Question F

[Jonetta]

We get Ricky’s point of view and learn what happened the day his family vanished. Your thoughts about his experience and presence of mind? Was his behavior consistent with that of a 9-year old?

[Anita]

I can't even imagine the horror of coming home and your family is gone, then four men come into your home. He was smart to hid, but I don't know if that would be typical of a 9-year old.

[Robin]

He was a very smart kid. I doubt most kids his age would have the brains to hide in the closet, then pack his bags to get out of there.

[Jonetta]

It didn’t surprise me that he would hide. His family was gone and strangers just entered his home. Kids trust their parents but have natural fears of strangers, especially in these circumstances. They had his father’s keys and that was disconcerting. It was all so confusing and a closet (or under a bed) would be the first place of refuge. If their conversation had been less aggressive, Ricky might have come out and let them know he was there. But they were arguing upon entry and then they admitted they’d killed his family.

I felt so very sorry for that boy. It was an awful experience for that 9-year old. But, I questioned whether he’d have the presence of mind to protect the Youngs.

[Sharon]

Getting Ricky's point of view had me a nervous wreck. He was wise to hide when people came into his house with keys. It is a natural instinct to hide until you know who the intruders are and what they want.

I agree. If they were less aggressive and Ricky didn't hear that one was a cop, he would have let them know he was there.