34 South Main St., Attleboro, MA - (508) 222-7000
News
Mansfield slaying drug deal gone awry, say police
 Mark Hayden, 19, of Mansfield, is led into Attleboro District Court Wednesday by Mansfield Police Detective Frank Archer, left, and Court Officer Howard Werman. (Staff photo by Martin Gavin)
Top Headlines The victim, Andrew Colwell, 18, of 83 Tanya Drive, and another man arranged to meet Mark Hayden, 19, of 702 Francis Ave., in Mansfield, in order to sell three quarters of a pound of marijuana Monday night, court records say. Police say that amount of marijuana sells from between $750 to $1,000. But events turned violent when Colwell, driving his family's Jeep Cherokee, picked up Hayden at Stearns Avenue and Bonney Lane and drove nearby to Edgewood Condominiums on Erick Road. Hayden, sitting in the back seat, pulled out what authorities say was a small-caliber handgun and pointed to Colwell's head. "Give me everything you got," Hayden allegedly shouted before firing the weapon. Hayden then allegedly turned the weapon on the front-seat passenger, identified as 19-year-old Daniel Pongitore of Mansfield, and demanded the marijuana. After being given the contraband, Hayden ran off, according to court records. Pongitore, who has not been charged with any crime, but was questioned by police, told investigators he checked on Colwell and then told a witness to call 911. "Pongitore ran back to the Jeep and told his friend to hang on and that help was on the way. Pongitore, fearing for his life and in a panicked state, fled the area as well," Mansfield Detective Michael Ellsworth wrote in a report. Pongitore could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon. His father, Joe Pongitore, said in a telephone interview that he has been told conflicting versions about what happened on the night of the murder. He said his son and Colwell were good friends who saw each other almost daily. "He's devastated. I mean, he's totally devastated," Pongitore said of his son. The murder was the first in town in 17 years. In May 1991, Eric Waite, a 17-year-old Mansfield High School student, was stabbed to death in a wooded area between the police station and his Union Street home. The murder remains unsolved. Hayden was ordered held in jail without bail following his arraignment in Attleboro District Court where innocent pleas were entered by the court. He faces charges of murder, armed robbery, assault with intent to rob with a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license and possession of marijuana. If convicted of first-degree murder, he faces life in prison without the chance of parole. He seemed unfazed by his legal problems when he was brought into court by Mansfield detectives Sgt. Sam Thompson, the lead investigator, and Frank Archer. "Do you want my autograph, too, homey?" Hayden said to one of a phalanx of cameramen who waited his arrival. Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter would not comment about evidence in the case or continuing investigation. But court records indicate Hayden admitted in a videotaped statement to police that he shot Colwell in the head. Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Brackett, who is prosecuting the case, said in court that Hayden told witnesses interviewed by police that he recently purchased the weapon. Authorities only know that it was a small-caliber weapon and say it has not yet been recovered. In answer to a question from Judge Gregory L. Phillips, Brackett said investigators are pursuing how Hayden purchased the gun. Hayden's lawyer, Francis O'Boy of Taunton, said it was too early in the case to comment specifically about the prosecution's claims. "There were three people involved. It was a drug deal gone bad. Who fired the shot is a live issue," O'Boy said. Hayden obtained a graduate equivalency diploma and worked doing odd jobs, O'Boy said. Hayden was apprehended at South Station in Boston, where, Police Chief Arthur O'Neill said, he was preparing to board a bus to Kentucky. Authorities believe that Hayden has family in that state. He was detained by MBTA police and taken into custody by local and state police detectives. At the time of his arrest, police say he had marijuana stashed inside two Pringles potato chip cans, hidden under some potato chips, according to court records. O'Neill praised local detectives and state police detectives assigned to the Bristol County district attorney's office, saying they did a "superb job". He said the case remains under investigation and others may face charges. O'Neill emphasized that there was no connection between the shooting and an incident last week at the same condo complex in which a SWAT team was brought in to arrest a man on weapons charges. He stressed that the shooting was not random, and that residents should feel safe. The family of Andrew Colwell has asked for privacy to grieve, and released a brief statement through the Bristol County District Attorney's office. "We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the heath care professionals and law enforcement agencies for their relentless efforts in assisting Andrew and our family during this very difficult time," Sutter read during a news conference. Colwell was a popular student at Mansfield High School who had just graduated in the spring and planned to attend the University of New Hampshire in the fall on a scholarship. The slaying has stunned the town. Immediately afterwards, Colwell's friends, classmates and acquaintances joined a group on Facebook called "Help Find Andy's Killer," with many offering personal messages lamenting the loss of the teenager. Mansfield High School graduate Mark Stephan, who started the Facebook group, wrote, "Andy was a good kid; he didn't deserve any of this." Grief counselors will be available at the school from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Friday. DAVID LINTON can be reached at 508-236-338 or at dlinton@thesunchronicle.com.
Post Your Comments maineeyak1970 wrote on Aug 7, 2008 9:30 PM: " How about this it takes only an split second in time to screw up many peoples lifes. including these if you knew mark he was an good kid too he was smart and kind and careing. it has nothing to do with his parents or the rest of the hayden family we are here for support for all parties involved... we want justice as much as many of you but realize this is not the only highschool drug deal in town but one of many mansfield has had this problem for over 20 years and has only gotten worse due to lack of attention by students and residents. both kid are to blame for doing illegal activities and if they had not this young man would be alive today and we would not have this to talk about " mo312 wrote on Jul 27, 2008 8:22 PM: " Let this poor young man rest in peace. I agree with opinionated. There is noone to blame. He was a young kid who DID get a scholarship, he made a bad decision and it cost him his life. We dont come into our own until our late 20's, thirties, sometimes even older. We all live and learn from our mistakes. This young man might have been doing a favor for a friend, or he may have been put up to it, not realizing what he was actually getting involved with. No one really knows the circumstances. What he did does NOT change the person