Max was born prematurely and his mother had hypertension complications including HELLP syndrome during the pregnancy. Prior to the very tragic event, Max worker 40 hours a week while attending high school. Family and friends haves written the vouching for the quiet non violent nature of Max. He has never been in trouble, not even a traffic ticket. He is not a danger to anyone. He also volunteered in a nonprofit program estabilished to help at risk teens establish work credentials.
Max was interrogated for 16 hours while still in a state of trauma without counsel or his parents present. He did ask about having a lawyer and was told he did not need one. He does not read well and his level of understanding is that of a child of around 12. He is the kindest kid with a heart of caring. He is not racist as he has been made out to be. He has many multicultural friends and coworkers who know and love him and are just as devastated about Max’s situation as we are.
A young man lost his life. The whole situation is horrific. To the parents who lost a son we say we do know what it is like to lose a loved one. Five years ago Max's older brother died at the age of 17. Every day since this happened we relive our loss and now deeply also feel your grief. Neither of our boys should have been in that place. But destroying Max, a child because of this tragedy will not make the hurt less. And the person who is guilty will be on the streets harming other people.
Within a few months after being arrested the state of Michigan passed a law to protect minors from being charged and tried as adults. No efforts have been made to help the children already being treated as adults.
Max was just 17 and has been held in an adult facility. Educators have written and sent text books only to have them denied him. He has been in special education programs throughout his schooling and had made it to his senior year. He has problems with reading and comprehension.
Family,friends and many in the community have written asking for justice for Max. He is in a cell without a window. He has not been outside for many months and only allowed 30-45 minutes on some days in the hallway for exercise. He has been abused in jail already and is now in protective custody, however this denies him any human contact, even face to face visitors. He is waiting for a chance to tell his story at trial.
Legal fees have consumed his family and friends. Anything you can contribute toward his legal fees would be greatly appreciated. The trial has been rescheduled for the Fall of 2022 and legal fees must be paid by the trial date or he will not be represented.
Max has been tried in the newspapers without facts. He is innocent and he just needs a chance to be heard with fair representation. Max is our grandson.
