Editor:

Didn't anybody notice? Didn't anybody care? Did the neighbors not want to get involved? Why wasn't Child Protective Services called? Why wasn't there someone at C. Milton Wright High School that Richard's friends felt comfortable talking with? Didn't anyone at school become suspicious about his appearance? There have been conflicting reports that the Harford County Sheriff's Office was called/was not called. Which was it? Who was there to support this young man? Verbal abuse is insidious and will destroy a person. Physical abuse most often happens behind closed doors. Thus, neighbors would not see it. It's a secret!

I am also concerned about States Attorney Cassilly attitude, as I interpret the stories. He seems charged "to get" this young man. Robert's educational level should be considered. He is 16 and in the 9th grade. I don't believe that investigators have to look very far for a motive. The life of 16 year-old Robert C. Richardson III says it all.

Anne M. Brown

Bel Air