he was. We all make mistakes, especially when we are younger. Those are the mistake we are suppose to learn from and teach our children. He wont have a chance to do that. My God he was only 18! I think anyone who has something negative to say about him should say it elsewhere and not on this blog. His family really does not need your ignorance. Hopefully you never find yourself in the same situation. " opinionated wrote on Jul 27, 2008 4:53 PM: " I just want to comment that NO parent and NO child ever tells each other everything. you cannot possibly discuss or blame the parents for any of this. to "realist" or "mattw" or whoever else is a complete idiot... did your parents know every single thing about you? did you tell them everything you were going out to do? I doubt you can say that you were a PERFECT child and never did anything wrong or lied about where you were going... or with who. that is life and it's never going to change. let's get realistic and continue to remember Andrew as a wonderful guy. (who made a mistake, just like every other human has. aka realist and mattw.) " wretched ron wrote on Jul 25, 2008 11:31 AM: " Realist - what a perfect poiNt to END THIS FORUM ON. Editors - out of respect for both families, please remove this blog. Anything and everything has been discussed. Thanks. " Realist wrote on Jul 25, 2008 11:22 AM: " I wish I could let this go but posts like "Whose to say he was a bad kid for dealing a little pot here and there..." and announcements of scholarships tell us how screwed up society is. (see the TV shows Weeds and Breaking Bad) How much pot is a little? Buying and selling drugs supports a criminal enterprise. No he did not deserve to die nor does he need to be publicly memorialized. " paulp wrote on Jul 25, 2008 8:44 AM: " Good kids don't sell drugs.He died as a result of his illegal actions.I laughed when I read that a scholarship was established in his name!I doubt many parents would want their child to be the recipient of a scholarship in memorial to a drug dealer who died selling pot!!! " kls10212 wrote on Jul 25, 2008 12:31 AM: " excuse me to all who are writing negative things about andy.... i went to high school and he was one of the best kids around. he had a million friends including me i used to drive him home from school alot and he never had anything bad to say about anyone and he had a great life. Whose to say he was a bad kid for dealing a little pot here and there he shouldnt have died this way, known as a drug dealer becuase thats the last thing i would think about when remembering andy, ill always remember him as the honest, thoughtful kid that he was. From Andys Card: In loving memory of Andrew Christopher Colwell August 23, 1989 July 7, 2008 They say there is a reason, They say that time will heal, But neither time or reason, Will change the way we feel For no one knows the heartache That lies beyond our smiles, No one knows how many times We have broken down and cried, We want to tell you something, So there wont be any doubt, You're so wonderful to think of, But so hard to be without. Missyouandy<3RestInPeace " THE TRUTH wrote on Jul 22, 2008 5:11 AM: " What would Andy want? Anyone?..... I think he would want peace. Below is a portion of a favorite poem of mine. Entire poem is too long for this venue. Max Ehrmann Desiderata Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. " paulp wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:16 PM: " Sorry I don't buy that he was a "good kid",unless you believe good kids sell pot.Let's not make a saint of a drug dealer.How involved were his parents in his life?Apparently they missed alot that was going on his life.Life is about choices and clearly Andrew and his shooter both made bad choices.Any death is sad but look at the circumstances that led to his death.Perhaps parents,police dept. and school system should take a look at the drug problem in Mansfield. " 071297 wrote on Jul 18, 2008 4:12 AM: " Why is their not more made of the gun used in this crime it still has not been found and where did this guy get it? " jose21 wrote on Jul 16, 2008 12:01 PM: " realist - that may be true, but the way I see it, it's wrong for you and everyone else to make these comments on a public forum that the kids family could be reading. You have every right to say what you want, but I personally think it's wrong. I don't know if you have children, but I do, and I couldn't imagine to have to bury one of them, and then to have to read 70 posts about how he got what he deserved, or how it was his fault he died. I don't see what you gain from those comments, other than personal satisfaction that you made a point at the expense of a suffering family. " realist wrote on Jul 16, 2008 8:21 AM: " There is a difference between deserving to die and being responsible for one's own death. A kid who plows his father's Lincoln into a granite railroad bridge abutment because he was trying to jump probably did not deserve to die, but he was responsible for the actions that led up to it. This kid probably did not deserve to die, but he was responsible for his own death. He knowingly put himself in a dangerous and illegal situation. Although he is not alone in the blame. Anyone of his HS buddies or neighborhood friends that bought some of his product share in the responsibility. You have also helped support a major criminal enterprise. For those who want to blame society as a whole, that's just another expression of our current unwillingness to take personal responsibility. As to G Wang, you sound like another suburban "gangsta" wannabe, in the last century when I was in HS and drugs were a problem then, too, a well rounded kid was an athlete, scholar, was active in his church or synagogue, and had a part time job. The job did not involve selling drugs. " mmarcia wrote on Jul 12, 2008 4:15 PM: " Not trying to be heartless here but - the law is the law. If you want it changed, work with your legislators for change. May Andrew Colwell rest in peace, and may his parents find some solace in the outpouring of love from his friends. " veggie3589 wrote on Jul 11, 2008 9:38 PM: " I agree completly with Mansfield mom. There is no way in hell you know everything about your children or that they are perfect. I hope to god you don't think becasue they are as imperfect as the rest of us that they don't deserve to be here. God forbid something ever happen to one of your children and you have to see some jerk writting "Good Riddens" about it. "Twisted thought" - well put! " mansfieldmom wrote on Jul 11, 2008 9:00 PM: " MattW,No he did not create the situation,our society created the situation but that discussion is for a whole different forum. You're basically saying that you feel that he deserved this (when someone is arrested for dealing drugs they may do a little jail time if at all) we don't even have the death penalty for murderers and rapists but someone selling weed deserved to die for their crime, you are insane.You say that a kid who dies wrapping his "mustang" around a telephone pole deserves that too, why because he has a fast car.You make no sense.I hope you raise the children you claim to have in a bubble or pray that they never get behind the wheel of a car or make a bad decision, because someday you may be