im sick of this stuff n wish every1 would stop, i feel for tahlieks family n understand but i no ethan n hes a good guy n if he felt threatend then he needed to protect him self. i mean hes a small guy. he was at the wrong place at the wrong time i guess. i think he should serve his time n evry1 drop it.  i think both the naacp n kkk should also def. stop cuz it wasnt a hate crime>

I have to agree with M on this one, there is no way that the verdict can be appealed so the Parrishes get more severe sentences. All they are doing is wasting their time and causing a hazardous distraction at the courthouse. It is only a matter before violence erupts and someone trys to be a vigilante to gain justice for the “murder” of Tahliek.

To whomever “M” is….........YOU & others like you are the one’s making yourselves look like fools! What on earth could these people possibly have done to make themselves look like fools? You need to stop! Even if nothing can be changed in this case, at least something can be accomplished for future incidents such as this one. The county needs to realize that people will not stand by their repeated injustices! If you were a decent human you would have a little compassion for the victims families!!!

THE JURY CAN’T CHANGE THE VERDICT AFTER IT HAS BEEN SAID. WHAT IS THE TALIAFERRO FAMILY IS DOING, DOESN’T CHANGE ANYTHING! MARCHING AT THE COURT HOUSE IS JUST WRONG!! GOOD GREIF, THEY R JUST MAKING A BIGGER FOOL OF THEMSELF!!

I have listened to the debate and I have tried very hard to be open minded.  I am an african-american, I don’t see people by their race.  It is only when I am treated in a manner that there is no doubt that my race is an issue then I see race.  For those individuals that say it’s over now, why can blacks move on, I am about to tell you why.  I have lived in the community all of my life,let’s say 40+ years. I have seen an heard about may things that have happen in the county that leave no doubt there is racism.  I can remember cross burnings, I can remember being spit upon.  There are still stores in the county that I will not step my feet into due to nasty looks and comments being made. The bible tells us that we should turn the other cheek when our brother wrongs us.  Generation to generation we have turned the other cheek.  Some times you get tired of being slapped.  The bible also tells us to stand when we know we are right.  For those of you that say, if you don’t like it here, then leave. Well, most likely you are what I call a migrant, someone that comes here and doesnt know the history.  I can count a least 5 murders of african-american men that no one has been brought to justice.  At least 2 of those 5 were drowning of men that could swin like fish.  They were the only black men in the group that they hung out with, the rest of the group said they didnt know a thing about it, yeah right.  One was rung over in the high way and left there like a dog. One was shot off his bike. 
So…to you that want to know why this is an outrage to us…It’s just another slap in the face.  Believe me, are all crys of racism valid, absolutely not.  But this is absolutely A RACIST OUTCOME. 
A ask my fellow african-american family,  PLEASE…PLEASE DO NOT get yourselves in any trouble.  God’s word says, Be angry but sin not. There are ways to do things peacefully.  First of all the definitions of law in this state must change.  That’s one way to begin, contract our law makers, let our voice be heard.  Unfortunately, I don’t believe our NAACP will assist in anything but giving a statement.  For the most part our dues are taken but when they are needed to take a stand and to lead us…Forget it.
One thing I do know…These boys are going to jail, prisoners watch the news too.
I continually pray for the Taliaferro family and the extended family.  An this might not be the most popular statement but I also pray for the Parrish family.  There have been statement made on both sides about family issues and invovlement, once a child get’s to a certain age they step out and try things, sometimes the decisions are not very smart.  Whether Talhieks parents are or are not criminals, that has NOTHING to do with anything. He was raised with love by his grandmother and extended family. He isnt remembered just because he was a good footbal or basketball player, he was loved because he was a good person.
I wonder how many of you judgemental people would like someone to go back in your history?  I wonder if it were your son, grandson, or friend wouldn’t be as outraged. Before nasty comments from both sides continued to fly,  remember this could be you.

“by coyotegurl of south hill Mar. 25, 2009, 09:38 AM

You all do know that the judge can impose a different sentence if he so desires, right?  Did anyone check to see just what the sentencing guidelines are for Involuntary manslaughter?”

It’s my understanding from this news story that the jury recommended the maximum allowable sentence.  Unfortunately, I don’t think the judge can do anything more than that.

If you read the jury instructions located at http://static.mgnetwork.com/rtd/pdfs/powh25.pdf then you can see how the jury reached its verdict.  The case hinged on the ability of the prosecution to prove the act was malicious.  There is no question that Ethan Parrish fired the weapon and as a result Taliaferro was killed and Jones was wounded.
The defense attorneys were able to cast enough doubt on the prosecution’s case that it appears the malicious intent was not met and thus the jury reached its verdict.
Now I was not in the courtroom and did not hear the exact testimony of the witnesses, but it appears that the prosecution had a very strong case against the Parrishes.
Is this a case of a sympathetic mostly white jury or that there was enough reasonable doubt cast by the defense because the prosecution has the burden of proving beyond “a reasonable doubt”
Personally, I think the jury erred in its ruling and it should have decided on second degree murder.  However, a jury of the Parrish’s peers judged him.  Whether correctly or incorrectly is a matter for debate.
I would be interested to see if there are any post-trial interviews of the jury members to get their take on reaching a verdict.
Regardless, the verdict has been reached and the Parrishes will be going to prison.
However, none of what transpired will bring back Tahliek.
Though the hurt will remain and the fabric has been somewhat torn in the community, we must remember that Tahliek is in a better place and we must rise above our differences and overcome hate and bigotry whether it is overt or covert.

i think that the boys did get the time that they deserve they should of got more time.  if i was that judge i would of given him life with no parole that is my opinion. that judge and the jury does not know what they are doing.  that boy got a slap on his hand that is crap. there are pity trials that are going on in the world and in powhatan that are getting more years for stuff that is more pity than the boy got for murder.

What is said above is right. You shouldn’t point the finger when your about to go on trail yourself! The Parrish boy don’t exactly have a clean slate either!

Thank you Cindy….....this has been my point from the beginning!