Teen who shot caretaker claims victim was abusive pedophile - Crime Watch Daily Full Episode
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- Опубліковано 12 кві 2024
- In this episode of Crime Watch Daily: A teen is convicted for murdering the man who took him off the streets. But is there more to the story?
Why is the victim asking for forgiveness from a pedophile's family? If anything, they should be saying sorry for all the young men that monster has abused!
I get the feeling we aren't getting the full story
@@brookiegremlin6660yeah because it’s difficult to discuss being victimized by a grown pedophile. You could also actually look the case up yourself, you know.
@@brookiegremlin6660 Got this article from Jacksonville's website. Here's the answers to your unwarranted suspicions.
"Jacksonville man agrees to lesser sentence for killing accused pedophile
First Coast News
Berrios
A man who was a teenage runaway when he killed a suspected pedophile received a new sentence Monday after serving 23 years of a life sentence behind bars.
Mark Berrios, now 38, agreed to cut his deal to 30 years stemming from the death of Olen Lee Hepler.
Berrios, from Jacksonville, was 14 when he first encountered Hepler in Daytona Beach. Four months after his 15th birthday, officials arrested him for the shooting death of Hepler.
Berrios’ defense argues the teen was sexually abused and held captive by Hepler. The gun belonged to Hepler, and the defense said Berrios seized a moment when the gun was within his grasp and shot Hepler in the head and fled with his wallet and vehicle.
Berrios’ case received scrutiny from the public due to Hepler’s reputation as a sexual predator of boys. According to court documents, at the time of his death Hepler was under state investigation for sexual crimes against young males.
The Volusia County jury did not hear these details about Hepler during the 1995 trial. Prosecutors successfully suppressed the victim’s ‘prior bad acts’ on the grounds that self-defense was not an issue.
Hepler’s stolen ATM card and his stolen Chevy Blazer Berrios used to drive back to Jacksonville gave state attorneys the evidence they needed to prove the crime was one of a calculated armed robber, not an abuse victim.
CASE-CHANGING DECISION
Sixteen years after Berrios’ sentence, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on an Alabama case made life without parole for juveniles unconstitutional. The 2012 case, Miller vs. Alabama, was a legal turning point for Berrios and his supporters. The decision would apply retroactively to juveniles already serving life without parole, giving them an opportunity for their case to be reviewed by a judge.
In the summer of 2012, Berrios’ attorney asked the court for a new sentencing hearing based on the Miller decision.
DARK SECRETS
Berrios’ witness list looks different than it did over 20 years ago. Loring’s petition and public pleas for her son’s life garnered national attention.
One man in Connecticut discovered Berrios’ story while researching information about his own past. Eric Levy said in a social media video, he immediately recognized Hepler’s name from his own time in Daytona Beach 30 years earlier. Levy called Hepler ‘the worst’ of a ring of people he said trafficked children in Florida. Levy said he was one of those children and has pledged to help free Berrios by testifying in court.
Loring told First Coast News an attorney who represented Hepler agreed to testify to crimes Hepler admitted to during his life.
Berrios’ team hopes these factors that he never got to argue will convince a judge to set him free.
“We are all horrified that a death occurred,” Lording said. “I can truly say this could’ve ended up very differently for my son."
He has to show remorse to even get an opportunity at future release.
@@brookiegremlin6660the full story? Like what, that there were way more kids he molested? Your comment is sounding a lot like you’re defending a child molester… I really hope you’re not.
14:05 I can’t believe you’re asking this question.
He was a minor and you are asking him at what point does this become rape - it was rape from the very first time he sexually assaulted this young man.
THANK YOU! I couldn't finish the episode after that 😔
She was asking when it went from oral sex to rape.
He was a gold digger, plain and simple
Indeed. In no state in America is the age of consent 15.
Him explaining his story and giving those details is what's going to help prove his case. If he was vague odds are he doesn't have a chance
He has done more than his fair share of time and got rid of a monster - sparing many innocent children's lives in the process.
It really bothers me that they knew what the dude was, and therefore why the boy probably killed him but let the kid go to jail for 30 years.
