Denver Jarvis Sr. Was Accused in 84 of Tossing Molotov Cocktail into Neighbor's Yard

Does parenting have an affect on the children we raise? Yes, it certainly does. The Jarvis teens that were part of the crew that tracked down, surrounded, doused, and lit Michael Brewer on fire seem to come from a family with some serious problems. But that does not excuse them for setting a human being on fire.

Parents can either influence their children with their own negative behavior or positive behavior. In a report by Rafael Olmeda, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, "Jarvis family apologizes for fiery attack against Deerfield Beach teen" the mother, Sherry Jarvis, recalls how the boys had grew up together, rode bikes, etc., and she expresses shock over what has happened.

The report then goes on to mention a conversation, which apparently took place inside attorney Steven Melnick's office, where Jarvis family members said they have been taunted and threatened. Why did this information end up in the newspaper? It then goes on to say how the family has had to stay away from their home out of fear for their safety. This sounds like an attempt to try and gain pity for the Jarvis family. Michael Brewer is fighting for his life!

Of course people are angry and outraged, but the Jarvis boys brought all this on themselves and their family. If you continue to read the article you find that the parents are not what one would consider role models.

Sherry Jarvis, the mother, and Denver Jarvis Sr., the dad, have had alcohol-related arrests? Not just alcohol problems, arrests. Denver Jarvis actually stated, "Something terribly bad has happened, and they're [his sons] in the middle of it...they were my babies." Exactly, they were his babies, and Jarvis Sr. and their mother had a responsibility to raise their kids, and teach them right from wrong. Parents who set bad examples, and make excuses for their child's bad behavior are teaching them not to accept responsibility for their choices and actions.

Now, Denver Sr. was accused in 1984 of tossing a fiery Molotov cocktail into a neighbor's yard, but Denver Jarvis Jr. would have only been one, if that, and Jeremy wasn't born yet; if they are 15 and 13 now. What does that have to do with this situation? This only tells a story about their father, the fact that child welfare officials have intervened before makes it clear that these boys, although fortunate enough to have both parents in the home, lacked parental guidance. Perhaps all the parents of the 5 attackers should be held partially accountable for their kids criminal acts.

It is extremely important that all 5 teens involved in setting Michael Brewer on fire are punished, and have to face whatever consequences that may come their way. Sadly, when parents fail the courts and justice system have to step in and teach kids that illegal, evil, and other bad actions have consequences.

Is Sherry Jarvis's apology and the information provided a legal strategy that may be used later? It does make one wonder because this is a very serious case, and gaining compassion and pity from possible future jury members is something that could tilt the scales. The Jarvis family might be going through things that are inconvenient, but it's easy to doubt that they are living in total fear for their lives; taunting, name calling, and even empty threats are not life threatening. None of that comes close to the torture inflicted on Michael Brewer, or the pain his family has suffered.

The Brewer's are the only victims here, listen to the 911 call and hear the sound of Michael Brewer screaming in agony, and imagine that being your child. Then imagine how you would feel hearing someone call your sons, who helped set a human being on fire, a monster. Now, ask yourself which is more painful or life threatening.