time for his friends to jump in and save their buddy? Was there time to get help? Wouldn't someone who was being beat to death have some sort of mark? I understand he was very scared, angry, had just been around a fight, drunk and stoned but you can't kill someone out of fear.

As far as we know now know no one even went to the hospital except the victim, so how bad of a fight could have it been? Were any of these kids in mortal danger at that very second? Hs friends take a really blithe view on a human life being ended. Yes, it wasn't intentional but a whole bunch of poor decisions were made by everyone involved for it to happen. No one is a hero in this situation.

I think the other details that his friends already know will be minor things like maybe it was Tanner's friends involved in the drug deal and the 1st fight and he was off to the side and got grabbed after. That really wouldn't change the situation all that much legally. The only other possibility I can think of is the possible bombshell that it could have been someone else with the knife and Tanner took the fall. That would change things major but it still wouldn't make Tanner an angel by any means. Everyone involved probably were nice people but they made poor decisions it doesn't make them any less responsible for the outcome.

With the pieces we have now, it looks like without the knife these kids might have walked away less $6 and a little weed and a life would not have been cut short.

By Jtown: 5/13/09 at 12:34 p.m.; Suggest removal

So i wasn't their so i don't know but if random las vegas's idea is real and tanner is covering up for somebody that somebody better come out of the closet.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 12:36 p.m.; Suggest removal

Dominique Sibling I'm so sorry about your loss.

My heart goes out to your family.

Linda you are amazing you put things into words so well.

I think Tanner's friends and family FAILED him. They taught him the lesson too well that "I'm a special snowflake just for existing and nothing ever is my fault". It seems to becoming more common in this day and age of "everyone is a winner". Plus when he was being attacked his "friends" didn't help him.

The car accident is a perfect example. YES, I do feel bad he got hit by a car. He is lucky he didn't die (or get more than a concussion and a few bumps and bruises) but he seemed to learn nothing from it.

I disagree with his friends that the car accident was not his fault in anyway. They blame the city for not having sidewalks on that road due to the construction. Per his friends he was skating in the very center of a two lane road at night. Their logic is that if a car comes you can go off the road to one side. When Tanner was skating their happened to be a time when there were two cars coming in each direction at the same time.

This isn't smart or correct. According to the law (and common sense, which is getting more uncommon) when someone on foot (or skateboard) and is forced to share a public road with cars due to no sidewalk. You walk on as far over to the left side as feasible against the flow of traffic. That way if you see a car coming (you only have one lane to watch) your already pretty much off the road and you can step off OR if there isn't anywhere to step you can get REALLY far over to the left.

But of course Tanner was blameless in his fate. The city should have provided him with sidewalks and the elderly lady who hit him had no business driving according to Tanner's friends. It's logic like this reinforced over and over that taught Tanner to be irresponsible and reckless.

Due to decisions he made under his own volition, in November he went to court in WA for possession of drug paraphernalia, in April he got hit by a car and was involved in the stabbing death of a man who didn't deserve to die. Maybe if he was responsible for something earlier in his life he wouldn't have to learn his lessons so harshly.

The Tanner your wonderful and can do no wrong stuff obviously didn't help him become a responsible adult.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 12:43 p.m.; Suggest removal

I'm sorry Jtown :( Now that I've thought about it, I don't think his friends are cryptically inferring that he took the fall. It most likely was Tanner who used the knife.

I bet it has more to do with how it seems his "friends" did nothing to help him when he was being attack (so much for that I'd die for him stuff). They were more worried about covering their own butts (the kid with the warrant who ran at first) and it is a strong possibility someone with Tanner had more pot on them. I think Tanner's friends are also upset that they didn't manage to escape with him while they were driving away. I do give Tanner respect for admitting himself to the police. Though I have a hunch he though for some reason he could just tell them it was self-defense and be on his merry way somehow.

I think it may come out that Tanner wasn't directly involved in the drug deal or the 1st fight and for some reason he was randomly grabbed after. But, that really wouldn't change the whole situation that much legally.

By Jtown: 5/13/09 at 12:52 p.m.; Suggest removal

Or perhaps one of his friends did protect tanner and thats how the stabbing took place, which would create a conundrum in tanners mind because he was being protected therefore he is willing to take the fall. I'm not saying that did happen i'm just saying it's a possibility and we should look at all possibilities.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 12:53 p.m.; Suggest removal

I also have a feeling that the defense lawyer might do something really interesting. Since Tanner had a concussion from the car accident they may try to say that he wasn't responsible due to his the mild brain injury of a concussion. But that kind of gets negated with the whole doing on a road trip to party in vegas thing and that he or the kids he was with were trying to trade pot and money for cocaine.

They may also try and make a big deal about second impact syndrome (which is rare to the point where not everyone in medicine agrees it exists). That is someone who had a concussion recently may die if he has even a very slight 2nd head injury before the 1st concussion is fully healed. I couldn't find any case law where this has been used for a lethal force self-defense case before. So it would be interesting to see the argument made but I pray the prosecution is ready to counter it.

And no, no need to worry about 2nd impact syndrome now. When it happens the person dies within minutes of the 2nd impact. Per Tanner's friends he was uppercutted several times in the face and forehead (but there are no marks in his mugshot photo taken 15 hours later) and pulled by his hair. If he went through that without suffering from 2nd impact he is well in the clear by now.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 1:06 p.m.; Suggest removal

WHY??? check the related stories comments Linda left a wonderful reply to you there instead of this story by mistake. Why, Linda, and Sianatra are cool (and a few others who's names escape me. they all show concern for the lack of responsibility being reinforced to youth today.