Probably the judge was covering up something that he himself was involved with… Everyone knows cops, judges, lawyers etc are part of the sex trafficking problems!
So do something significant enough to change relevant laws.
🥲
My understanding is that no one knew what the guy was. He never told anyone. Not until now.
@@9babyblu The story said the police knew yet he was still out to do whatever he wanted, the justice system is corrupt
How insensitive can you be asking him "You let him touch you"? Like he wasn't a child & the predator was the adult. Maybe CWD should do some sensitivity trainings. Disgusting
Agreed. This sickened me. What a horrendous way to ask this!
@@veeber LAnd would they interview a woman like this, come the eff on CWD, do better!!!
That was crazy. Honestly triggering.
@@sharpedge3355Yes, they probably would have but it's still egregious.
Completely agree, in my opinion she asked quite a few stupid questions. Did you cry? Did you scream? Jeez.
Free Mark Berrios!!!
I wouldn’t be shocked if the local cops or judges were involved in the ring …
My first thought too
Ryt
THIS!!! Poor guy 🥺
100% my thoughts
Free him- that dude was a P !!! Imagine the kids he saved from this monster 😢
So many red flags with that abuser but how is a kid supposed to know? As a survivor of child SA, my heart goes out to him 💔
Me too girl. My step dad.
I'm sorry that happened to you.
"His bad behavior" is an insane phrase when refering to someone under investigation for rape and child pornography.
Straight up
Right just like she kept saying his “reputation “ as a pedo. I’m like what? That’s what the guy IS.
Right!? I don’t like the way those two dudes talked about him they made it seem like he ran a stop sign a long time ago or something then acted like it had nothing to do with this case when it’s literally 60-70% of what the case is.
The way she asked that man,’did you scream?’,after he said he was raped,was so weird.
I know! I was like, who asks that?!?
Absolutely sh*tty interview skills. It’s like asking someone what they were wearing, if they said no, did they fight back, were they intoxicated, and etc. Umm, they were KIDS!! How was whether he screamed relevant to the atrocity he experienced?!
Trash reporter
When she said “so you just let him t***h you?” 😤😤😤😤no way would she ask a woman that after revealing that to her. That’s disgusting
@@treybaybie1526exactly! Or the “at what point did it become rape” like wtf kinna questions was she asking??
A long sentence for a 15 year old in a tough situation. Perhaps they should have spent the same effort on prosecuting the child molester/ rapist.
23 years in jail for save the other kids
Even after the court’s findings they still give him 30 years. What a slap in the face! He should have been released immediately.
I believe Mark. I was Mark, and I know what it’s like to be assaulted as a kid and no one believes your story. A 47yr old man befriended a 15yr old is a huge red flag. Authorities knew of Lee’s behaviors and protected him.
It’s the 4 of June at 2:00am in the morning I’m 😮on central Time and I went to catholic school all the years I was in school.I never told my dad all the reason I would not go to school .He passed away in 1993,And I was out of school by then and working a job.. But it eventually came out.I was put out of school.but it all came out really fucked up in the head.I was never again right in the head. It really messed me up .I have never had a normal relationship.I did get a divorce and kept custody of my kid .THATS all I really will finish my story one day .And make sure everything he did to
Me will come out😊
They left him in jail 7 more yrs!?!??!?! WTF!?!?!?
I was surprised when I looked this up. He was originally charged with a life sentence! 30 years was he re-sentence! That was in 2017. So, going by that, he either has been or is due for release this year.
I am completely shocked
There are hundreds of convictions of child exploitation victims like this that need to be reviewed. Reminds me of the case of the two boys in Florida that killed their father at the behest of the man who had been abusing them for years. They should not be put in prison if it’s likely they were responding to ongoing sexual abuse.
@Tsunami__ • what case in Florida? Names if you can recall? I’d like to look in to that. Thank you! 🤗
@@RoniShawn Derek and Alex King. To clarify, they did not off their abuser. They offed their dad.
@@brookiegremlin6660Yeah the op is confusingly worded. Thanks.
