San Francisco Suspect's Desperate Plea: Family Cites Mental Health Issues in a Bid to Spare His Life
The 19-year-old suspect arrested for the alleged molestation of a 13-year-old girl at Golden Gate Park's Polo Field is facing multiple felony charges. The family, particularly his grandmother Elsa Buitrago, has been vocal about the young man's struggles with mental health issues.
According to sources close to the family, the suspect was abandoned by his parents due to their addiction and has since been living on the streets. His grandmother took him in at the age of three but notes that he had "schizophrenia, mental developmental delay, mild autism, ADHD, depression, anxiety." Buitrago pleaded with the judge to show leniency towards her grandson.
"My son is not a criminal," she said. "He's a very sick child, and it should be taken into consideration."
In an unprecedented move, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins requested that the court hold the suspect without bail, citing him as a threat to public safety. The young man was unable to secure a public defender due to scheduling conflicts.
As the case unfolds, concerns over his mental state remain at the forefront. His family and supporters argue that he wasn't in a state of mind to commit such an act.
"I know because I have raised him," Buitrago stated during her emotional plea.
The district attorney described the suspect's history as "a tragic case" where his childhood was marred by neglect, but emphasizes the severity of his alleged actions.
The 19-year-old suspect arrested for the alleged molestation of a 13-year-old girl at Golden Gate Park's Polo Field is facing multiple felony charges. The family, particularly his grandmother Elsa Buitrago, has been vocal about the young man's struggles with mental health issues.
According to sources close to the family, the suspect was abandoned by his parents due to their addiction and has since been living on the streets. His grandmother took him in at the age of three but notes that he had "schizophrenia, mental developmental delay, mild autism, ADHD, depression, anxiety." Buitrago pleaded with the judge to show leniency towards her grandson.
"My son is not a criminal," she said. "He's a very sick child, and it should be taken into consideration."
In an unprecedented move, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins requested that the court hold the suspect without bail, citing him as a threat to public safety. The young man was unable to secure a public defender due to scheduling conflicts.
As the case unfolds, concerns over his mental state remain at the forefront. His family and supporters argue that he wasn't in a state of mind to commit such an act.
"I know because I have raised him," Buitrago stated during her emotional plea.
The district attorney described the suspect's history as "a tragic case" where his childhood was marred by neglect, but emphasizes the severity of his alleged actions.
. His grandma is right though, he's not thinking clearly because of his conditions. It's hard to say what would've happened if he didn't have all these other stuff going on in his life 
It's also striking to note how his family's circumstances, marked by abandonment and neglect, have had a profound impact on his life and well-being. 
His grandma is really speaking truth here though, mental health issues can be so unpredictable, you never know when things are gonna take a turn for the worse. It's not just about "he committed a crime", it's about understanding that he might've been in a moment of desperation or whatever. I wish we could focus more on getting these kids the help they need rather than locking them up ASAP... 
.
and now his fam is trying 2 save him by revealing how messed up his mental health is 
. I mean, I feel bad 4 the kid but like what if he really DID do it? 
I guess u can never be too sure w/ someone who's got schizophrenia & all that jazz 
. This whole thing is just soooo drama 
...