The reason I've thought so much and written so much about this. Is I want the young people that obviously have been reading this story. To think a bit deeper about it and how it could easily be them somewhere in this situation. Tanner wasn't a monster he didn't mean for this to happen but through his and his friends decisions and actions it did. I can understand why you guys are shocked, upset, and hurt. A friend of yours ended up in a really bad situation. Be happy he is still alive the victims family sadly does''t have that luxury. It's a confusing situation and all the facts aren't out yet. The burying your head in the sand and making Tanner out to be an infallible perfect person hurts society in general. Maybe your generation can stop the cycle of "I'm not responsible for my actions someone else is always to blame syndrome"

By Jtown: 5/13/09 at 1:06 p.m.; Suggest removal

This is so sad a family man died, An 18 year old boy is going to prison maybe for 25-life That man did not deserve to die early, yet on the other hand Tanner does not deserve to go prison because he is a good person who got messed up in an unforunate situation, any body who knows Tanner, will say he is a very good person neither side deserves the effects of this situation.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 1:20 p.m.; Suggest removal

Jtown :) In the beginning of this saga frankly I didn't like you (and you probably didn't like me). But, as you've posted more you have gained my respect it seems like you've really thought about this and you show real concern for both sides involved and well as those around you and society in general, AWESOME! Speak your mind to those around you I hope they listen.

I do agree with you it's sad that Tanner may get 25-life in prison for this unfortunate incident. It's a really prickly situation and I feel for both sides and I don't know what an appropriate way to take responsibility for his actions (whatever they may have been) should be. I'd hope that something so horrible would change him as a person and if he does get to be a free man someday he turns himself around and goes on to big and wonderful things as a new man. Maybe he will get some sort of spark in his life and devote himself to a purpose and passion instead of just aimlessly doing whatever (that's what happened to me, my drug use and drinking got to the point where I was homeless for a short time in a different when I was younger). One day I just realized how bad my situation was and I reconciled with my estranged family and worked from the bottom back up to where I am today (college degree, own home, corporate career, working on 2nd degree). I'm still not where I want to be I still get discouraged I still have bad days sometimes i get discouraged. Sometimes I even feel guilty that nothing worse happened to me.

What I do disagree with is Tanner's more vocal friends who think he deserves no punishment at all. That people should just chalk it up to a kid defending himself and treat him like he did absolutely nothing wrong.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 5:04 p.m.; Suggest removal

The fight stopping on a dime and then the kids walking away and Tanner being grabbed by the hair and uppercutted in the face is making less and less sense the more we find out. From what we know now not a single one of these kids had any significant injury.

It's far more likely they got ripped off got angry decided to fight for their money back and everything spiraled out of control and everyone freaked out. Tanner stabbed the victim and once they realized what a horrible thing they done. They thought it would be easy to cry self-defense.

I can't wait for the REAL truth to come out whatever it may be. How many bad things have to happen to Tanner 1) arrested for possession of paraphernalia 2) hit by the car when skateboarding for a mile in the middle of a two lane road at night 3) this horrid tragedy before he gets the idea that he truly is responsible for his actions and they do have real consequences. It's not always "someone else's" fault. It's awful that so many other people had to suffer because he failed to realize this due to his friends and family coddling him.

Tanner's family and friends need to start praying for the victim and his family. Tanner isn't a monster he didn't have to mean for it to happen. The fact is it happened, he was involved, and nothing can change that. Keep in mind the same "friends" who kept screaming on here "we know the truth and you don't" are the same ones that at first said it was a random robbery and he had the right to defend his money (you can't kill a man over money), then they said he was randomly being attacked for no reason, then when it comes out that it was likely an argument over drugs (the teenagers had with them) and money. Not much bravado from his friends now (though his attorney probably advised them it would do nothing but hurt Tanner's case if they keep talking like idiots and threatening people online) What is the REAL truth?

By tiger22: 5/13/09 at 5:13 p.m.; Suggest removal

VEGAS your in the WRONG for saying his FAMILY failed HIM YOU DONT KNOW SHI* ABOUT ANYTHING OK YOUR JUST A GOD D*** BLOGGER ON HERE. NO ONE FAILED ANYONE THE PERSON WHO RAISED THE VICTIM FAILED WHO WOULD BE SELLING DRUGS TO 18 YEAR OLDS IN THE FIRST PLACE!!! krepper!!!! he prolly did drugs with his kids thats how it all starts!! dont come on here and say stupid crap like that... go away get your opinios off here you slob!!! and i love how you say you have a job ECT.. but your on here all the time a posting a novel... and i doubt you were ever hanicaped like my father was.. cuz i really no how that is 17 years of my life and i seen what it really is like.. so get a life and pick on someone your own age.. cuz tanner dont deserve it. WOW!!!

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 5:16 p.m.; Suggest removal

Um look at his myspace. Every picture of him with his mom he has a beer in his hand. Such a model parent right there. That sends a great message. The rules don't apply to Tanner. He was barely 18.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 5:20 p.m.; Suggest removal

Tanner all ready was in the drug culture himself before he came to vegas. You don't get arrested for possession for not doing drugs. The victim didn't show even have drugs Tanner and his friends did. He just made them mad. they thought they were tough thugs now they get to face the consequences.

Tanner was NEVER taught responsibility it's obvious. When he got arrested for possession family and friends were probably blaming the police.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 5:28 p.m.; Suggest removal

I work in the corporate world, I have free access to the internet. I'm getting paid while I post (isn't having a degree GREAT). Yes, I'm still getting my work done.

The reason I post so much is I'm trying to help YOU and other kids your age. You must be responsible for your actions. If people are telling you bad things are never your fault they are failing you in the long run. Look what happened to Tanner.

What if friends or family stopped telling how great he was and sat him down and said "hey you got arrested for possession, your 18 and an adult now you need to seriously think about what you do and who you do it with bad things can happen to you".

Or when he got hit by the car. It's cool to feel bad for him about getting hit by a car. But it would have been nice if instead of saying "blame the city they should have given you sidewalks", "blame the old lady she shouldn't have been driving a car on the road". Someone said "you know I'm sorry what happened to you, in the future it's not very smart to be in the middle of the road on a skateboard at night". Maybe the victim wouldn't have died with cries of "it's not Tanner's fault". These kids weren't strangers to drugs they weren't having drugs "pushed" on them they were trading their drugs for more drugs and got ripped off and angry.

I stand by my statement Tanner's family and friends FAILED him.

By tiger22: 5/13/09 at 5:30 p.m.