@@RoniShawnthe kids were Alex King can't recall the other lil Boys name!! The pedos name was terry but I can't recall last name
@@brookiegremlin6660 ooooh k ok! I’ll look in to that! I’m curious now!
I was raped when I was in college. I never told anyone. I found out my raper was killed. All I can say to that person is thank you. I felt like I could speak now. But before then... I was always in fear.
Is this why you're gay?
@@missreia. 😮 😂😂😂🫢
Karma
I always wonder how it felt for survivors to feel after the main person has died in their eyes . Like it just makes sense that some to all will be happy with that idea . Secretly to yourself .💀
I'm sorry that this happened to you
14:25 shame on her for asking those questions!! He was a child. It’s r@pe… full stop.
Awful
Its hard to talk when you experience trauma
That first case is outragous, that poor boy who now is a man is jailed for protecting himself.
I don’t believe that!!! Look at his face. He’s lying!
@@gasmith7486 i thought the same. something is so off about this
He had been having sex with the guy before and was ashamed. That wasn't the first time.
The man was a known sex offender, think about that first
You’re gullible af! Dude’s obviously lying
The line of questioning disgusts me. A woman in the same situation would never be ask these same questions without there being an uproar. Why not believe all boys?
Because there has to be proof.
I agree. Had to turn it off honestly.
Yes. Also, her facial expressions and tone are so negative. She makes me very uncomfortable to be honest
I know !! I was like wtf is she asking these type of questions?!? "Did you scream?" REALLY?!?@
This is a normal line of questioning for anyone in this position (typically women). He's been in prison for 23 years, this is how he proves he shouldn't have been in prison in the first place.
My sympathies to the people in the comments defending the pdfile and saying the guy is lying. Life must be hard being this dumb.
These people:
Zero evidence but an adult in the vicinity of a child: GrOOMER! GRoOmER!
Previous victims, a case of trafficking and pdf against him, closet full of clothes for different size boys, children toys, trips to Disneyland: innocent, we cant tell if he's a predator.
I'm a 58 yr old woman, and I was molested by 2 girl cousins when I was 10 and they were 15 and 16....I never told my family and it took me until I was in my 30's to admit it to anyone else!! When you are younger it's very confusing how you feel and think.... and shame will keep you so paralyzed with fear, guilt and feeling dirty. A lot of ppl do NOT want to just admit this to everyone! That prosecutor needs to go to some classes to learn about abuse!!
Stupid question " u let him touch u" ...this is blaming a child victim for a predators actions and she really needs to educate herself on how a victims response can be to freeze during an assault
The word "let" in this situation is sordid. CWD needs some training indeed!!
She would NEVER have said that to a female victim.
2:54 Imagine a journalist asking a woman who says she was raped the same question.
15:42 his parents let him down period. Especially his mom. He was 15 this prosecutor is gross.
My thoughts exactly! She failed him and it's her fault that he was turned out so young and nieve. 😠
It is these kind of cases that reiterates the fact that the courts support perpetrators more than they do victims.
No he shouldn't of been put in jail , he should of been given therapy. 🙏
Shouldn’t have!!!
@@user-ec2yw5ep9w 🙄
He never mentioned the assaults until his interview with theses people. So why would they sentence him to therapy.
Basically 7 years left. Injustice
He will be let out in a couple of years, but I am disturbed that they sent him to prison in the first place and that the monster who harmed him deserved what he got
It sounds like these boys were let down by their birth families. They probably thought they were to blame, at fault for being abused.
It's even more devastating when you realize what happened to him in prison at age 15, in prison with a bunch of grown men. Sexual assault in Florida prison is rampant and terrifying for anybody, especially a kid. He seems like he's keeping his shit together and I really hope that he does good once he's released in August. I'm happy he's going to be out soon.
The idea that the rapist bit chunks of flesh out of her breasts, but the cops were still trying to argue that she hadn't explicitly said no is the wildest thing I've ever heard. Even if she had consented to sex, she didn't consent to assault. That's like saying someone who's stabbed or beaten deserves it if they didn't say no.