eating your own words, and people may be blogging about you.I can tell you now,I wouldn't sit and pass judgment the way you are. You say you are 45, you certainly don't act your age.You may be a Father,but I'm sure you are not a married man,no sane woman would put up with your twisted thoughts, that is unless she is crazy herself. " veggie3589 wrote on Jul 11, 2008 7:17 PM: " That is very true- I almost threw up when I read that. I mean are you kidding me? You just ended someones life! Anyone who can harm another human being like that deserves to spend their life in jail. And the strange part is- your right- he doesn't even seem phased. " veggie3589 wrote on Jul 11, 2008 7:15 PM: " GWang-I don't think the negative comments represent how the majority of the town feels about the incident. I understand how you feel though, I was equally upset to hear those particular opinions. However; I know from experience that people can always come up with hurtful things to say (even about the victims)you just have to let it roll off :)- as hard as that might be. " Tha G Wang wrote on Jul 11, 2008 7:13 PM: " I agree that mark admitted to the killing and should not be denying it especially after asking the camera man, "do you want my autograph too homey". Theres no honor in that, especially when he shows NO remorse for what he did. The fact is that he is as lackadasical about this as can be and he should be GREATLY bothered by his actions. I dont understand how somebody could be so cold and find thier actions to be a source of ammusement... " Tha G Wang wrote on Jul 11, 2008 7:04 PM: " TO ANYONE WHO FEELS AS IF THEY HAVE BEEN INSULTED: I aplogize if i have came off as abrasive to people here its just tough to think that after a kid has died people could write negative things instead of something of a grieving type of nature. Yes, the reason for all of this was revolved aroung the evil epidemic of drugs but that doesnt mean that the victim here was a typical thug (for lack of a better term). People make wrong choices in life whether its drug/alcohol influenced or not. Yes Andy made a bad choice, but he was no means a "bad" kid. Why cant people just say nice things? " veggie3589 wrote on Jul 11, 2008 7:01 PM: " I'm so glad Mark admitted to the murder so Andy's family wouldn't be put through that pain on top of everything. It is surprising that (being a heartless killer and all)he would have the decency to come clean right away. However, the article says :""There were three people involved. It was a drug deal gone bad. Who fired the shot is a live issue," O'Boy said." > Who fired the shot is a live issue?? I hope that doesn't mean it is suddenly going to be denyed and the court case dragged on? That would be a shame :( " Tha G Wang wrote on Jul 11, 2008 6:45 PM: " there is NO insults here other than to the people who make heartless and cold comments. THATS IT! " Tha G Wang wrote on Jul 11, 2008 6:44 PM: " shocked: you know not enough to comment and people are saying some things that are not relative to the more important matter here. " kingston73 wrote on Jul 11, 2008 6:36 PM: " I won't get personal and will try to be sensitive, but I do think many of you MHS posters (or any of you reading this still in high school) need to realize that selling illegal substances is a very high risk, dangerous activity. 3/4 lbs of pot is a LARGE amount, its worth a lot of money, and it's ILLEGAL! I wasn't a golden child in high school, but I never even thought about dealing/selling pot, not even a single joint. If caught it could ruin your life, or like in this case it can ruin an entire family's life. PLEASE, think about your actions and how they will affect others. None of you are entirely alone, and your mistakes may affect all of those you care about. It doesn't matter whether you have a record or not, it only takes 1 mistake to destroy a life. " shocked123 wrote on Jul 11, 2008 6:26 PM: " Gwang- people are allowed to comment without knowing details. Unless you were one of the people there you don't know what happened either. You clearly care about Andy but why all the insults about people sitting on their computers all day? People are clearly concerned- plus, isn't that what you are doing? You're his good buddy and you didn't make it to the wake or ceremony with the rest of the town- please no more hypocracy people. " Tha G Wang wrote on Jul 11, 2008 6:07 PM: " Unfortunatly I could not make it to andys wake or funeral but to mattw, no i guarentee nobody smelled pot at the wake. That was a pretty lowlife thing to say. Considering I was buddies with Andy, I think its a disgrace that some people get online and talk about people they dont even know and about situations that they dont even know every detail of... For those of you on here who have negative things to say, just get off your computer and walk away. Theres two sides to every story and I can tell you firsthand that Andy was a GREAT kid and NEVER had a problem with anyone. I dont know if any of you have trusted someone who then turned on you but it sucks. This is exactly what happened with Andy, he trusted that kid and he found out the hard way. I can tell you sincerely that andy was not the drug dealer you all say he was so leave the matter alone. " veggie3589 wrote on Jul 11, 2008 3:56 PM: " I did not know Andy personally but I was absolutely heart broken by this news. I came online to re-read the article(crying the whole time of course) and came across these negative comments. I AM ASTONISHED! I too was the victim of a violent crime- it absolutely tore my life apart (not to mention broke the hearts of my family members and friends). My family and I have been on the other end of this and it is devastating, so I picture multiplying that horrible feeling by a thousand- because this teen did not survive his attack. So to all of you who said Andys family could be reading this, how perceptive and compassionate of you! Voice your opinions yes, but if you are going to ridicule- think twice (more for the more ignorant bloggers). People seem to be more concerned with the pot than the MURDERER! That blows my mind. I cannot understand how anyone can read a horrific article such as this and try to justify this poor boy's murder.I give my entire heart to Andys family and friends- you will be in my every prayer. I hope you do not take any offense to heartless comments and that your pain, someday, surrenders. Mansfield is truly distraught by the loss of your son, it is one of the most unfair aspects of life when the innocent are made to unnecessarily suffer.May Andy always rest in PEACE. " Tha G Wang wrote on Jul 11, 2008 1:21 PM: " wreched ron: I say amen to that. I just think its disgracefull that people can sit and say stuff about people they dont even know and especially during a time like this. Are people just totaly heartless or what? This is disgusting that half of these individuals would say these things knowing full well that one of the Colwells may be looking at these comments. " wretched ron wrote on Jul 11, 2008 1:16 PM: " I understand your anger and grief G Wang, you reading and posting in this forum really isn't helping you. You need to walk away from your computer and not look at whats being read. I say this sincerely. " Tha G Wang wrote on Jul 11, 2008 