Comment removed by staff.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 5:30 p.m.; Suggest removal

By the way, I really am handicapped. I wasn't even supposed to walk but at 3 I started sitting up and it all got better from there. I'm still not "normal" and I have to deal with people treating me "different" every day, but it's taught me life is precious. The victim had just as much of a right to live as "special snowflake" Tanner.

I'm sorry that the truth hurts.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 5:43 p.m.; Suggest removal

Right here plain as day. Tanner was at least arrested for Possession of paraphernalia.

http://search.co.snohomish.wa.us/search?...

You don't get a court hearing for no reason. It doesn't matter if he was found guilty or not. A little charge like that is easy to weasel out of.

No one has ever said that he didn't smoke weed. So what he isn't a pill popper or a snorter or anything like that according to you. He still wasn't the all american model boy people want to make him out to be.

His actions do have consequences it's awful it had to (maybe) be finally learned in such a tragic way that hurts so many people.

I'm sorry that you fail to see that I"M TRYING TO HELP SOCIETY IN GENERAL. Not a creeper. I'm a genuinely caring individual that sees a bad situation and wants to do whatever I can to make some good come of it.

I also love this online age where people will post pictures, comments, and blogs every time they fart sideways. Hence the pictures of Tanner drinking with his mom and the comments where his friends were wishing him clean pee. I don't doubt Tanner is a nice talented guy with many good qualities, but he made some poor decisions. He did not want bad things to happen because of his decisions but they did and he must be responsible and deal with the consequences. When the real truth comes out in court I don't think Tanner will end up looking like he was just twiddling his thumbs doing nothing wrong and got attacked at random.

No one is as blind as those who don't want to see.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 5:45 p.m.; Suggest removal

Threatening me with thugs from Tacoma. Wow! Mature, totally going to help Tanner and his friends look good. Just look at Conrad and his thuggishness on here to the point where one of Tanner's friends told him to stop acting like a punk.

I'm trying to HELP.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 6:23 p.m.; Suggest removal

Btw I never called Tanner a thug. I think he is a good kid who made poor choices. It even sounds like he was the best of the bunch he was with. From what his friends who weren't there have said about he ones that were there. They didn't help Tanner and they were more focused on running due to their own warrants.

By alice1: 5/13/09 at 8:18 p.m.; Suggest removal

random: I believe you have called Tanner and his friends thugs! I also believe you have made false accusations. You claim you want to help, how do you help someone when all you do is critize them? You know these are kids on here, you know they think different than you, that is what sets our adult minds apart from the adolecent mind. I believe you do want to help. So don't post things that are hurtful. scenerio's or theories to what might have been or could have happen. Tanner is a great kid whom would never want to hurt someone! that's the truth, my mind is not thinking on only one side but both, as you said before it was a bad situation all around, but I have to say that when I was eighteen I to had been in situations that were not good and not by choice! I understand someone was killed and I feel sad for his family and friends and I am sure others whom are defending tanner do too! It is not very nice to assume that they don't! Tell me please random how you think the supporters of tanner have no respect for human life? You were giving kudos to why? on her comments and the things I have read are the same as some of you'r so called thugs (Tanner's friends) for example why? states how Tanner is a low life! How without all facts can YOU especially say you are trying to help, yet it's ok for the victims family to have such lack of respect for Tanners life! Or what about making assumptions and theoretical suggestion on the behalf of the 35 year old, whom should have been making better decisions too! and excuse me but You assume these kids were drinking,smoking pot and being mouthy and touph.... what was the 35 year old doing? doesn't this seem odd to you as well! tell me random I am interested in hearing what you think about what the 35 year was doing in detail.....why was he there? do you feel he should have made a better choice do to his age? I would like a summary on the behalf of Tanner! remember he is a human being, don't you think that he deserves the opportunity to be innocent until proven guilty! Shame on anyone that would treat any human with such disrespect to believe false accusations and draw conclusions from nonscence.....SHAME ON YOU! I have said prayers for all whom are involved here! and I want to leave everyone something to think about.
If you are angry, don't sin by nursing you'r grudge. Don't let the sun go down with you still angry--get over it quickly; for when you are angry you give a might foothold to the devil. Ephesians 4:26, 27 :)

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 8:44 p.m.; Suggest removal

There just isn't much to work with as far as the victim goes. He is before the generation of posting every time you fart sideways for all to see online.

With Tanner his friends and family dropped little hints and tidbits here and there as to what happened. His myspace page has little hints and tidbits (he did seem like a good kid sweet kid in general), but there are pictures of him smoking pot, pictures of him drinking with is mom, comments about hoping he has clean pee, there are comments that make it seem he was no longer living in Arlington for some reason and the timing roughly corresponds with his possession of drug paraphernalia hearing.

I just wanted to counter the overwhelming sentiment at the time that he was a goody-two shoes that was randomly robbed or attacked. Maybe I've gone a bit too far and I do apologize.

The court schedule is public record and I think the victims family for making a post that got me pointed in the right direction to see it for myself. It does kind refute the friends statements that Tanner had never had any run ins with the law.

With all these little pieces, I could back up my opinion that this is the kind of thing that can happen when people are repeated shown they are not responsible for there actions and it is always "someone else's" fault.

I do get a very emotional over this because I was raised the opposite way and I believe it has negatively effected me. I was taught I wasn't good enough and if something bad happened to me I deserved it no matter what. People need to be taught a happy medium. I believe I may have had it easier and be a better person myself if someone worried about my self confidence growing up. But too much self confidence and too much "your wonderful no matter what you do" is a bad thing, a lot of our current problems in the world come from this. I fear for todays youth because of this.

I see where it looks like I called Tanner a thug because I group him with the others in the group. I apologize from the bottom of my heart for that. From the things I've seen he was a very sweet, talented, kind-hearted person who dearly loved his friends and family.

From some of his friends postings (especially the threats and name calling) on these articles) you can see some thuggish tendencies in some of them (I think it's mostly posturing though, but posturing at the wrong place and time can lead to trouble). Also based on comments from his friends here, there is mention that he started hanging around with a new group of friends who were less than wonderful. It looks as if these new "friends" weren't doing him any favors. I feel bad for him and his family and friends due to this.

