May our thoughts and prayers be with the victim, Merinda Thompson, as well as the perpetrator Justin Jackson, who is a very young man, who made a very serious mistake. I'm sorry for the family of Merinda, as well as the family of Justin. There are lots of victims.

7-11. The individual is ultimately responsible for his actions. But the 7-11 operates a free-for-all in that parking lot everyday. Would he have smoked and drove anyway? Likely, but the climate at the "sev" after school is a consortium of kids just brewing bad behavoir. When will that blight be addressed. As well, as this community has grown the need for sidewalks have grown. How many people have to die on our streets before township officials wake up. Pedestrians and bicyclist lives are in constant danger anywhere near a roadway. Again, I know its the drivers fault, but these ideas would mitigate future tragedies.

There should be mug shots of his parents as well. I suspect they could have prevented this.

Loser!!

Hang him from the nearest tree!

One word: AWFUL.

That "sev" as the kids call it is a breading ground for drugs and drug deals. A better police presence might help. Or school officials walking over, so maybe their presence would discourage the kids from smoking

My heart goes out to the family that lost Miranda. I do not feel sorry for this 18 year old kid who should know better than to do what he did. Now he has to face the consequences, and he should sit and think about what he did for the next (at least 10 years) in jail. If you behave in this manner, than you suffer the consequences. I know if my daughter was killed, I would want this guy in jail until he was 50. I don't feel one bit sorry for him. I hope he spends a lot of time thinking about what he has done, taking a beautiful woman from her family and children because of his stupid, selfish behavior.

Just another pathetic LOSER from this lost generation. I sure his Mommy and Daddy are so surprised that their little spoiled brat could do such a horrific thing, send him away and throw away the key, NEXT

I agree with all of the above what ever he gets is not long enough. RIP Miranda

I did alot of stupid things as a teenager,I just never got caught. There are no winners in this situation.two boys have list thier mommy .a mother has lost a daughter.sisters and brothers are without a sibling and all the friends she had made over the years being the wonderful person she is will miss her greatly.the drivers parents will be losing a son.... Good or bad,I would still stand behind my daughter.no winners in this situation.i was hit by a out of control teen two yrs ago.two spinal surgery a later i am still a mess and live in constant pain .i don't blame the kid but the parent for allowing him to drive without a valid license and lying to the insurance company.what a great dad.i hears this driver who killed Rhys women had many traffic situations.the police could gave done more,the parents could have done more but in the end she is dead and there is no way of bringing her back.threre is no justice or happy ending to this story ...... Mac

Bob- people like you are the reason why we lose hope. Your patriot and conservative ways are no help to this situation. Your closed mindedness is very sad. If it was your spoiled kids how would you feel? Nobody knows how everything really happend. The media thrives off your negative attention. It's your generation bob that we have no hope for. Your old world views can't handle the new world.

ROB THE LIBERAL, I just love when IDIOT LIBS like yourself spout their tree hugging views on law abiding people like myself. You my spinless friend are clueless and closed minded. The Media, (YOUR MEDIA the OBUMBLE MEDIA) only reports on news that they can spin their way. FYI my generation worked hard, raised family's, had values, believed in God and Country not like the mindless youth of this generation.

He was high, texting and speeding, this amounts to an intentional homicide to me. I heard the news in which his lawyer stated that he has not been back to school and has been in grief therapy since this happened. Really?? I wonder if he cares if Mrs. Thompson's husband and children will need therapy to deal with their loss. Even if gets the 3 years, he will return and have a life. Mrs. Thompson was killed and Mr. Thompson will never have his wife back and their 2 young children will never have their mother again. The lawyer also stated that he only had his license for 7 months, so I guess this is the newest excuse? I guess they should have told him at driving school that pot is illegal, an especially bad combination with driving and texting! (insert sarcasm). I hope the DA goes tough on this case. I see too many speeders and reckless drivers out here who I really believe if stopped by the police, they would be arrested for DUI. It is becoming a war zone. Reduce the speed limit and catch more of these know-it-all drivers!!

