NBC10 Boston has reached out to Sheeran's lawyer for comment. The lawyer, Kevin Reddington, told The Boston Globe on Friday that the charges are "over the top" for what amounted to "horseplaying" that "got out of control." He said he was appealing to the Superior Court to have Sheeran released.
All of the people involved are juveniles, as are the witnesses, and all but Sheeran had their names redacted from the report. Sheeran's name was not redacted, as he is being tried as a youthful offender, a designation that gives Massachusetts prosecutors discretion for seeking an adult sentence for children between 14 and 17 years old who are charged with a felony and when other criteria are met, including a charge that involves the infliction or threat of serious bodily harm…
This kid already condemned:
Reaction in Chatham
The allegation that a white teenager held a Black child underwater in a racially motivated attack, while another white child looked on and laughed, has caused consternation in Chatham. Both the town's select board and the Monomoy Regional School District released statements Friday saying their communities stand for diversity and inclusion and that they were working to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
"We are disturbed and saddened to learn of the event that occurred earlier this summer between juveniles," the select board said. "We do not believe that it reflects the true nature of our community, which is diverse and inclusive. We condemn all acts of violence, particularly those directed at children."
The board added it was "here to support" the alleged victim and his family.
The Monomoy schools superintendent, in a letter to the community, noted that neither the boy charged with attempted murder and another white boy, whom prosecutors have said laughed and referred to the victim as George Floyd, were enrolled in the district.
"Acts of hatred and violence are unacceptable, and we condemn any behavior that seeks to harm or marginalize others based on their race, ethnicity, or any other personal attribute," Superintendent Scott Carpenter wrote, calling the allegations "incredibly concerning."
He said the district was working with Chatham police and its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Advisory Council to provide support for anyone in the community who needs it. He also encouraged parents to discuss the importance of respect, kindness and empathy with their students.
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/new-details-in-alleged-hate-fueled-attempted-drowning-on-cape-cod/3128202/