By Jen227: 5/13/09 at 8:59 p.m.; Suggest removal

Okay random you are REALLY P***ING me off!! What the hell are you trying to prove. Do you like sit on your computer all f***ing day and just start s*** on articles. Your everywhere on here lookin up s*** try to make Tanner out to be the bad one. Yes someone died but he (Tanner) was also a victum before the "murder". I dont hear you talking about the other guy what was he doing at 4 am walkin the streets rippin people off if it wasn't Tanner someone else would have done it. Greg was a grown adult "loving father husband" blah blah blah if he was such a good person then why was he out there doing that uh? Can you tell me that. He should set an example can you tell me one 35 yr old that you kno who would do what Greg did to my friends? If so yeah... you shouldnt be talkin on here but defending Tanner. Tanner and his friends had a spur of the moment idea to go to Vegas they were exploring yeah it might have been late but they got there late. They werent 21 who gives a f*** u were 18 once we all make dumb decisions. They didnt plan this. And wtf is up with this article s***? I really dont see what your trying to prove here why dont you do us all a favor and stop coming on here I am sick of reading your "opions" How bout you start looking at it from both points of views I dont care what you say Tanner IS a good guy. Tanner I love you and am glad you got bail were all praying for you!!

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 9:13 p.m.; Suggest removal

THE VICTIM. I'm going to tread lightly because he is no longer with us he doesn't have any witnesses that were on "his side" we can get hearsay from like with Tanner.

What the arrest report makes him seem like he wasn't acting like a saint at the time either. My opinion is that he was standing out there selling offering drugs to tourist then ripping them off. These are the actions of someone who is very desperate for money. It is a very high risk behavior and being killed by an angry "customer" is one of the possibilities he faced based on his choice. I wonder what may have been going wrong to put him in such a desperate place? Ripping someone off doesn't warrant being killed. It really seems like an argument that got way, way out of control. He could have walked away too. He could have given the teenagers their money and drugs back. His choices not to do these things likely made a bad situation worse. But it didn't force a knife in anyones hands. He paid for his choices with his life. It just really seemed like disregard for human life the way Tanners friends seemed to think he should just be sent home and any punishment would be wrong because it's self defense in their eyes. Legally self defense is a very defined thing and it differs from what one would typically think when they hear the words self defense.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 9:13 p.m.; Suggest removal

At the end of the day Tanner is still alive, he still gets to see his family and friends. The victim and his family don't get that.

If the teenagers attacked him first it's natural he would try to fight them it isn't right he could have walked away but so could the other side. I'm not going to comment about the possibility of him grabbing Tanner after the fight. That viewpoint comes from hearsay of Tanner's friends and they have a vested interest in making things look as good as possible.

I was horrified when Tanner's friends said things to the effect that the victim was just a druggie and possibly homeless and made it sound like somehow Tanner was a better person. It is pretty obvious Tanner has used drugs in his lifetime and his friends knew this. So calling someone else a druggie was a low blow to me.

In the begging things were so one sided in the vein of Tanner was an angel and the victim somehow deserved his fate. When they drug God and that place down below into it. It was shiver inducing. I felt I had to balance things out and present the other side. Maybe I did too good of a job. I wanted to show that the things Tanner's friends were accusing the victim of were things Tanner could easily be accused of too. NO ONE IN THIS TRAGEDY HAD CLEAN HANDS.

I really do want to help and I do apologize if I come off as hurtful to anyone. Sometimes you have to point out not so wonderful things in an attempt to get people to look at themselves and the world around them and possibly see things in a different light.

My respect to anyone who is concerned about this situation and how ti reflects on humanity as a whole. Tanner is innocent until proven guilty we must keep this in mind and I never meant it to sound like I was declaring him guilty before his trail. But, I wanted to prompt thought and discussion based on a wide variety of things. Keep in mind that posted here by anyone is opinion (even the hearsay of Tanners friends). There are things like pictures and arrest reports and court records but they are used as a jumping off point to form opinions.

Lets all keep this discussion open and flowing. Something good can come of this tragedy.

Thanks for putting me in check Alice. Your cool in my book.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 9:17 p.m.; Suggest removal

Jen, sadly rip offs like that happen everyday in lots of places. It's not every day someone dies over it. It's a risk one takes, but it's not something deserved. You can't kill someone over being ripped off. If it was true self-defense it is still horrific but legally defendable LIke I've mentioned earlier the legal definition of self-defense is very well defined and it doesn't always fit with what one would think self-defense is and isn't. This was a tragedy for all involved.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 9:19 p.m.; Suggest removal

The flip side of your argument is, what were your friends doing out at 4 am scoring drugs. It's a really risky behavior and things can and do go wrong.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 9:30 p.m.; Suggest removal

I never said Tanner wasn't a good guy. But he was a good guy making poor choices. It doesn't change what happened.

I didn't post those thing to make Tanner look like a bad person. Just to show some examples of not so great choices that whether he knew it or not made bad things more likely to happen in his life. I do feel sorry for him, his family, and friends. When you say I need to look at both sides you need to take your own advice. I wasn't saying that Tanner was bad for being in Vegas at 18, it just wasn't a good choice. This town really is built for 21 and up as far as having fun goes for the most part. I know he had at least one friends/acquaintance here. He could have been visiting with his friends someone, but he was behind the Tropicana involved in a drug deal in some fashion.

I've admitted my mistakes here and how I've learned from them. I'm not even saying drugs are bad. But they things that surround them are very risky and not knowing/realizing this doesn't protect someone from the possible consequences. I'm just here to get people to think and come up with their own opinions. Everything here is opinion right now even the "facts" presented by his friends.

To other people the victim is their Tanner.

By random_las_vegas: 5/13/09 at 10:08 p.m.; Suggest removal

I've been convinced by Jen's well written argument Tanner was blameless and did nothing at all wrong. He had nothing to do with what happened and it was all someone else's fault. Wow, I was stupid.

