You let people get away with ridiculous crimes for a year, then, sooner or later, there will be an incident like this. The particulars are not so relevant as the statistical probability of a population infused with the idea that they can ignore the law, and that the law is rendered moot because no one dares enforce it. One mistake, one error in judgement, and the street scene is on again, the family is cashing in, etc.
I'm not even saying that the family didn't love their boy, but if they did, why not dissuade him from a life of lawlessness. Does this go deeper and have its roots in demographics and an urban mindset? After more than 20 years of glorifying the gangsta mindset and lifestyle in popular culture, and decrying any influences to the contrary, it is virtually inevitable that this is the result. Has being lawless become the preferred social behaviour, with tacit approval, to the point it is ingrained in the urban (sub)culture? Incidents like this, along that cultural interface with an orderly society, are inevitable, if that is the case.
It fits hand in glove with the whole 'anarchy" thing, but denies that government fundamentally exists to protect the rights of all, and that "all" definitely includes the victims of this subculture, not just the members.
Succeed in imposing anarchy, and the gloves come off. "Fairness" becomes meaningless, and the survivors will decide what the law becomes, whether those survivors are part of the 'community' or not. While not having the "Man" out to 'get them' might seem attractive, the "Man" won't be there to protect, either, and this will not end like they think it will.
Keep your powder dry...
