I think the authorities in Alabama child hostage case are doing the right thing

[cali]

They're releasing very little information. They have released the name of the perp. He's Jimmy Lee Sykes, age 65, Vietnam Vet.

Authorities tight-lipped as standoff over child hostage enters 5th day

Midland City, Alabama (CNN) -- As an armed standoff entered its fifth day Saturday, authorities negotiated through a ventilation pipe with a man accused of barricading himself and a 5-year-old hostage in an underground bunker in southeastern Alabama.

Police have been tight-lipped about a possible motive since the hostage drama began unfolding in Midland City with the shooting of school bus driver and the abduction of the 5-year-old.

In a sign of perhaps how tense negotiations are between authorities and the suspect, officials have refused to detail what, if any, demands have been made by the suspect.

On Friday, the Dale County sheriff did confirm what neighbors have been saying and news outlets around Midland City have been reporting since the standoff began -- the suspected gunman's identity.

<snip>

http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/02/us/alabama-child-hostage/index.html

I am so hoping this little kid is released physically unharmed.

[madokie]

1. Poor Child

I so hope this ends as it should. One going to get help because he needs it, the other get lots of love, caring and hugs. You can figure out which is which I'm sure

[Wounded Bear]

2. Yeah, adding to the sensationalism helps nobody....

Last edited Sat Feb 2, 2013, 02:22 PM - Edit history (1)

Best wishes for the kid. This is a sad, sad story. It's hard to imagine any kind of a happy ending not involving the death of the child or perp.

I keep hoping, though.

[Are_grits_groceries]

4. Ya know what?

I could care less about the perp. If any plan would work that takes him out and saves the kid, they should use it. Callous? I.DON'T CARE. He forfeited his rights by putting that kid's life in very real danger.
If both could be saved, fine. My only objective would be to save the kid. Eff the perp.

[Wounded Bear]

6. I agree....nt

[Are_grits_groceries]

3. So do I.

There is no good solution.
The only things I can think of would be somebody who could talk him out. I don't know if he has anybody that could possibly reach him.
The other would be an odorless gas that would very, very slowly put them to sleep. With his ventilation system, I'm not sure that would work. In addition, it would have to be something that could overcome him but wouldn't kill the kid.

[Whovian]

5. Thank you.