1:07 PM: " Its a small ammount of weed even the district attorney said it, everyone end it with the talk about the risks of dealing. whats done is done so LET IT BE DONE AND END IT!!!! " wretched ron wrote on Jul 11, 2008 12:43 PM: " The purpose of blogging or commenting is just that. People adding there thoughts on a public story. Some people like to throw negative comments in there to get a rise out of people. You'll always get that. Don't let the negative comments offend you, that's the reason why these low lifes post them. But - everyone is entitled to their opinion just as much as we can let them know about "their opinion". My two cents is to the comment that The G Wang said "Andy was killed over a virtually "small ammount' of weed." Three Quarters of a pound of weed is NOT a small amount of weed!! A couple of joints is a "small amount of weed". You and anyone that is of the same age as Andy or Mark need to understand this. When you get invloved in possessing and distributing LARGE amounts of drugs (not just weed, because there really is no difference) the risk of getting robbed, killed and arrested and jailed becomes greater. My thoughts and prayers go out to both families. And I personally don't think either one of them will be reading these comments. They have much more important issues to deal with!! " jose21 wrote on Jul 11, 2008 11:49 AM: " Last time I checked the penalty for dealing pot was minor, depending on the amount. It certainly isn't death. Nobody is saying the kid was perfect, but all of you that are making these comments are heartless. Do you even care that his parents might read this article? Dumb question, ofcourse you don't. So what does that say about you as people? You feel like taking shots at a dead kid and his family, just to make yourself feel better, without any care about the people that read your comments. " jose21 wrote on Jul 11, 2008 11:39 AM: " matt is the typical tough guy that sits behind a keyboard. Would never step up and say anything to someone face to face, but shows his true colors from the cumputer in his parents basement. " mmarcia wrote on Jul 11, 2008 10:55 AM: " Ok, I agree that no parent should have to bury his/her child. But this kid was dealing drugs - wasn't he selling 3/4 of a pound???? He didn't just have a joint or two. And good for the Mansfield school system for making grief counsellors available. At the taxpayers' expense, I'm sure. Because a young man with his whole life ahead of him was killed while creating a crime. And if you don't like that marijuana is illegal, work to change the law - don't break it! Finally- to The Sun - are you moderating this conversation? How can you let the language go???? " tinaflake wrote on Jul 11, 2008 10:13 AM: " To my twocents: No they are not there to raise my son but what is a parent to do when finding these things? any suggestions because I cant kick him out, I cant make him go to a program he has to agree to going, I cant beat him, all I can do is ground him take luxuries from him and talk to him and none of it has worked! So What would u do?? " FormerMansfieldResident wrote on Jul 11, 2008 9:33 AM: " Anyone from Mansfield who uses the word "homey" in any context other than to describe a tastefully decorated living room should be shot out of a cannon. " someguy wrote on Jul 11, 2008 2:02 AM: " mattw, you are a disgrace. such as i, or if any other of his friends or family saw this they would be heart broken. you really need to grow up and have a heart. just do everyone a favor and stop responding to anyone and just shut up, no one wants to hear your bullcrap. seriously, just quit it. " Tha G Wang wrote on Jul 11, 2008 12:43 AM: " Mattw let me tell you something, if you have half a brain you will tuck your tail between your legs and walk away RIGHT NOW and friggen pray to god that none of andys relatives read that comment. The fact that you could say something like that is disgusting. As I can already tell you probably were one of those kids who ate alone at lunch because your a downright toolbag. If you call yourself an upstanding citizen youd better check your card because your a moron. The next time i go to church I'm gonna pray for you, Im gonna pray that somewhere along the line you grow the hell up, get a life, and find something that is a little bit more fulfilling than sitting at your little computer copping your little attitude with people that you dont even know and leaving your disgusting trail behind. Seriously, I dont wanna ever see your friggen name pop up in this chat again. " mattw wrote on Jul 11, 2008 12:24 AM: " OK Tha G Wang By your quote "c'mon this poor kid lost his life over a little bit of something that grows in dirt" - guess what - he'll be in the dirt soon fertilizing the pot he used to sell. For lovelikethis56 - guess what, the media is making a big deal of the "drug thing" because he's a low life drug dealer! It doesn't matter what his GPA is, his tennis scores, what college he was going to - he's a low life drug dealer. That is what he'll be remembered for. How many people that went to his wake tonight smelled pot in the parking lot? He drove around town a lot - yeah, selling drugs to kids. " mansfieldmom wrote on Jul 10, 2008 11:59 PM: " Hojo, First off you say Mansfield has become a disgrace, I disagree, Mansfield is still a wonderful town, bad things happen in all towns/cities. It is because it is such a rare occurence that we have trouble in this town that it stands out. As far as there being "drunks" in Mansfield, that's been the norm for alot more years than I think you care to admit. To say that Casey O'Connor's has anything to do with that is rediculous and it makes me wonder whether or not you may have a HIDDEN AGENDA? Over development, are you saying this is something new, I've lived in this town for almost 17 years and it was this way when I moved here, not much has changed since than, except for the new Mall, perhaps you should knock that place too! Or would that be stepping on all too familiar toes? Furthermore, if you feel that Mansfield is such a bad place, move out. " Tha G Wang wrote on Jul 10, 2008 11:52 PM: " SOXFAN: I commend you on your condolences however the mere point im trying to make is that there is no use in reiterating the point that he is dead because of a drug deal. whats done is done so let sleeping dogs lie. You tell me that the slap in the face is offensive then i think you should check your own comments and say, "wow, a kids dead and here I am trying to make a sensible reason for it". Which if you havent already realized, is what your pretty much doing. I get your point about the risks of getting involved with "the game" however in the long run it was a "little" bit of weed compared to the great value of andys life. Theres no reason and theres no friggen sense in it. So end it brotha, if not for me then do it for andys family because I can bet you that you trying to make sense of thier lost one is not helping too much. There could be SOME and in that some VERY little sense if it was a car accident etc... BUT IT WAS NOT! So I'm ASKING you man, please stop talking about the "he would be alive" b\s because its not the time for that kind of talk. " lovelikethis56 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 11:46 PM: " I went to school with Andy, saw him everyday, driving around town, and at parties. He was such a well rounded kid and had a future going for him with a scholarship to UNH. yeah he made a mistake getting involved with the wrong people, but the media is just focusing on the drug aspect of the case and making the town appear to be this drug busy area when in actuality it isnt. trust me, i go to MHS and it doesn't revolve around drungs as much as people put it out to. Andy was loved by so many and it showed at his wake earlier today. I grieved with so many of the other students and it was such a hard event to cope with. Please look past the drugs and even if you didn't personally know Andy, I can tell you that he was a fantastic person with such a big soul. Take it easy up there babe we love you like no other. We'll all see you up there soon and it will just be like old times, i promise<3 " mytwocents wrote on Jul 10, 2008 11:29 PM: " to tinaflake: That's ridiculous to say "BLAME SOCIETY AND AUTHORITIES FOR THESE NEEDLESS CRIMES AND DEATHS NOT THE PARENTS!!!" Sorry the police and courts can raise your child for you. " Soxfan wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:48 PM: " G Wang: I keep saying it because you're not hearing. Earlier tonight you posted that " Andy was killed over a virtually "small ammount' of weed". Had your friend been caught instead of murdered, the small amount of weed you refered to would have been a felony. Up to $15,000 fine and up to 5 years in jail. Also, no more right to vote or drive unless the courts restored it. You then posted about the "ultimate slap in the face"? What do you think his relatives think of that? Until you and your friends accept that the mistake he made was to commit a felony and needlesly expose himself to a loser with no value system, his death will be just the start. Go to his funeral and ask his parents if they feel it was just a "little weed". I am sorry that all of you are grieving " Tha G Wang wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:47 PM: " TO MANSFIELD MOM: You are easily the most respectable person here. I hold you in VERY high regards. " Tha G Wang wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:25 PM: " Soxfan, listen we got the point. Whats the use in saying this over and over again? The kid died because of a "drug deal" gone bad. The fact that you reiterate that over and over again kinda gives me the impression that you in a way are saying it was his fault. Did that kid know that when he was going to sell a bag to a supposed aquaintence he was going to be gunned down? My guess is no. Generally people feel that they can trust people they have known. Its a clear case of betrayal and andy is NOT to blame! So what is the point of saying this over and over again?! You can bet your nuggets that his parents are reading this and my guess would be that you saying "that he would still be alive" stuff is prrrrrobably rubbing them the wrong way not to mention rubbing it in thier faces. Listen guy, the kid made a mistake by trusting the wrong kid and ended up getting the ultimate slap in the face. I dont know if you have ever trusted someone who then betrayed you but it happens! TRUST ME! END OF STORY! I seriously dont think that saying this stuff about him is doing any good for anybody ESPECIALLY his poor relatives who most likely are reading these comments. " tinaflake wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:16 PM: " Wow Blame the parents some of you have no clue what being a parent of a teen is like. I am a parent of a teen whom has had problems with weed. I have been trying to stop this for 4 yrs I have go to court and put a CHINS on him DSS and the courts have been involved. But what is a parent to do when noone will help. I have gone to DSS and the Cops with weed and drug paprphanilla that was found in my sons room and neither one of them have done any thing! Now I am finding drug dealing things and The cops tell me there is nothing they can do unless it is found on him by them but yet if found in my apartment I get evicted or arrested. so I end with BLAME SOCIETY AND AUTHORITIES FOR THESE NEEDLESS CRIMES AND DEATHS NOT THE PARENTS!!! " Soxfan wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:10 PM: " Shocked: All criminals are dumb, that's a given. The reason that Russia and the USA have yet to blow up the world is a concept called "Mutually Assured Destruction". If I know that you are going to fire at me if I fire at you I am less likely to shoot. If I know you can go to the police I am less likely to try to commit a crime against you. If I know you cannot go to the police I can pull a gun on you. Hide behind whatever argument you like but try to dispute this: If he was not selling drugs that night it is very likely he is alive today. " heartbrokenmom wrote on Jul 10, 2008 9:47 PM: " I just came from Andys wake. God bless his family for being so strong. I waited in line along with so many people who loved Andy. As a mother my heart was in so much pain I cant even begin ! No winnners... Andy Forever rest in peace. I hope this tragedy has taught a lesson. Life is to short. Respect yourselves along with others. Don't get caught up in the fastlane.I love you Andy. You were a good person and I will forever miss you. I know in my heart you will be looking down upon us. " shocked123 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 9:16 PM: " if someone had a gun to your head do you really think they would let you whip out your cellphone to call no matter what it was over? That would be one dumb criminal. " Soxfan wrote on Jul 10, 2008 9:05 PM: " Shocked: To dismiss this tragic loss as only a gun crime and not a drug crime is way off base. The robbery took place because, who is the victim going to call, the police? If a stereo, game system, tv or even a car was stolen while I am trying to sell it, I can call the cops. If I am selling 3/4 of a pound to a stoner and he pulls a gun I can't call anyone so I have to protect my investment. This was a drug crime and a family and friends will have to bury a kid who died because he made a mistake. Learn from this and stop believing that there will always be another day. You have the opportunity to avoid the same fate by not putting yourself in similar situations. " shocked123 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 7:39 PM: " Matt- i stand by what I said- pot doesn't cause these crimes as "liss" said people commit crimes. Mark could have just as easily wanted all his money and shot him. Andy was shot becasue some sick individual would do anything to get what he wanted from him-THAT is the problem. " shocked123 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 7:37 PM: " right on Gwang- that's what I'm saying. A young man died right after graduation leaving so many people heartbroken. END OF STORY. " Tha G Wang wrote on Jul 10, 2008 6:43 PM: " I understand what your saying, however the fact is Andy was killed over a virtually "small ammount' of weed. I could understand but certainly NOT condone if it was lets say a coke deal or heroin deal gone wrong, but c'mon this poor kid lost his life over a little bit of something that grows in dirt. Absolutly disgusting... " Soxfan wrote on Jul 10, 2008 6:28 PM: " To G Wang: I live in this community. When a deal goes wrong and someone dies, I have a right to express myself. Certainly, some of the comments posted here today are deplorable and are not intended to foster discussion about a problem in our community, but rather to hurt friends of the deceased. What you consider recreational drug use is considered by parents in this community as a drug problem. What may have started as a good kid trying to make some quick money turned even quicker to that kid dying. As a parent I am horrified by his parent's loss. As a former drug user, I am lucky to be here typing instead of lying next to him. I hope that the pain you and all of his friends are feeling is channeled towards rethinking what you consider recreational. It can happan to any of us. " Tha G Wang wrote on Jul 10, 2008 6:10 PM: " Trapperdick, shut your dam mouth... " Tha G Wang wrote on Jul 10, 2008 6:07 PM: " Ok first of all half of you need to get a friggin life. I see and read your comments all the time and half of you I am able to tell that this is the most exciting thing you have going for you. I see alot of your names all the time and you people always have something negative to say. To start I knew Andy personally and for any of you to post the negative comments you have posted so far is disgracefull. Half of you have no idea what your talking about and constantly comment like your "Connie Friggen Chung". If you new half of the story behind people youd keep your mouths shut. To tarnish andys name like you have and say the things youve said and they are not only disgusting but hurtfull to his family. SOMEBODY HAS DIED!!!! HELLO?!?! SHUT UP!!! For those of you that have negative things to say, seriously I feel bad for you. I feel bad that you can hear a story without hearing every single detail and knowing the people on a basis higher than what you read, and still sit at your computer and run your mouths like your higher than God judge people. Get off your high horse and stay in the mud where you belong. " Soxfan wrote on Jul 10, 2008 5:51 PM: " Dancelife: I agree that this was the tragic outcome of the ignorant actions of youth but you need to understand some things. You wrote: "To call someone a "drug dealer" who you dont even know, its ridiculous. a "drug dealer" is someone who is a consistent buyer and seller, not a high school student who has no criminal record, and who has made one mistake". There are plenty of people dealing drugs who have yet to be caught. Some of them high school students. A police record is not required to be a dealer. The drug deal was for 3/4 of a pound. Regardless of what his friends say, this was not his first deal. This child was a dealer, that I do not doubt. I do not believe that society is better off with the loss of this young man who I hope would have outgrown his youthful actions. " trapperdick wrote on Jul 10, 2008 5:47 PM: " Two more drug dealers off the street....I can't feel bad for either one of them, they're the cause of 75% of all the crime problems in this country....go ahead beat me up, I expect it. " dancelife wrote on Jul 10, 2008 5:33 PM: " "mattw" what do you then have to say to marks parents>? cuz if they knew there son better theyd know he has a drug issue and carries a firearm.. you are seemingly pointing the finger at the victim and forgetting a portion of the REAL ISSUE here. you are complaining about your "tax dollars" having to be used now because andy has a killer. shame on you. if this was your child youd think different. my parents buried their son..and let me tell you..its the most horrible thing that has changed my families life forever. you clearly havent been thru an experience like this and are just commenting freely without thinking about what this family has to go through because someone wanted to act tough. if something ever happens to your child i hope they confront you about "tax dollars" and you can see how it feels. its not cheap to bury your kid either, but i guess you dont think about these things because your more worried about your stupid tax dollars. get real. and im sure you dont know everything about your kids because everyone has things they keep to themselves. stop being so naive and using your clear sinister outlook on life to harm others during this horrific time. think about the whole story befor you judge. " dancelife wrote on Jul 10, 2008 5:06 PM: " i hate to say this here, because people are supposed to be mourning the loss of a friend, student, brother and son...but some of you people dont have a CLUE. drugs are a serious problem in mansfield,yes, like any town there are issues. But to sit here online all day and say things like "good riddance" and that life is "better without him" be ashamed of yourself. you have kids!? and youre saying these things. im floored. im not even a mother,i am a student, and i know better than you. to call someone a "drug dealer" who you dont even know, its ridiculous. a "drug dealer" is someone who is a consistent buyer and seller, not a high school student who has no criminal record, and who has made one mistake. mark hayden is a punk kid who shot a gun because he is clearly a poor addict who didnt have the money to support his habit. and parents dont know everything about their kids, and sorry to say im sure you dont either unless you suffocate them..because everyone has their secrets. the colwell family is a great family who should be able to grieve without seeing and hearing nasty comments. the class of 2008 lost a friend and a teammate and he will forever be remembered. i suggest we stop being heartless and let his friends and family grieve and support one another on this site not have to read your thoughtless remarks. " mattw wrote on Jul 10, 2008 4:57 PM: " shocked123 - "Pot doesn't cause people to commit these crimes" - huh? Tell that to Andrew Colwell - if he wasn't selling pot to the dropout, he'd be packing his tennis racket for college right now. skeptic - I'm with you, I worked whatever jobs I could to pay for my college & that made me a better person that worked harder in school because I wanted to get my money's worth. " shocked123 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 4:32 PM: " skeptic- i'm not condoning selling weed at all; clearly it has it's price. I am mearly trying to shed some light on the psyche of someone his age. This is all so common, that teens are becoming desensitized to the severity. Although the business is just as risky, the drug is not. Compare your typical "pot head" with a heroin addict- it is certainly not the same. Pot doesn't cause people to commit these crimes. Therefore, I beleive it is unfair for anyone to insinuate the victim was a "bad kid" because of this mistake made so early in life. " skeptic wrote on Jul 10, 2008 4:09 PM: " to shocked123 -- I paid for my own college through part time jobs. Are you saying rather than wasting my talents as a store clerk it would have been okay to sell weed. BTW Weed is a far bigger business then heroin and the higher ups in the organization have no qualms about the elimination of competition and underperforming street dealers. Saying its only weed and not heroin is like saying I only held up a bodega and not a bank. The crime is the same and the consequences can be unfortunate. " the