By alice1: 5/13/09 at 11:08 p.m.; Suggest removal

random: I understand having opinions as I have my own as well. I want people to understand that the kids on this sight are really really sad and confused! I am sure it is hard for them to understand why they are not being taken seriously! this can be irritating even to an adult. The kids or lets say young adults that have witnessed what happen have so many crazy emotions going on right now about this, imagine being a young adult as we all once were and being totally disregarded in every way, I believe that kids and young adults need to be listened to and heard and treated fairly and respectfully! How is a person to learn how to listen and communicate if they are not being listened to or communicated to in a proper way! nor given the opportunity to be taken serious! We owe it to these kids as responsible adults to help....which is what you say you are trying to do! Let's really take this opportunity to really hear them. Let's not focus on bad parenting or things we cannot change, they deserve better. I think that thier has been to much retaliation on here.....it's not a good thing to retaliate against a teen, it would be much wiser to help them understand in a kind,honest respectful manner! therefore maybe they will choose to do the same! Also I bet they would surprise you. I think something that really interests me here is the action of self defense, if someone is punching you, physically harming you what would you do? what would you want a loved one to do? I have children and I love them more than life! matter of fact I would give them my life! So I feel very passionately about this due to the fact that if one of them were in the wrong place at the wrong time, with no intent to harm, just being a kid...young adult and they were attacked...I really hate to even think about it but I believe their life is worth saving too! random I am very sorry to hear that you were raised this way and treated this way while growing up, It is truely interesting to think about all the kids that have imperfect childhoods actually turn out pretty darn well! reality is nothing is perfect, but then again it is all how you view it.....learn from it, do better, and last but not least rise above it! I do believe of a certain medium in raising kids and I do believe that you get usto being disliked...lol I am very thankful that you can see my point! And to whatever the situation lets all find it in our hearts to care enouph to forgive all parties involed!

By alice1: 5/13/09 at 11:25 p.m.; Suggest removal

This really stinks! I am really sad about this whole situation.....I think about it so often it gives me headaches! This is why i choose not to watch the news. I spent thanksgiving and x-mas eve with Tanner and I had such great conversation! I really wish that the people whom only see his picture as posted could meet him and know for yourself what kind of person he is. It is really sad to hear such mean things about him, it makes me angry for a moment, then I want to be better than that! I am sending out a big hug for Tanner....you are in my thoughts and prayers.

By Jtown: 5/13/09 at 11:28 p.m.; Suggest removal

See random is not viewing this as one of tanners friends, he is kind of a mediater, he knows tanner is probably a good guy, but their was a life lossed in the event. It's just apparent to random that it's inevitable that tanner will go to prison, sure he gets heated but in general he has hopes that tanner will lead a good life someday.

By random_las_vegas: 5/14/09 at 12:49 a.m.; Suggest removal

Oh my gosh, Jtown and Alice thank you.

By dozer: 5/14/09 at 6:47 a.m.; Suggest removal

Las Vegas is just a plain dark hole full of drugs and criminals .It is what it is stay away from this town . People trying to score drugs for a lousy $6.00 give me a break . People lose millions in the stock market everyday, goes to show you the value of a dollar. This is a senseless crime for both families & friends . Someone lost a son , and others lost their friend . Peace & Blessings to the people of Las Vegas

By random_las_vegas: 5/14/09 at 12:22 p.m.; Suggest removal

Tanner being charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, not being in school, not having job, and bouncing around living different places does not make him a bad person. He was a kindhearted, sweet, nice, academically smart guy who made some poor choices.

If Tanner was convicted of possession of drug paraphernalia he would have lost all federal and state financial aid or scholarships for college (due to laws that try to discourage college students from using drugs). This would explain why he all of a sudden could no longer afford school according to his friends. This doesn't make him a bad person.

But why wasn't it a wake-up call (or bottom) to stop doing drugs? Did the people who love him so much take the time to say "you just suffered a major setback due to the consequences of your own choices that you are responsible for, why don't you be more careful in the future, we want to see you succeed."? Instead of crying how everything is unfair and has nothing to do with Tanner's choices and actions.

The victim made unwise choices too, but it takes at least two for a flawed drug deal to go down.

By gilrus47: 5/14/09 at 1:55 p.m.; Suggest removal

Random, give it a rest. Most don't care about your views of anything.

By alice1: 5/14/09 at 2:04 p.m.; Suggest removal

Well written jtown! I do not believe in speculating someones past....especially if I do not know the person....everyone sins,everyone makes mistakes,everyone makes poor choices! I guess if I were judged on my past behavior I could be considered a bad person....even bad thoughts are wrong! unfortunetely in todays society Forgiveness is not valued nor appreciated, this is to sad. I understand to want to mediate a situation and try to help people understand....that I guess is what I choose to do too! Athough to mediate a situation we must look at both sides fairly and my impression is that it is more one sided. I understand their is lack of information on the man involved, but the time has been taken to check Tanners background and info and use that information! It seems to be unfair not to do the same before posting comments and information that allow people to draw conclusions to this situation.....the poor me act is not what Tanner is about, even the most responsible people make bad decisions just like the 35 year old did and as I still do today! I would hate to think people would throw stones and persecute me before All information was released. I hope that you all can understand as you question these kids that you realize that the MAN involved is just as questionable.....if he was involved in something like this, what else could he have done! could he attack another person? was he on any crazy drug (meth ect)? has he ever been arrested for drugs? does he have any prior assault charges? Let's keep this conversation going in the right direction! Let's not assume an eighteen yr old should think like a 35 year old! Last but not least let us all walk in the shoes of someone who has been attacked (hypathetically speaking) whether it be ourselves or someone we truely love and ask our self......what would I do? or what would I want the person I love to do? I already know my answer.....what is you'rs?

By Jtown: 5/14/09 at 2:22 p.m.; Suggest removal

If i was being attacked i would do anything necessary for my well being, and because of societal norms i would need to pay the consequences, i know tanner is a great kid, that makes it so sad for me to see this happening.