Did the detective or prosecutor argue that the first case should suppress evidence of crimes against children from the jury because they were just “bad things” he did and “skeletons” in his past? That’s the second most disturbing thing in that case. That man took his innocence and the justice system took his life.
Give this man a re trial! Free him! Whoever that prosecutor is, is ridiculous!!!
The lawyer saying if it was me I would
It's the sentence all victims feel a gut punch hearing
Hugs to those that watch this and have that reaction to hearing that
Love vibes to you
I believe Mark something in my gut tells me he's truthful I hope he gets freedom soon 😢
I believe him too
I'm shocked at the long sentence given to a minor, an abused minor at that.
His youth wasted because if a peodophile, and a terrible justice system.
The prosecution and judges were part of the ring
“Victim” probably was.
He groomed this young boy. So sad. There are so many lives ruined from these predators.
That lawyer is awful - to say that Mark “should have just told the jury everything” like it is that easy.
Easy to say this when you haven’t had it happen to you.
And to still agree that the sentence is fair is beyond me.
💯
Crazy that he said what he would have done or said to the jury totally forgetting that a 15 year old may not think of all the things to clear themselves.
Literally just wrote the same thing, that lawyer is awful xx
THERE IS NO JUSTICE FOR THE CHILDREN
The justice system is so wack! If you can call it that. Much love to the innocence project!
Way TOO long! He should be allowed a life!
No, sir, you are a hero because you did prevent other children from unbelievable torture and trauma that will affect them for their entire lives. You did the world to service, and I am so sorry for you that instead of being rewarded for that service, you are punished, which has only added greatly to your own trauma. The word greatly doesn't even cover it
💯
This man doesn't belong in prison
True crime should try harder to help free his life
Society, judicial system and his parents failed him Big Time!
They can’t even say pedo …”bad behaviour” … 🙄 are you one then
The fact he was unaware of this pedophiles other actions gives him more credibility. Cops can be just idiots. I think this boy probably saved hundreds of kids. This guy in the navy suit saying he should have said it all in court doesn't know what it feels like to be vulnerable. When you are violated you do not want everyone knowing it. Thank God this boy did for teen boys what the law didn't.
All evidence of the man's past was available at the crime scene/the house, LE needed to do a more balanced investigation!!!
Let him out #florida!!
The ASST. State Attorney said his head was on the pillow but that picture shows his head hanging off the couch just like Mark said. How can he not believe an actual picture. Unbelievable, just unbelievable. 12:41
This is just sad
Hes not lying about it. Listen to.his day 1. He didn't know what else to do.
How do you know he not lying you don't know that
His sentence was not fair. If the police was watching him and new, why why why
the judge that dismissed evidence should be arrested for false imprisonment
Just seeing this man in prison and hearing what he openly has to say , I am sure that once out he will stand out in his community as a great man !!!
He should be free by now
Free Mark Berrios..... 7 more years is HELL
Set mark free !!!
I feel also he should be compensated, due to insufficient defence and the holding back of evidence on his behalf!
🇬🇧 sandy
Free this man !!!!!!
The importance of a dad being around during childhood is immeasurable.
A life sentence for a 15 year old is inhumane. We can't justify that as a society.
Disneyland is a favorite for sickos, I was also groomed the same way
😢
Disney is pure evil and always has been.
What a handsome young man, I pray he has peace. I pray this state realizes their mistake in this boys conviction.
Nobody under the age of 18 should ever be sentenced to life…
Depends
I can't shake the thought that he looks like a parallel universe Tom Brady.
This dude just said the judge made the right call ?? The allegations of bad behavior ?? Smh 🤦♂️, really ?? This is criminal
It is very difficult for victims of rape come forward or even say they were raped. When it is boys or men that reluctance is magnified by 10.
Free this man and counsel him.
Wow 30 years for killing a demon. This justice system is so confusing
Mark all I can say is, I hope you see the outside sooner than 7 yrs…. You are absolutley right you took a life. You served your time…. This man hurt hundreds of children and caused them a life of pain. You ended the chance others would be hurt… I commend you
Wow. what a great role model the mother is?
