The hosts of an unsupervised suburban teen party, where a 16-year-old boy collapsed and died, were sentenced to community service and probation after pleading no contest to one count each of serving alcohol to minors.
Alexandra Gabrielli, 20, and Patrick “P.J.” Gabrielli, 18, were ordered to serve 200 hours of community service and to pay a $1,000 fine. This sentence stems from their hosting a party the night of May 23 in Orinda. That night, their neighbor, Joe Loudon, a well-liked, athletic sophomore at Miramonte High School, collapsed at the party and later died.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Joe came to the party, drank but only a small amount of beer, and then collapsed.
At Tuesday's sentencing, the Gabrielli siblings listened as a prosecutor read a statement from Joe's mother, Marianne Payne. She had told friends she was too overwhelmed with sadness to attend the hearing and speak on behalf of herself.
She believes that the siblings' "actions and inactions" the night of May 23 contributed to her son's death.
Who knows?
People close to the Gabriellis said that the two siblings were devastated by Joe's death. They held the party on a Saturday night that their mother and stepfather were out of town, Yes, unfortunately, these things happen, when parents leave their teens--whom they trust--home for a night. Maybe the the mother and stepfather feel pretty bad about leaving town and trusting their kids that night.
Friends say the Gabrielli siblings made many efforts to express remorse to Joe's family, including writing letters to the priest at the Catholic Church both families once attended. The siblings also were said to be willing to listen to Payne's statement at their sentencing "with an open heart."
According to the Los Angeles Times, Joe came to the party, drank but only a small amount of beer, and then collapsed.
At Tuesday's sentencing, the Gabrielli siblings listened as a prosecutor read a statement from Joe's mother, Marianne Payne. She had told friends she was too overwhelmed with sadness to attend the hearing and speak on behalf of herself.
She believes that the siblings' "actions and inactions" the night of May 23 contributed to her son's death.
Who knows?
People close to the Gabriellis said that the two siblings were devastated by Joe's death. They held the party on a Saturday night that their mother and stepfather were out of town, Yes, unfortunately, these things happen, when parents leave their teens--whom they trust--home for a night. Maybe the the mother and stepfather feel pretty bad about leaving town and trusting their kids that night.
Friends say the Gabrielli siblings made many efforts to express remorse to Joe's family, including writing letters to the priest at the Catholic Church both families once attended. The siblings also were said to be willing to listen to Payne's statement at their sentencing "with an open heart."
The night of May 23, Joe suddenly collapsed at the party after drinking at most one serving of beer. He died after choking on his own vomit.
The Gabrielli siblings were not charged with wrongdoing in Joe’s death. The cause of Joe’s death remains unknown, largely because of a series of missteps by police and confusion over a prescription drug found in Joe’s system during the autopsy, but which was later revealed to have been injected to prepare his body for organ donation.
Accounts from readers who have reviewed the police reports and a November story in the Los Angeles Times say that other party-goers delayed calling 911 after Joe first collapsed. A partygoer initially revived Joe with CPR that night, and helped move him to a bedroom after Joe came around and said he would be "okay."
When he was found passed out a second time, and smelling of vomit, P.J. and Ali Gabrielli perfomed CPR, and Ali screamed for someone to call 911. That was around 11 p.m.
Joe was pronounced dead shortly after he arrived at Kaiser medical center in Walnut Creek.
Payne spent hours alone with her son's body, waiting for the coroner.
When he was found passed out a second time, and smelling of vomit, P.J. and Ali Gabrielli perfomed CPR, and Ali screamed for someone to call 911. That was around 11 p.m.
Joe was pronounced dead shortly after he arrived at Kaiser medical center in Walnut Creek.
Payne spent hours alone with her son's body, waiting for the coroner.
49 comments:
Just not right they should of had the book thrown at them. 200 hours and a $1000 what was the judge thinking??
"Payne spent hours alone with her son's body, waiting for the coroner."