By alice1: 5/14/09 at 2:23 p.m.; Suggest removal

What kind of answer I am looking for just to let you know is (IF) this man attacked in any way, why would people say he should have hit back and not pulled a knife their were other ways to handle a situation like this! when really if a 6" 190 pnd athletic lady attacked me at 100 pnds....well I think other methods probably would need to come into play. If we are attacked we shouldn't have to wait and hope that we don't end up in critical condition with a stack of medical bills or DEAD! I believe nobody has the right to TOUCH or HARM another human being and if they think that is acceptable it is not! When a person is cornered into a situation of fear they will react! A great friend of mine got into an altercation with a gentlemen in a bar(just words were exchanged) he was walking home when the man from the bar and a few of his friends decided to beat him so badly he almost died! He never walked again! I once was attacked from behind and all I remember was being in shock and my body reacted in ways I never would have guessed! I guess it is just human instinct to protect ourselves! and what right do we have saying otherwise.

By random_las_vegas: 5/14/09 at 2:39 p.m.; Suggest removal

Jtown :) I just wanted to praise you. You seem like a really good young adult. I see good things for you. I've even noticed it seems you've started to take more care with your spelling and grammar. People shouldn't judge each other based on that in informal situations. But they do. It makes your ideas come across really clearly and makes you seem really well thought out.

I hope I didn't embarrass you. Just wanted to express how impressed with you I am. This is a really tough situation and your really thinking about how you feel about it and it shows. We need more young adults like you in the world.

By alice1: 5/14/09 at 3:10 p.m.; Suggest removal

Jtown, I really appreciate you'r response! I feel content and you made me smile:) thank you!

By Linda_in_Vegas: 5/14/09 at 3:40 p.m.; Suggest removal

Alice... A knee in the groin will take down the largest of men, yet it doesn't put him in a casket

By alice1: 5/14/09 at 4:41 p.m.; Suggest removal

Linda in vegas: Let me know if that works everytime and every situation! I highly doubt it....but if you say so!

By Sinatra711: 5/14/09 at 5:25 p.m.; Suggest removal

What do you think the record for comments on a single story is on the Sun? This story has generated a ridiculous amount of comments.

S711

By Linda_in_Vegas: 5/14/09 at 7:57 p.m.; Suggest removal

Re: Alice

"What kind of answer I am looking for just to let you know is (IF) this man attacked in any way, why would people say he should have hit back and not pulled a knife their were other ways to handle a situation like this!"

How irresponsible of you as an adult to condone and promote the use of a weapon on another human being. If you are an example of the adult role models in Tanner's life, I can now SEE WHY HE DID WHAT HE DID. Jump to life-threatening measures, which resulted in a death!

By you making this STUPID statement, you are encouraging those other young adults to carry weapons as well!!!!! What the hell is the matter with you? There ARE other ways, and when I gave you an example, you quickly dismissed it. If he had time to reach for a knife.. he could have instead used his hands to grab the man's groin and twist. I suppose carrying pepper spray is out of the question as well... OMG lady, you concern me..

By ShannonK: 5/14/09 at 8:24 p.m.; Suggest removal

Linda:

It's more than just Alice that concerns me in this thread...the total lack of taking responsibility for oneself is disturbing.

It was pretty sad looking at Tanner's Myspace page. It is obvious that he was a partier and his mother condoned it and accepted it in her presence. Too bad she didn't act more like a parent instead of a friend.

By mikegino: 5/14/09 at 8:51 p.m.; Suggest removal

Tanner and the decedent are two losers in a system that doesn't understand competition. I don't mourn either.

By Jtown: 5/14/09 at 10:26 p.m.; Suggest removal

random_las_vegas= full of wisdom

Alice1= heart of gold

mikegino= evil,souless, hopefully miserable.

By why0: 5/14/09 at 10:28 p.m.; Suggest removal

Allice.. Were you there? How do you know who was attacked? Sorry, do not buy your "ahh, tanner is an angel because I had a great conversation with him" crap. Feel bad for the kid-he is scared and uncomfortable-I get it, but it is because of HIS actions his family is in distress.

Why do I have to pay for tanner's horrible behavior?? Why is my family in distress? Because of tanners' decision making my life and life of hundreds that do not know tanner will never be the same. I didn't have a choice, tanner did! BECAUSE OF TANNERS POOR THOUGHT PROSESS!

And isn't it a little too late to START the teaching process at 17-18. Tell me, do you teach your kids to use deadly force if they get their hair pooled? Instead of trying to be "supper mom" and defend someone because he has a smile on every day, you should tell your kids not to put themselves in the situations where they can be in danger. You should have talked with tanner about that when you had that wonderful conversation. Maybe we would not be in this situation now. It is not Randoms responsibility to teach and preach to YOUR kids. Although it is a good gesture, all the basics should come from you-parents, and based on your 2 cents Looks like Conrad went to your school"

I guess your great friend who got into an altercation after going to the bar was very lucky that the thugs who jumped him DID NOT HAVE A KNIFE!!!

Again the other man who was involved was UNARMED!!! Yes, he did make a poor decision to full the teenagers, but he was NOT carrying a weapon, he is also the one who is gone. Come on! What if it was tanner who've passed, and the other party cried "self defense", you would sing a different song.

By random_las_vegas: 5/14/09 at 10:32 p.m.; Suggest removal

What's to say the knife wasn't already out?

Tanner was given the knife by Conrad to "have something to pull out to scare someone if he was in a bad situation".

If he pulled out the knife in an attempt to scare his money back with no intention of ever using it I have zero sympathy for him. The only reason you ever pull out a deadly weapon is to kill someone and the only reason to kill someone is if your in mortal danger yourself and no other option.

The decision to carry a weapon is not something to take blithely.

By Jtown: 5/14/09 at 10:53 p.m.; Suggest removal

those who lost a family member, I'm very sorry. perhaps instead of making tanners friends feel horrible and like uneducated scum. You could spend that time mourning your loss, In all reality their will be no inner resolution by hatred or however amount of time tanner spends in prison. Spend your day loving your lost One not hating this boy who felt trapped with no options. Tanner should have done something different, and i agree with that. what is their to do now? hate and feel the death is in vein or Love unconditionally and always remember the love you shared with your family member.