Some people are just so closed minded. Do you forget that accidents happen everyday? Accidents happen at a spilt second. They are not planned nor are they intentional. Yes, the driver made mistakes and may have driven recklessly. But take a minute to think of how many people a day you observe speeding on the road because they may be late to work or school. How many people blow threw a red light because it just had been yellow. People make mistakes everyday driving. In this case the driver made a mistake which resulted with a tragic ending. Im sure he feels awful and has to live with that feeling everyday for the rest of his life. Also will suffer consequences from this court case. The last thing either family needs is outside opinions from people who do not know the facts of this case. The driver is not a murder, what are the chances that he swerved to the other side of the road right when she was running past. That's called an accident. Just remember before you judge anyone.. That accidents happen.

Let's not blame this problem on pot. Medical Marijuana helps alot of people out with problems, rather then taking pills that will end up eating your liver in the end. This happened because a kid was texting and driving at the same time. I see it all the time, stupid people driving while on there phones. People need to stop thinking there lives will end if there not connected to there phones. This is a very said ending. This kid should go to prison for a long time for killing the woman on my opinion. If this happened to me they would try to give me life which I believe they should give him. Anybody that kills another should get life in prison. Just my two cents.

One second of bad judgement has changed many lives. Such a tragedy.

So many lives were negatively affected here,... why do people need to talk badly about people who are and will continue to pay for their actions for the rest of their lives? Every terrible accident, crime or circumstance that happens,.. the rest of us need to take this awful opportunity to educate OUR children.

Some people act like they've never been young, have never texted while driving, or made a bad decision. This is a tragedy and a real shame. Neither if the families would appreciate what has been said here "hang him from the nearest tree" that's sick. Stop sitting on the limerick patch talking badly about justin. And educate you families about how to prevent accidents like this one. And also get a life I bet most of you people are a third party who know nothing about what either families are going through. Im disgusted to live somewhere that people are so ignorant. @lorraine613 you've commented on every article and every page you could find. Go do something if you want things to change. Go to borough or board meetings put your thought in. Or get a job or another job. Stop wasting all your time your short minded uneducated thoughts aren't helping anyone. God bless both families, rip merinda and stay strong justin

My family is in the process of researching to find an organization (or perhaps creating a new one) to END DISTRACTED DRIVING! Anyone that is interested in something like this, PLEASE find a way to contact us and join us in this most important crusade. @ Lorraine613: I can tell you that my family very much appreciated your comments and support when we lost our daughter and I would suspect that those that do not, simply have a different opinion than you do. Do NOT stop giving your opinions, but I do invite you to join us in our efforts to stop distracted driving

Such a shame on both ends. Stop judging and realize that you too have texted while driving. Stop lying to yourself. We are a country that needs instant gratification. No one wins. I myself have banned texting while driving. Teach kids to put the phone in the glove compartment until you have reached your destination. This could be ANYONE.

so many mean people make comments. but its still is so sad. I feel bad for all who is involved I really do. that kid has to live with this the rest of his life. Its just so sad all of it. what is our world coming to? everyone always fighting and judging people. we all just need to get along. I am sorry for all the families. I really am. I don't know them but I am praying for them. they have a long road ahead of them. oh by the way we do need sidewalks. we have plenty of parks and trails.

Even if you haven't texted and drove I'm sure you've talk on the phone or looked at it.... distracted driving everyone has done it whether they wanna admit it or not

I don't roller skate on Ridge Pike for a reason..I love my family, my life and myself!

I cannot believe that I saw so many comments on this reporters story about legalizing marijuana as a plus from the community. If it was legal this kid would be getting a fine for texting. And going further this journalist dwells on negative instead positive. Where are the huge headlines and pics of our Springford Girls winning states???? Problem with this whole community patch.

I agree, this is a horrible tragedy.........I also agree that Patch as a whole in every town has become a harbor for negativity, they don't report on positive stories, like they did when they started.....I was forwarded this story on the Rams victory, and they have great stories on all of the play off games and all of the seniors

www.tcsnewsonline.com/2013StateChampionRams.html

First off lorraine you're a dirty liar you've never touched your phone while driving. I guess you've never changed the radio station.? Never sneezed while driving.? We all know you have. Second off you maybe be the most ignorant person I have ever seen. If I make it growing up.? What's that supposed to mean.? I have a clean license, I play lacrosse and have a 3.0 gpa that got me a 40000 dollar college scholarship. I'll make it and do better than you'll ever do. Its people like me that'll do something about stopping kids from dying and going jail. You don't know justin and I doubt you knew merinda. And lastly I dont do or think about drugs not once have I said anything about any kind of drugs. Ignorance must be a key thing in your pathetic life. You're a loser learn to respect people if your kid was in this situation you'd never say anything. I can happen to anyone at anything. Thanks