I followed this story very closely, via blogs, facebook, newspapers, etc; and I never saw this sentence before.
Kudos to soccer mom for writing this as the last sentence of her story.
This sentence literally speaks volumes.
This is so heartbreaking, I have a 16 year old son. I can not even imagine the sorrow and pain the parents of Joseph are feeling.
I do believe these 2 should have been punished more harshly and the parents too. If an event happens at a private home with only teens home and alcohol is served, then the household members are all responsible and all should be punished severly, especially if a death occus in the home. This goes back to the parents. I have teens and young adults, we never left them on their own for longer than an hour in the middle of the day. Teens don't always think reasonably and as parents, it was our duty to make sure they were safe and so were their friends at our home.
I didn't know that they initially revived him and STILL didn't call for help or 911? What kind of human being does this?
I'm stunned they recieved this light sentence for providing alcohol, is the DA going to pursue a charge for contributing to the delinquency of minors? Where is the justice.
They pleaded "no contest" why? They are GUILTY, shame on you!
A plea of "guilty" would have been a step in restoring justice to a mother who lost her son for their lack of action. The Shame.
2:27 your're right there is a charge the DA can work on to redeem themselves a charge for contributing to the delinquency of minors. There is ample evindence
Is Mary Carey still going to talk about changing the culture of teen drinking? Maybe its okay now if she's done with this case but I was very uncomfortable with the idea before.
"They called 911 as soon as they heard Joe was in trouble. The 16- year- old friends who revived Joe the first time (none of whom were the Gabriellis) were the ones who made the fatal mistake of not calling 911. In their (the 16-year-olds') defense, however, Joe woke up, told them that he was fine, and that he just needed to rest. It was the inaction of others, not the Gabriellis, that potentially contributed to Joe's death."
Now you're blaming the 16 year olds for your children's tragic mistakes, we know who you are.
Wasn't PJ Gabrielli there when the 16 year old purchased the alcohol, not only did he not put a stop to contributing to the delinquency of a minor but he himself was a delinquent. Is all on camera
There are many accounts from minors that were there that alexandra ali gabrielli told them to "go downstairs and be quiet" when the police were knocking on their door. Isn't this action contributing to the delinquency of minors? Why is the DA not taking action? We are outraged!
Isn't Alexandre turning 21 years? does this mean the 2 year probation for drinking will be allowed once she is 21? I can't believe this. Did they at least lose their drivers license?
It is GABRIELLI (ALEXANDRA) v. S.C. (RITELLI). Petition for review denied. S168469
and yes they pursued this frivolous case after the dad Bill Ritelli passed away, they have been consistent they are heartless, no remorse no compassion!
Mrs. Payne is right "future dangers lurking below the surface of our seemingly idyllic community."
"Little did I know," she wrote, "that they were right across the street." My son is 8 years old and i will not allow association with this family. After reading all information and doing research on what has been said on this blog and reading the police report it checks out. I have to protect my son from adults that have not made decisions based on character and morality. Is not about their young child but about the adults in the house.
Sadly my daughter was there her account and her friends account confirms some of things that have been said here, she has spoken to the police. My daughter recieved swift and severe concequences for her being there without permission, she did leave early and was not there when Joe first needed CPR. Not only was a fee charged, alcohol served, condoms on floors, property damaged, and sex going on, if we don't press for charges on "contributing to the delinquency of minors" I believe that kids in this community will see this tragedy not as a learning opportuniy but an example of how to get away with it when you break legal laws and moral laws. It's just a shame!
I have attended those Heathy Choices parent education where Mary Carey spoke and according to her "sex under the age of 18 is illegal" weather it's consensual or not many of those that attended the pary were minors.
at least they were wearing a condom....they are learning something!
So, more comments from people upset, hurt, angry, grieving about the death of Joe Loudon, the investigation of the party where he collapsed, and the community's response.
Since I did my previous post, I have received lots of comments, and private e-mails, and even letters sent to my place of work and my home by--psst--a certain attorney.