By kapy7: 5/15/09 at 4:35 a.m.

Comment removed by staff.

By random_las_vegas: 5/15/09 at 5:32 a.m.; Suggest removal

Kapy7, you comment about you being robbed in an unrelated event in the past might be removed due to the racist comment at the end.

Because you were robbed for 4k you said you now carry "backup" wherever you go. Do keep in mind if you kill someone defending cash or property and NOT your actually life in most states your would be guilty of murder. Pulling out your "backup" to scare someone who is stealing $ or property from you is also wrong (and would likely get you in legal trouble too).

Even when you are killing to defend your life it's still a very gray area leaves a huge legal quagmire no matter if you are eventually found guilty or innocent.

Be very careful with your "backup" Kapy7. It could save your life or ruin it.

By alice1: 5/15/09 at 1:50 p.m.; Suggest removal

Jtown...again thank you! I strive everyday to be a better person!
Linda in vegas: WOW! I don't think I have ever been so insulted.....low blows! questioning and judging my character as well as my parenting is not very nice! I do believe that you may want to read the full comment policy....which is on the right to you'r comment box "no abusive language....I am not angry nor will I retaliate, you'r comments are speculative and theoretical....just so you know theoretical means speculative; not practical! you assume what some one should or could do.....how is this possible? My husband is a martial arts instructor whom does understand self denfense and what possibilities there are....in which I am not going to waste my time discussing them with you! It is interesting what you got from my comments, as I never said you should carry a weapon.....Although if you are attacked and happen to have one on you and the fight is not fair depending on lots of things including but not limited to size,wieght,experience, this might become something that is needed in order to save your own life! Use of force: is justified when a person reasonably believe that it is necessary for the defense of ones self or another against the immediate use of unlawful force. A person must use no more force than appears reasonably necessary in the circumstances! Maybe you are right linda, I guess to be the best person we can, we probably should spare an attackers life! oh and by the way linda the men who attacked my friend did kill him in to many was to count....he passed away two years ago, form testicular cancer he obviously was paralized and did not notice any problems until it was to late, due to this! RIP to my good friend, I miss him very much.....

By alice1: 5/15/09 at 2:28 p.m.; Suggest removal

First I want to apoligize for the confusion, in stating linda in vegas was the one to judge my character and parenting! WHY? Tanner is not my son! and I care about everyone! My intent is not to hurt nor falsely accuse anyone! I do have kids and I do teach them well, I spend most of my time communicating these thing to MY children! You'r accusation and cruel words are hateful and unwise! If this comment board bothers you so much I suggest not reading the comments! It also is never to late to save anyone! I also do not know conrad and I went to a fine school....how about you? I have the right to discuss whatever I please on here and I feel very passionate about self defense! If you did read my comments you would know that at any and all times this was brought up the word IF was used! At least I have the decency to understand that their is two sides to a situation and not enouph information to make judgments.

By Linda_in_Vegas: 5/15/09 at 4:19 p.m.; Suggest removal

Re: Alice

Geez lady, what do they put in the water in that town?

Alice stated:

"It is interesting what you got from my comments, as I never said you should carry a weapon.....Although if you are attacked and happen to have one on you and the fight is not fair depending on lots of things including but not limited to size,wieght,experience, this might become something that is needed in order to save your own life!"

If indeed it went down the way Tanner and his buddies said, the victim may have had size on Tanner, but Tanner had a GROUP of kids with him.. the victim was ALONE. And you are still saying that if you just happen to have a weapon on you... you don't get that this sends a message to kids to carry a weapon?

"Use of force: is justified when a person reasonably believe that it is necessary for the defense of ones self or another against the immediate use of unlawful force. A person must use no more force than appears reasonably necessary in the circumstances!"

Did you even read what you put into your post here? " a person REASONABLY" that was not the case here. The victim did NOT use unlawful force. Had the victim branished a knife, picked up a baseball bat, even a large rock.. "THAT would be unlawful force", therefore Tanner would have be justified, in saying self-defense.

You can twist and turn this to try and make it self-defense all you wish, but Alice, a dog is not a cat, just as this murder is not self-defense.

Nowhere in any of these article does it say Tanner or any of his boys were in need of medical attention. Tanner went straight to jail..

By random_las_vegas: 5/16/09 at 12:36 p.m.; Suggest removal

Well put Linda. No real need to attack Alice at the beginning of your last post. But, the vast majority of us have gotten heated here at times (especially me). The are a lot of random people here I personally am really starting to like to see the opinions of and you and Alice are two of them. Thoughtful discussion is useful and hopefully it can help something better come of this horrible tragedy, for everybody.

The only posts I don't like here (and they do have every right to post here just like you and I) are the ones with next to no thought and people on both sides have done things like that. It seems like the people who were here just to do that have gotten bored long ago.

The sad part is they are most likely the people who need to hear what some of us have to say, digest it, come up with their own personal opinion based on all the information possible and make different choices and actions based on them. This situation can be a wake up call and a learning experience for people from all walks of life. I regret a lot of my anger and heat, it makes it easy for people to plug their ears and stop listening. I wish earlier on I found softer ways to say what I feel about this tragedy and maybe some of the friends of Tanner who attacked me on here would listen and think instead of just defending.

Jtown seems to have started to grow in amazing ways since this tragedy. I feel bad that it took such a tragic thing happened involving people Jtown loves. I bet Jtown will do whatever he can to turn this positive in the long run (he does need time to sort through his emotions just like anyone else, it's OK to feel shocked, hurt and upset). I could even imagine Jtown talking to Tanners friends (and young people in general) in ways where they might listen and think. It wouldn't be easy by any means and it would take tons of courage and a thick skin. I really think if friends and family were comfortable (no matter how this turns out legally) they should go into the school (and other places with access to young people) and present a program about "Tanner's Tragedy" giving a true life account of what can happen to good, loving, and kind people if they make poor decisions. The victims family could do something similar if they wished.

I still hope everyone is doing as well as they can in the circumstances.