Casey - read this clearly. First, how dare you call me a dirty liar! I have NEVER EVER used a phone while driving. You don't even know me. I don't have to convince you of this because you are a nothing to me. You are comparing sneezing while driving to texting and driving HIGH?? Please! How stupid you are. I doubt you will ever do better than me. I own my own business. "It's people like me that'll do something about stopping kids from dying and going jail" - you left out to jail. What have you done? Nothing. Kids are dying, getting high and going to jail. You have done nothing for them just like in your pathetic life. What are you a lawyer that gets people out of trouble? I am not impressed at all with your ignorance. You do not know who I knew, so keep your mouth shut. "You may be (two words - with a 3.0 gpa, you should know that) the most ignorant person I have ever seen". What? You have never seen me!! I don't have kids, but I do have nephews that, fortunately, grew up to respect people and the law and human life. Now go harass someone else because if you dare harass me again, I will go to the Patch, get your full name and report you for harassment! Got it?? Have I made myself clear, punk?

Let's just hope the family of Merinda (not Miranda as many are calling her) Thompson isn't exposed to the vitriol and petty, personal attacks that have cropped up in online discussions related to her tragic death. Life is too short for this kind of animosity and uncivility toward strangers.

To Casey and Lorraine on here. Really? This was a tragic story and you have turned it into a soap opera all about the 2 of you. Why don't you chat somewhere else about your pathetic lives.

I have also seen you have made a lot of comments in the past, so get a life yourself and don't think my life is pathetic!

Freedom of speech not once have I harassed you. You're saying rude things about something you only know about because of the this article. You know nothing. Its disrespectful to judge the way you are. Go to the patch and get my name I've done nothing wrong if anything you're harassing me. This is done try laying in bed at night knowing you'll won't be seeing a good friend for many years. Thinking about how he feels about what both families are going through its not about you. Its about stopping people from driving high and stopping phone use in the car. Youre being so ridiculous and dramatic. I'm done.

Lyssa: YOU obviously don't know either family so why don't you take your own advice and stay off this page and don't make any comments. It was not my opinion that I stated that he smoked pop and texted just before the accident - it was reported as fact by the police. You obviously did not see the comments that this Casey made to me first (you two sound like friends). These are hundreds of negative opinions and facts out there by people, but he chose to comment and harass me - calling me a dirty liar and pathetic when he does not even know me! I do not have the time to comment anymore to any of you ignorant people!

Bottom line: We have to stop making excuses for people's bad behavior if we want this type of behavior to stop. A life was lost. The goal of punishment is to stop the bad behavior so this does not happen again. If we constantly minimize the punishment then we minimize its effects and we get more and more tragedies like this one. We all make choices, some good and some bad. There are consequences for bad choices. That is a part of life. Feeling bad about what he did is simply not enough. We need to let others know that when an accident occurs because you chose to text and drive, then there will be very serious consequences on many levels. Maybe when his friends hear about his punishment, they will think better of repeating the same behavior when they realize the impact both to the victim and their friend. That is the ultimate goal.

Casey - I knew you were friends with him. If you are as good a friend of his as you say, you will stand by him. You will be in court with him, you will try to let him see the consequences of making wrong decisions and, mostly, if he does go to prison, you will visit him and be there for him. It is neither about you. It is not about all these people commenting on here. It is about a woman that lost her life and two little boys that have to grow up without their mother. They will lay in bed every night crying for their mother, whom they will NEVER see again. Stand by your friend. If he learns something from this, it will not all be for nothing.

I have and will continue to stand by him. If you took my comments as harassment I apologize but me saying those things to you and not knowing you is just like all you people saying things about justin. Its wrong. We all know mistakes were made that costed that lady her life that's no reason to say hang him from a tree or call him a murderer this isn't the 1930's we respect each other whether they're black white green or yellow criminal or not. It was an accident he didn't get into his car and say let me run this lady over. It was a mistake a freak accident

I don't understand why the administrators haven't closed this comment section. This is totally unproductive and unnecessary.