Some people who know families from different sides of this debate asked me passionately to not let the comments continue. They expressed concern for the teens involved.
Some have said this whole discussion on this blog and elsewhere is stirring up bad feelings, re-opening wounds, and that people just need to heal. But people who say this: are they just blaming the messengers?
Seems to me, the discussion on this blog might be mirroring some of what's actually going on.
Blame my blog, or others, dismiss us, but is that just pretending the bad feelings away?
I asked some questions, I voiced some opinions, some pretty strongly, but that's just me. No one really has to pay attention to me, or what's posted here.
With the hurt and anger continuing, I wonder if there is anything that can be done to lessen that--even a little--for the various people involved. Any thoughts?
Or are there still things people need to say? I suppose you can do that in a forum like this. But is there are better place to do it?
Again, any thoughts?
One possible forum could be next week's Parent Education talk on Changing the Culture of Teen Drinking. That could be helpful. On the other hand, for reasons I've stated before, I'm wary about whether the panelists are prepared to tackle the very difficult issues involved--like those surrounding this tragedy involving the death of Joe Loudon.
Talking about his death and this party, and the consequences that befell those who hosted and attended (or not, according to some readers) could provide a valuable opportunity about the culture of teen drinking, and the way adults do or don't address.
Just my opinion. Believe it or not, contrary to what some have said to me, I'm not out to get anyone. I myself, who doesn't personally know anyone involved, got swept up in the anger and emotion surrounding this case. That wasn't helpful or useful.
Ninety-nine percent of the people who have contacted me claim that they want to find a way to move forward, to heal, to be compassionate, to not be so angry and hurt anymore.
But is that possible?
BRAVO Soccer Mom for standing up to our Constitutional right to speak! Bravo
I can assure that this blog or others are not the contributing factor to our pain, the only motivation behind this statement is to shut you down.
I can assure you that discussion on this blog and elsewhere is not the cause of stirring up bad feelings, or re-opening wounds, is the actions of the people. We've been dealing with this anger for years. Seeing the family that was in so much pain and soon after the frivolous lawsuit that ripped this family shortly after they lost their father. Sometimes you just can’t forgive the unforgivable.
As a mother of young children I'm thankful for this blog and others, not only am i learning about the community but i find useful information about how not to parent. Please continue!
Here's a suggestion "to move forward, to heal, (to be compassionate- no every action they have taken is not compassionate), to not be so angry and hurt anymore."
MOVE
They expressed concern for the teens involved, which teens? The ones that have been discussed are adults.
It is interesting that people don't want to discuss this, Orinda has had the reputation of sweeping bad behavior under the rug. Wake up, it needs to be addressed, part of the problem has been "looking good" everything else matters little.
Why not talk about it, what are you afraid of? Yes everyone makes mistakes, but when a mistake of this magnitude occurs and you pretend it wasn't your fault or minimize fault, well then accept the consequence of people's wrath!
11:49 I agree, big part has been there has been no restitution made to the Louden family from the beginning and lastly their plea of no contest. This is what the community is ourtraged about, we feel there has not been justice. Is not so easy to "move on, heal" when there is no justice.
Certainly there will be a civil lawsuit, but this will not be enough restitution because the insurance company will cover the judgment if won. Ultimately the only justice they will receive might not be in this life and knowing this might bring some peace.
I for one live in WC and learned something useful, didn't know that my minor can get arrested for having sex. We will have to put on our parenting hats on and be the parent they need us to be to protect them and others. It's our moral obligation.
Where there any legal consequences for being drunk when the car accident occured? I'm sure not, maybe if there had been she would have learned a lesson. This is why it's so important to let the kids suffer the consequences before it's too late
I highly doubt it, again it was swept under the rug and had to create a deflection hence the frivolous lawsuit.
Talking about leadership at Miramonte with all the proposed budget cuts, I hope it's on the top of the list to be cut. I've seen what they "do" and I don't want my taxpayers money going to this. Why not make it a afterschool club?
