Please Give a Young Man a Path to Redemption and a Future!

On May 7, 2020, our family suffered an unspeakable tragedy. After years of struggling with serious mental illness, my 17-year-old son Daniel Weisberger had a psychotic break, attacking his brother, Pascal, and myself, and is now charged with Pascal’s death. Despite this terrible outcome, Daniel greatly loved both his brother and myself, and is utterly heartbroken by Pascal’s loss, wishing every second since this terrible incident occurred that his brother was still with us.

This tragic reality is the result of Daniel being subjected to years of physical and emotional cruelty, behavior that went on for much of his childhood, as well as a mental health system inadequate to help him overcome the serious psychological issues caused by the abuse. Despite this well-documented history, in January 2020 multiple state agencies responsible for Daniel’s welfare made the egregious decision to place him back with his abuser and failed to properly safeguard that he would be treated appropriately this time.

The consequence of these actions was Daniel being traumatized by months of emotional and physical abuse and neglect, leading to the precipitous deterioration in his mental well-being, which ultimately triggered the actions believed to have caused his brother’s death. 

Despite Daniel’s age and the obvious role that child abuse and mental illness played in this tragedy, the Monroe County State Attorney’s office has charged Daniel as an adult and intends for him to spend decades in prison, essentially eliminating his chance for a future. Pascal’s death was a tragedy beyond comprehension, but long-term imprisonment for Daniel will only lead to the lives of both boys being destroyed, when one can still be saved.

Unfortunately, despite the wishes of Daniel’s family, the legal system has not been pursuing a just outcome for Daniel. Though a victim in the case, I strongly believe that Daniel being denied a future is unacceptable, and as someone who knew Pascal better than anyone, I am confident he would feel the same. That is why I’m asking for your help to press for a resolution that will acknowledge that Daniel is a mentally ill child in need of long-term mental health treatment, not incarceration.

The push for criminal justice reform and an improved mental health system have garnered increasing focus around our country in recent times. Improvements in these areas are particularly necessary with juveniles, who differ from adults in many ways, including their level of brain development and ability to make appropriate decisions. Children charged with a crime deserve to be treated in a manner that acknowledges their stage of development and emphasizes treatment and rehabilitation, especially when mental health is a contributing factor.

Even serious crimes should be handled in light of these factors: A case in point is a noteworthy example years ago in Miami that was resolved in a more enlightened manner, with a number of approaches relevant and appropriate for Daniel. See https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1989-09-10-8903020457-story.html and https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1993-10-03-9309170554-story.html for further information.

As a father, I love my boys equally, and while I continue to grieve Pascal’s loss, I strongly believe that Daniel is a good person who should be helped, not incarcerated. Daniel didn’t deserve to suffer the trauma of abuse and mental illness, and the truth is that no one loved Pascal more than Daniel, or is more devastated by the reality of his loss. Daniel should have received better help to overcome the struggles he faced, but was instead placed in situations that further undermined his emotional and psychological well-being, resulting in a terrible tragedy.

The past can’t be undone, but Daniel deserves our care and support in the present. We need to ensure that he finally gets the help necessary to provide a way through this terrible tragedy, and to the positive life that Pascal would want for him.

To support Pascal's way (https://www.facebook.com/PascalsWay.org/ )for Daniel's future, a path to redemption and a meaningful life for his brother, instead of one wasted in prison, please send this message to the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office by signing and commenting on this petition, reflecting that:

 (1) Daniel’s background being a child with mental illness and as a victim of abuse at the time of the incident, should be strongly considered.

(2) The case be resolved through an agreed plea of “Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity", allowing Daniel to receive long term mental health treatment and rehabilitation, not incarceration, and avoid putting our family and the community through the trauma of a trial.

(3) That the State and Court work with Daniel’s attorneys to identify the best available mental health treatment program to provide Daniel with the help needed to have a possibility of living a healthy and productive life, as his brother Pascal would want.

                                          #PascalsWay