This is really beginning to be comical . Bottom line is the guy screwed up royally . And he will pay for that every night when him and Bubba turn out the lights at night

Bob, I agree with the guy screwed up part, but the Bubba thing shows your ignorance, so I'll just have to assume you are speaking from personal experience..

Hey boy never in jail I put many people in those jails, the inside is not a place for punks like yourself. People don't like hearing reality. He chose to get high, he chose to text and both are against the law, end of story. God gave us free will and he made his choices and now he's going to pay for his decisions.

Boy Blunder you are Clueless lol

I knew you were a Liberal. Your kind are so predictable. So do yourself a favor don't get involved in something you can't handle lol. And remember Liberalism is constipation of the brain. Good night and good luck you will need all the luck you can get.

Casey: I never said about hanging him from a tree. Someone else made that comment. I would NEVER make that kind of comment. I am not a judge or the jury. He should not be hung from a tree and that was an ignorant comment. It is just frustrating that I cannot get through to you and your sister, Lyssa, that this was totally avoidable - if he had just not been texting and high on pot. He was because it came up in his system with the blood test. The police would not have brought those charges if it was not there. I just hope that when he gets out of prison, he can go to our schools and speak at schools about the dangers of all drugs, especially when driving. I think it would really make a difference. This would be great. I hope he can learn from this. Good luck to your friend. I am glad you are standing by him.

Lorraine...do us all a favor and just stop. Everything that could possibly be said on both sides of this debate has already been said...over and over...let it go.

Listen Rofo Dad, if Casey responded back to me, I only responded back to him, NOT YOU. You do not have a clue as to why I am passionate about this. I did not respond to you yesterday, but now I am. If you don't like all the comments people are making, I suggest you stay off this site. Go be a father to your children!

@casey & @lyssa ; I'm sure Justin would appreciate he fact that you stood up for him. Who ever knows Justin sure as hell knows he never meant for any of this to happen and he needs us more than ever now. My prayers go out to the Thompson family but I will continue to stand by Justin.

LOL OMG. No wonder you don't have kids @ Lorraine613. No one probably can stand you long enough to 'throw it in you'. I don't agree with this kids choice to drive high or text. Its unreal that he killed someone while doing this. I have two little ones and if that was me jogging I know that my family would be crushed. Its sad for BOTH sides. ALL teens screw up, All of them get in trouble at some point. Not all of them though get caught, or get injured, or kill people. Unfortunately Justin made a choice that seriously affected his whole life and others forever. Some kids get off scot free and never get caught. The only good that might come out of this is to get in that high school and teach awareness. Teach those who think that the are untouchable that they can be in his shoes at any moment. Maybe the 3% of the kids who have any kind of heart will change how they drive. I cant even begin to tell you how many times I have seen fellow friends, classmates, drive high..drive drunk...drive while texting..drive while doing make up..drive distracted all the time. Hell I have been a teen myself and done so. There is NO seriousness of having a car or license UNTIL you crash your first vehicle. Then most kids get what the car can do. Its sad but so true. PREVENTION is what should be taught, not lets point fingers at the bad kid. Or blame the freaking 7-11..(seriously?!) Thats ridiculous. Do something good with your life not just sit around a point fingers. Nothing good comes from that.

First of all @ForAnd Against, I believe you are the MOST IGNORANT person to have EVER commented here. I can't believe you have 2 kids. Poor things! How desperate must your partner be! I don't think ANYONE would be crushed if you were killed so don't worry. How dare you make comments about my personal life when you do not know ANYTHING about my life. You are disgusting and crude!! First, ALL kids to do not get in trouble at some time - speak about yourself. Also, you make ridiculous comments about there not being any seriousness of having a car or license until you crash your first vehicle. Are you serious or just high right now?? Either way, you are pathetic. What a ridiculous comment. Second, you claim to have seen people drive high. If you didn't report it, you are as guilty as they are when they kill someone. I would not brag that you did it when you were young - that is NOT something to brag about. Third, I was NOT the one that mentioned 7-11. I mentioned about hoping he will be able to speak at schools and show them the dangers of drugs, texting and driving. I have my own business, thank you, and I am very successful and have a loving and amazing boyfriend so think before you speak and get a life! I am flaging your comment and reporting it to the Patch!