IKR! What a horrible mother she is. I blame her for his fkd up life! 😠😠
No one deserves rape but I feel that prosecutor deserves to feel how mark felt. He didn't even care that Mark and others were abused.
Let this man out NOW
Why is this title written like this? He’s not any less of a survivor (I don’t like using the term victim) because he’s male.
The victim they are talking about in the title is the pedo that was unalived.
Everyone getting upset for the questions asked about asking forgiveness and his reaction to being called a hero is to make sure the parole board don’t have any shred of support to keep him incarcerated when the time comes.
Free Mark then sue the city for his years in prison. This was self defense
This is the male version of the Cyntoia Brown case. He deserves to be pardoned and let go.
You can see trauma in his eyes, he’s embarrassed to admit what happened to him , free the man wtf
what do you mean he didn't know he was a pedophile at the time? are they he ABSOLUTELY knew he was a pedophile....how? because he groomed, S. assaulted and molested him. if that's not being a chomo then what do you call that? the fact that he didn't know about the chomos past actually gives credit to his story
You can see the pain and fear in his eyes. Poor guy.
He should have gotten only 10 years especially when the courts had documents of the dead man history
He deserves to get out wtf two people but probably more and plus he was a gay predator like wtf
What does the gay part have to do with anything? Are straight predators okay in your book?
@@Tsumami__in this case alot
Their's.sickos like that man all over Daytona Beach. This kid should've never been charged like this. Florida prisons, jails, law enforcement, and court system is the most brutal and flawed
I cant believe even after eric came forward and supported mark at court he still got 30 years.!!! This is soooo not right! That poor guy has been in jail fro bloody 15! After being abused by a dirty minded a.hole! I hope mark knows how many people he has supporting him!
This is so sad, really.
As a survivor, I can definitely say that I wish that I was strong enough to fight back against my abuser.
I experienced physical abuse from both parents from an extremely young. Then after my mother remarried, my stepfather began physically abusing me. After about a year after he and my mother married, the sexual molestation started. Then two months before I turned 15, my atepfather attempted to rape me. I was able to get away and hide until my stepfather went to work. That was the day I was taken from mother's custody. He called me on the phone from work after I called the police. I told him that I had called the police and he promised never to touch me again if I didn't tell the police what he did.
I never got justice despite finding the courage to tell my story. My stepfather was only sentenced to 15 months of weekend jail. Absolutely disgusting.
This is the reason why some abuse victims kill their abusers. They know nothing is going to happen if they do speak up about abuse which is appalling.
The interviewer in the first case, questions the "victim" as if she doesn't believe him. Clearly, she is biased and seems desensitized to what this guy, as a young boy, experienced.
If he had a gun laying around , you’d know sooner or later he was gunna hold him hostage or worse
Biggest injustice ever!! He should be free already, poor guy was just a kid
Take this time to heal, Eric. You got this. It wasn't your fault. Your parents fell short and you weren't able to stop what happened to you, being so young. It wasn't personal, it was a scumbag targeting anyone.
what a horrible way to question an abuse victim.. “you let him touch you?” “why should anyone belief you..?” …really??😭
At what point does it advance to rape? The first interaction was rape. He was a minor 😡😡😡
The "he started rubbing on my shoulders" triggered me. That's how all the older men who tried to touch me started. They seem to do the same thing. Now I hate when people rub my shoulders or stand behind me.
You know just wait till all the victims get together and decide to fight back against these people. What will they do then because there is more victims then predators and we are about tired of our judicial system failing us.
The interviewer also asked another VICTIM Eric, " DID YOU SCREAM?" Wth? She's cold
They should do a polygraph test on Mark.
They need to let him out, the system is fvcked.
Thrown in prison for protecting and saving his life and multiple other children’s.
It really says alot about the people in power doesn’t it, it’s almost as if they’re protecting people like themselves huh…
These prosecutors should be charged with child-neglect, punishing CHILD of 15 for doing exactly what any right-thinking adult SHOULD have done.