good doctor wrote on Jul 10, 2008 4:05 PM: " Tobacco and alcohol owe their important places in American life to two interacting forces. One is the demand created by millions of people who have learned that using these substances makes them feel good. The other is a supply pressed on the market by promoters whose motive is an eagerness for profit. No matter that neither product has redeeming value as nutrient or medicine. No matter that the ravages attributed to both are well known. Feeling good and avoiding feeling bad are among America's most highly esteemed objectives. After all, our noblest declaration of national purpose begins with a reference to "the Pursuit of Happiness." Some of the drugs (other drugs, remember) which so alarm Americans are much better producers of good feelings and better suppressers of pain and anxiety than anything in the liquor or nicotine lines. Most are also less dangerous. Several are widely relied upon in legitimate therapy. Thus it is inevitable that many people who learn about them one way or another will become users, given the chance, and will be willing to pay enough for their desirable effects to make large profits for suppliers. Consumer prices for tobacco products are inflated one or two times over production costs by taxes, while in the case of beverage alcohol the inflation is nearer fivefold. The competing purveyor of illegal substances, on the other hand, keeps his profits, at least while he remains uncaught, to the last penny. " liss wrote on Jul 10, 2008 3:57 PM: " Good lord, everyone here needs to wake up. Drugs did not cause this. Guns did not cause this. A person caused this- he had a choice. The gun didn't shoot itself. Stop blaming objects for what Mark Hayden did. " shocked123 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 3:50 PM: " Matt- I don't know you or your children but you should know you don't know everything about your children either. That doesn't make someone a bad parent- it makes them human. There is no way any parent could know every detail of their children's lives. So really- if one of your kids makes a mistake you think they just shouldn't be alive? That this world is a better place without them? I don't think so- I think that's dispicable to say. " shocked123 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 3:47 PM: " I don't support dealing pot in any way-but put yourself in the shoes of someone his age. - you've realized you can smoke pot and no one will die (like the commercials on TV hint at), you are a full time student with no qualifications to work anywhere else but supermarkets, convenience stores,etc. I've been there- it is difficult for kids his age to make money with everything else going on. An article said he also played tennis- sports teams in High School are a huge commitment, so how much time does that leave a teen for saving for gas money and college?? It isn't an honest way to make a living, but for many it is one of the few ways they can earn some extra cash. Plus, it isn't like he was dealing heroin, it's weed; and it is easy for teens to think pot is harmless with its prevalence in our society. However, this is a lesson that dealing with even the most harmless drugs IS dangerous. " shocked123 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 3:40 PM: " "My hope is that this young man with his whole life ahead of him has a second chance and that they both learned something from this."-mansfield mom april 16th....just curious-- do you have that same hope for Mark Hayden. Do you hope he can go on with his life and this will just be a lesson learned?? " mattw wrote on Jul 10, 2008 3:36 PM: " Jose21 - what do I know about his parents - they didn't know that their kid was out out in their Jeep making a drug deals. Mansfieldmom - caught up in the situation? He created the situation, he was going to sell drugs to the kid that killed him. A promising future is working hard at an honest job and making something of your life. Not selling drugs to kids. You may think i sound cold but I feel the same way about a kid that goes out and gets a brand new Mustang and gets killed wrapping the car around a telephone pole - as long as he doesn't hurt anyone else, the world is a better place without him. FYI - I'm 45 & have kids. " Soxfan wrote on Jul 10, 2008 3:29 PM: " Earlier this year legalization of pot was debated on the Sun Chronicle website. Shortly thereafter a guest editorial was run where the author argued that legalizing pot could lead to this type of crime. To the Cowell family: your son/brother/nephew died while making a stupid mistake of youth. This does not mean that he was stupid or that he was headed for a lifetime of crime even though what he was doing was illegal. Many of us have made similar mistakes and are blessed enough to have lived through them. Please, someday, focus on all the good in his life and not the horror of his death. " shocked123 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 3:27 PM: " Also, we need to all play a more active role in insuring that these heartless criminals get the punishment they deserve. " shocked123 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 3:24 PM: " How could anyone say something so horrible about someone who has died, no matter what their past? First of all, pot doesn't make him a bad kid by any means; second, if he was able to deal drugs and not get caught by the police- his parents (with busy lives, job, other children- like most parents have) could very easily have been unaware. It amazes me that when someone is hurt or killed and so many people are traumatized and greiving, many heartless invividuals are able to think up something negative to say. Because really- people aren't hurting enough... right? With everything that has been happening in Mansfield lately I beleive it is more strongly correlated to a lack of compassion rather than pot. Mansfield mom's comments also disturb me- you seemed to be much less sympathetic to victims of these horrible and undeserved crimes during another Mansfield incident. It is time for some compassion in this town before it becomes even worse. My heart goes out to Andy's family- what a horrible tradgedy for his many loved ones..may he always rest in peace " umad wrote on Jul 10, 2008 3:15 PM: " Matt is quite right " jose21 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 2:47 PM: " Matt - you are a heartless punk. What do you know about his parents? " mansfieldmom wrote on Jul 10, 2008 2:43 PM: " mattw: You are a disgrace. Who are you to sit and pass judgement? This young man had a promising future ahead of him. Yes he was obviously caught up in a bad situation, but for that he did not deserve to lose his life, you say "good riddens", how cold are you? I am assuming from your post that you are very young, or possibly just very immature. Grow up. As far as his parents, you have no clue what you are talking about. Do you have children? Did you tell your parents EVERYTHING you did growing up (if you are grown)?Think. " realist wrote on Jul 10, 2008 2:37 PM: " Were either of these gentlemen known to the police prior to this incident. What about the passenger? I'm wondering if we're not getting the full story there. Did he run to ditch his own weapon or stash? " mattw wrote on Jul 10, 2008 2:21 PM: " Yes, Upset24, I agree that no parent should have to bury a child - that is horrific. If the parents took a more active role in their son's life maybe he would still be alive. He took their Jeep to commit a crime, he was probably also dealing drugs from their house. " upset24 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 1:55 PM: " to the comment that mattw made, I don't think you would say those things if it was someone in your family or your own child. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding this horrific situation, no parent should EVER have to bury their child. " mattw wrote on Jul 10, 2008 12:30 PM: " Colwell had a promising future - scholarship, college - not! How about common drug dealer - good riddance. Too bad our tax dollars are going to pay to support his drop out loser killer for the reat of his life. " realist wrote on Jul 10, 2008 12:16 PM: " luckyboy328 -- As far as I know that gun has not been recovered. So no one, except the killer, knows how it was obtained. " luckyboy328 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 12:05 PM: " Maybe it's time for everyone to wake up and address the actual problem. There have been drugs and alcohol in this country since it began and that will not change. No one will ever be able to get all of the drugs out of this country. They tried to get rid of alcohol one time, prohibition, did that work, no. Alcohol is also a drug and the only reason why most of the alcoholic parents out there don't want to admit it is because they enjoy it too much, if it helps you make it through your day then good for you. The actual problem is guns, why was a 19 year old able to purchase a small caliber handgun, that is not something one would ever need in everyday life. Look at Europe, someone kills someone else with a gun so they get rid of them. They have a hell of a lot less problem with murder than we do in our country. If you want something for protection by a rifle, you can't hide that in your pocket. If this problem had been addressed earlier we might still have many more "innocent" children left in this country. RIP Andy. " rach520 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 11:31 AM: " Drugs, guns...etc are everywhere. Mansfield is not some special town where nothing happens. When you're doing something wrong something bad always happens. That young man did not deserve to lose his life over pot though. No parent should ever have to bury their own child either, especially when violence is involved. I feel bad for his family but no one should blame the parents for the things their children do. These kids are over 18 which technically makes them "adults". God bless his family and I'm sure their friends and family will help them at this sad time. " HEARTBROKENMOM wrote on Jul 10, 2008 11:10 AM: " Everyone can complain and voice their opinions about drugs and crime and how this whole matter has been handled. Bottom line. Andy is dead and now will be buried by his family.Reguardless of the situation. No mother should have to bury their child! " realist wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:44 AM: " I'm sorry about the misuse of a word. It should be "their friends" not "there friends" " realist wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:43 AM: " To kaal -- I was trying to be sardonic. I guess I was too subtle. Of course drugs and alcohol are everywhere. Parents have to know what's going on in their kids lives, who are there friends, where are they going, etc. Good advice in 1975 even better now. " kaal wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:31 AM: " "yet their parents never noticed. I wonder where they bought their pot? They must have gone out of town because there are no dealers in Mansfield. Just good kids who may have met with a bad element. Also from Mansfield" ARE YOU KIDDING ME??...even when I was in high school Mansfield was known for drugs!!! Now thats the kind of person who's kids do drugs and the parents never know because you refuse to admit it is every where. Wake up, it's everywhere. Yes drugs are dangerous...yet so is alcohol, but thats legal. " spookey wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:16 AM: " what happened here is a very sad thing. a majority of these situations, are who your children hang around with. most dealers, carry weapons on their person, and these are results of drug activity. easy money, tax free, and the joy of having, and buying what you want. DRUGS, are poison, and poison WILL kill you. say NO to drugs PLEASE! " realist wrote on Jul 10, 2008 9:18 AM: " to mij2008 - yet their parents never noticed. I wonder where they bought their pot? They must have gone out of town because there are no dealers in Mansfield. Just good kids who may have met with a bad element. Also from Mansfield. " mij2008 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 8:52 AM: " I've been a mansfield resident for the last 17 years with 4 children who are in or who have been in the Mansfield Public School system. I remember when we first moved here my son, then in middle school, walking through Memorial Park, telling me how there were a bunch of kids getting high in the morning or in the afternoon on his way home. I have a child now at the high school who tells me all the stories of whose getting high at school or whose drunk all too often. It's time for Mansfield to take their blinders off and address the drug and alcohol abuse issues within the community. Mansfield isn't in a bubble where these types of events that took place earlier this week won't happen again. " Hojo20 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 8:50 AM: " I remember 2-3 years ago when Mansfield was named one of the best towns in America. It's become a disgrace. Murders, manhunts, drunks (thanks Casey O' Conor's for that), overdevelopment and a massive budget deficit. Things have definitely gone to pot here. " skeptic wrote on Jul 10, 2008 6:30 AM: " What defines a good kid in Mansfield? Does anyone deserve to die at age 18? This is not a court of law so let's assume it was a DRUG DEAL. This type of things happens often. A small time drug dealer gets ripped off and injured or killed. Since usually it happens to a memeber of a minority in Roxbury, Springfield, New Bedford or Central Falls the comfortable suburbanites of Mansfield and other towns usually go tsk tsk and turn the page to latest drama of the selectmen and the town manager. There would be no hand wringing about what a good kid he was and how if guns were illegal this wouldn't happen except it happened here. Now to all of Andy's customers -- do you feel any guilt that you helped support a criminal enterprise? " kk wrote on Jul 10, 2008 5:36 AM: " Murdered in cold blood, Let's hear it again all you MOONBATS; how come no death penalty? " Beantown wrote on Jul 10, 2008 4:12 AM: " Very unfortunate situation, but everyone should look around them and notice that a lot of these kids coming out of these local school systems (graduated or not) are turning into punks like this Hayden kid.....all parents out there should start taking charge and making sure their kids aren't getting caught up in this "gangsta wannabe" B/S......it's so over played and look where it ended up.... " or
|