Yeah you dont have kids so you don't know. So therefore your entire position in invalid and moot. God obviously didn't bless you with any for reasons. Once you do and actually raise some..then try and tell me teens are perfect. What a ridiculous human being lol I wont entertain the rest of the dribble that I didnt read

ALSO, only my first line was to you. The rest of what I originally wrote was not for you So get off your pony show

@Lorraine613 you are an awful human being. You just told the person above that their children wouldnt miss then if he didnt come home... That is a sadisti, sick minded, psychotic thing to say, even to you worst enemy. You are so concerned about what people are commenting. Like grow up. You are a grown woman and are starting drama on the limerick patch....thats real threatening! I hope you regret what you have said because it is terrible and i know im not the only person thinking this. For once can you just let people say what they want on an opinion based forum. You bickering at everyones comments isnt helping. Stay strong justin! And rip merinda

I want this to end, but no one will let it rest! Tyler, you obviously didn't read his (or her) comments to me. They were crude and uncalled for! They are a sad excuse for a human being. "no one can stand me long enough to put it in me"? That is sad. It is because of parents like him (or her) that so many kids and teens have problems. They should not be parents. Let it rest!

Yes, it's hard not to defend yourself when you've been insulted, but if you want this to end, just stop commenting! You can be the grown-up here and let it rest yourself. "Sticks and stones..."

First let me say this is a horrible story. I feel terrible for everyone involved. Next it is pathetic that this space is being used for such childish bickering. I read these comments generally for the entertainment value. I expect once in a while to see the rantings of a few idiots, have a quick chuckle and go on with my day. I have never been more annoyed reading them than I have been watching Lorraine fight with high school kids who appear to have their heads on straight. Call me crazy but you Lorraine come off like a self righteous know it all. Like the others have said.. grow up and get a life. Maybe some one will throw it in!

Who ever insanelorraine is I thank you for supporting us. You've made my day. I have apparently harassed her but if you ask me she started it. And turned the whole comment section into something about herself rather than the real problem here.

Thank you PG. You sound like a level-headed sincere person. Casey, insanelorraine is another one of your friends. You sound like a spoiled brat. This is not about me or you or even your friend, it is about an innocent woman that was killed and taken away from her family BECAUSE of your friend and he will have to pay the consequences. If you read the comments, you and your friends are the only ones that don't think he did anything wrong. That's sad, but he will have to face the court and the judge. If you have an issue about being "impaired, texting and reckless driving" as the Patch and the Mercury put it, why don't you take it up with the police that arrested him, the DA that will prosecute him and the Patch and the Mercury - I guess they are all wrong that he was "impaired". You and your friends are right and everyone else is wrong.

Insanelorraine a/k/a Casey, if you think these high school kids have their heads on straight, you ARE insane. Yeah, it's okay to smoke pot, text and drive reckless and kill someone. First, Casey graduated already with a 3.0 grade, remember? (yeah, right).

To Casey and your little posse, you may comment all you like, I have unsubscribed from these comments so I will not see any of your silly comments. I will just read the future articles that will say how many years your friend gets!

Lorainne how about you just drop it... No one cares about you, your thoughts, or how you feel about casey. Get over yourself. Your ego is sky high. Get a grip, grow up, and have a good day

I'm not even insanelorainne. I was going to try to be an adult here but no you start trying to start stuff with me on the limerick patch. YOU ARE CRAZY women. Harassing everybody on this forum. I think you escaped from the lunny bin or something oh my gosh. I am offically done commenting on this article. Happy easter lorainne

So, this story is now teetering national (I'm from halfway across the country), and after reading I can confirm the death of decency in America. Both in the subject of the story and also in the content of the comments.

Mr. Domizio: Why in the world would you open comments on this story? I hope you would consider removing all comments regarding this case/story past and present. There are some children directly affected by this today and in the future that deserve better than to have to read these hateful words in the comment section.

Take 5 minutes and put yourselves in the victims shoes. Now shut the hell up, all of you!

You would all be singing a different tune if it was your grandmother, mother, aunt, sister or daughter that was killed by a mindless teen. As for the teen, there is no defense. Those of you defending him must be as mindless as he. Don't get me wrong. If this were truly an accident I could sympathize with his situation, but it was not. This was a mindless killing.

Amen MD finally someone else with common sense

Thank you M.D. and agree with your comments.