Some people were busy last night.
A couple more things from me:
The "no contest" plea from the Gabriellis is effectively the same as a guilty plea. For some legal technicality, defendants prefer it, because it can't be used, like a guilty plea, in a civil proceeding. Not sure why...But that's what I've always been told.
Speaking of the teens or young adults involved, I simply heard that a few of them might be really hurting. And at risk even. So, I hope people keep that in mind, not just when commenting here, but in general. I've heard people are "on edge."
So, any ideas on how to help those teens or young adults, or to help people not be so "on edge?"
As for a civil lawsuit--I know people expect that to happen. I hope it's not necessary. Just my opinion, but I think the last thing that's needed is more lawyers and authorities involved. As much as I respect the "system", I don't know that the "system" worked so well in this case so far. I just see it, and people's automatically clinging to it, as just prolonging some of the agony.
I had to take a deep breath on this one. So we are supposed to show emphathy and compassion, why? when NONE were shown to us when some of us WERE on "edge" and "at risk". We are angry because again, this is about FAIRNESS, justice!
What I'm getting from all these comments is that most if not all are angry with the parents not the young adults. Seems like they have left a trail of enemies, you have to wonder what they have done. Regardless,I agree no more comments about the kids or young adults. If you have something to say, say it to the parents I think this will help in the healing process because not only is it important to say it, it is also important to hear it. Is the acknowledgement part that will be missing, hopefully they will have the courage to say "I'm sorry".
Crazy,
Your blog has deteriorated into one of those "rag" magazines & is beginning to look like a garbage dump where people can write what they wish, rgardless of the truth.
Shame on you for letting this happen. You are letting people hide behind the coward tag of "anonymous" and write whatever dirt comes into their minds.
I don't read the "rags" and I won't be reading your blog anymore.
So the motto is "don't do unto me what I have done to you" "Turn the other cheek"? I'm not a church goer like they are, but I don't think so!
8:09 why did you not sign your name? I have written on this blog and what I have written has been the truth. You might call it dirt, but what happend was dirt and based on the number of comments I was not the only one to come into contact with these people.
How do you know what a "rag" magazines looks like? I for one do not. I read this blog and others in the community because it allows me to be connected with what is going on in my town, not just this posting but others as well, especially the one on the school measure coming to a vote. Important issues we need to stay informed.
This case is now closed-both the criminal & civil cases.
Joe died of a heart attack that horrible night - not of any drugs or alcohol. When the Gabrieli siblings first enountered Joe & saw he neede heplp, they acted immediately & gave him CPR while others called 911. ain the criminal case they were not found guilty of any wrong doing with respect to Joe but did receive punishment for having a party & serving alcohol - which, again, Joe did not consume.
In the civil case, Joe's mother sued the Garielli parents & the parents of the boy who bought the alcohol - she has won over $2.5 million. She also sued her ex husband so that he could not have claim to any of her earnings if she won. To date Joe's father has not had any financil gain with respects to his son's death.
Honestly, most of you need to realize that there is a majority of kids in Orinda who form together and make a great community. We may be considered "wild" and have some parties but were all teenagers. Joe Loudon, and frankly all the Loudon kids are good people and have a heart. And same goes for the Gabrielli's. They barley deserved the punishment they got. What teenage kids aren't going to throw a party at some point, they did something most kids do and i'm sure your kids are going to at some point also. No one knew Joe was going to die that night, not even himself. So don't go making all these false accusations about this story and the kids in it. By saying all of this gossip you're insulting most of the kids in Orinda because your judging all of us. So Ms. "soccer mom" why don't you save all of your little stories and gossip for your morning walks with your other stay-at-home-mother group of friends. and that goes for the rest of the people saying these types of things about the Gabrielli's and the Loudon's.
Well, I just reread all the comments. Has this community healed?
All the law suites are now settled. Mrs Marianne Payne sued and won approx $2.5 million. Does this now make everything right? What was the point of the money?
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