By why0: 5/17/09 at 9:27 p.m.; Suggest removal

Alice, you misunderstood my point. I never said that tanner was your son, I just thought if he is welcome into your house and is around your kids you would mention to ALL of them to be careful when out. And Conrad... That was a sarcastic remark due to your self defense comments. After those comments young people like him may think it is OK to carry a weapon, kill some one and then brag about self defense.

Just because your husband is a self defense trainer does not mean that everyone you know who is involved in a fight is defending themselves.

My words were never intended to be hateful, they are direct. Maybe I my phrases are unique to you- English is my second language. I raise the question that you haven't yet,-was it self defense or a racial hate crime? Because tanner is not your son it doesn't really hit home, does it? What do you suppose should happen to tanner? Should he be let go off and told by his parents to never do this again? And lastly, how did you view the OTHER side of this tragedy? Didn't come across any of your comments on that.

Again, no hate, just want to hear more of your educated responses.

By random_las_vegas: 5/19/09 at 12:54 p.m.; Suggest removal

This comment section is for EVERYONE with ANY opinion concerning this situation. It's not just a "We Love Tanner!" section. That would be boring. So we'll keep using our 1st amendment right. Thank you very much.

None of the comments here have approached the legal definition of slander or libel. Look it up in the dictionary.

Best of luck to all involved.

By guffty: 5/20/09 at 9:39 a.m.; Suggest removal

o.k. all of you who have never meet tanner, shut up. tanner was one of the best kids i have ever meet,always giving everything and never taking anything from you. sure he got in some trouble, doesn't everybody??? i could only see tanner doing that in the fear of death. he was never the violent type, i know first hand. tanner is a great kid.

tanner i wish you and your family the best, hopefully you will make it out of this mess before long.

By Linda_in_Vegas: 5/20/09 at 11:45 a.m.; Suggest removal

I'm not going to "shut up". NO not everyone does get in trouble. Tanner killed a man in cold blood, which could have been prevented in a multitude of ways. Had he just had decent friends to break it up, the murder would have never happened. Tanner had the weapon, not Greg, he was unarmed and defenseless. Face it pal, those so called friends of Tanner's are to blame as well, for not stepping in. They all left him there to die, and personally I think they all should be charged right along side Tanner. What sort of people watch someone stabbing another man, then turn and walk away?

By random_las_vegas: 5/20/09 at 12:18 p.m.; Suggest removal

It just got more interesting Linda, according to Matt VD posting on one of the other of the three articles recently. The group of kids Tanner was with. May have been just Conrad.

I'll let that speak for itself.

REMINDER!!! this comments sections IS for everyone, you do not need to have known any of the people involved. Some of the most useful thoughtful perspectives have come from those uninvolved. We've had a lively discussion about many things, such a self defense (ethically, morally, and LEGALY) , the current generation of young people, the realities of alcohol and drugs, and how bad things can happen to good people if they make poor choices. So I for one will be making a point of staying in the loop. Linda is cool as are a bunch of others (from both sides).

By lil_rico: 5/28/09 at 7:40 p.m.; Suggest removal

There is to much that does not make since in this whole case. 1 if he was not looking for trouble why were tanner and friends in a parking lot at 4am with a weapon? 2 If Greg just walked up to tanner and pulled his hair and started hitting him why is his face not f***ed up in his pic? 3 Greg's face was and so was his hands? 4 Tanner was with his friends if they saw him get attacked like they say why did they not help or get help? I think that Tanners story is bull s*** and Gregs family is doing life without him and Tanners family should have to do the same. I was always told if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck it is a duck. Everyone in the world should be accountable for there actions, no matter if your male or female. Right is right and wrong is wrong no Tanner is no better than Greg. A mans life was taken for what? Everyone one is saying he's a kid then his mother and father should have instilled in him better values instead of he's better then everyone else. Like I tell my kids your not sorry you did it your sorry you got cought.

By Bone_Daddy: 5/31/09 at 8:08 a.m.; Suggest removal

I read this newspaper because I am a frequent visitor, a tourist. I was struck at this article's poorly written report of the event and was struck by the glaring number of questions it left, how few it answered.

One of the shortest articles I'd ever read here and even that was fluffed up! It coulda' been 2 sentences! So I bookmarked it, to see if I came back later would the rest of the story be here.

Damm! You guys don't disappoint!

While degreed I still don't spell that well. Eye use a little thing called spell cheque so you sea I'm perfect now. Don't judge.

I wonder what provocative words may have been thrown on that parking lot in the dangerous hours of the night. Often it's the WORDS, not the deeds or the six dollars that ignite people's passions as you all (above) have so aptly demonstrated.

I hope Tanner, has the good sense NOT to post anything here, or on myspace! Follow you lawyer's advice to the letter my man. You must be judged.

I wonder how the victim came to the depths that he looked up from as he died. Only he knows, and will remain silent. Don't judge.

This is a good example of the free-speech value of the new interactive media that is emerging. I wonder how much is true? How much spin?

Thank you all.

By Linda_in_Vegas: 5/31/09 at 7:32 p.m.; Suggest removal

Re: lil rico

I agree with your post 100%. There has to be way more to this story then we have heard. Personally, I think Greg was attacked by ALL the boys. Those boys with Tanner say there were 2 fights. I don't believe it... I believe there was only one altercation, and I don't think it had to do with drugs. I am guessing they were trying to rob Greg and he fought back.. or they took him by surprise and plain jumped him.. He had no weapons or drugs on him, they did.. At least one of the boys was 6 foot, like Greg. These kids keep saying their little, friend.. well he wasn't the only one there..

I also believe Greg was probably on the ground when he was stabbed.. he had stab wounds on his legs... defense wounds from being on the ground??

I have followed this horrible crime against Greg and his family since day one, and have posted on the other 2 links (blogs) as well.. I have never seen so many postings as I have with this with Greg... we aren't the only one's that don't buy the story.. Greg's family and friends are in my prayers, and I so want to see justice done.. I just wish Greg had family here in Las Vegas, as I think when family shows up to court it makes a difference..

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