While my disgust of the crime is on record I’d be very careful with this. As horrible as this crime is, it doesn’t make the US criminal justice system any more about justice than it has been in the past. The climate of those wrongfully convicted is the same as what we see and hear now in this case. Does that fact alone make him innocent? No. However, in order to be a society truly about justice, we must not let our disgust feed a thrust for vengeance. There are too many cases where as time goes on, more details show that the early reported version isn’t close to the truth. You also have test cases that are used for the purpose of whipping up support for something that the public would never go for, but do to the outrage the people are in a more “willing” state to give up rights or do that which is clearly unjust.

This girl speaks the truth. I’m a white woman in my 20’s and I completely agree with her.

That guy has to be PSYCHOTIC and EVIL to do that. Anyone who viciously hurts another person has some severe problems, whether emotional or mental.

I would never allow anyone that I’m not married to and who is NOT the biological father of my children to live in my home. My mother did this and I had to deal with my stepfather’s cruelty.

What some women don’t realize is this: you might be lonely as a single woman. Understood. However, your first priority is being a mother. That is your responsibility. It is your responsibility to ensure that your children feel safe and secure in their environment. There will always be men in the world who will want to date you once your children grow up. You will always be able to find a boyfriend or husband, but your relationship with your children should be more important. Put their needs before your own sexual and emotional needs. I’m not being judgemental…I’m being honest.

Realize that some people cannot be trusted around children. You don’t know what happens the minute you leave home. Some children, like little Da’Niyah, are unable to speak out or defend themselves. It is up to mothers to defend our children and be their voice. Don’t tell your 12-year-old daughter that she is “lying” or “jealous” if she says her stepfather fondled her. Don’t allow your boyfriend to hit your children or threaten them. Have a social life and a sex life if necessary, but always be aware of what can happen when you have men around your kids.

I’m sure this little girl’s mother feels guilty. She probably wishes she had known better. My sympathy is with her. I hope she will be okay. However, this is another cautionary tale to all women who trust certain people with their children. There is a painful lesson to be learned here. Da’Niyah didn’t deserve to die this way. No one does. Her death serves as a reminder that sometimes children will never grow up. This is why you should cherish them, love them, and defend them. You carry them in your womb and they are your responsibility until they become adults.

I feel sorry for Clinton Smith’s two-year-old son. How will he feel years later when he learns that his father raped and tortured a child to death? That poor little boy! Where is his mother? I hope Smith will never see his son again.