NEW YORK -- The kidnapping and murder of 8-year-old Leiby Kletzky sent shockwaves around the world.
For Leiby's family, the loss of their only son has been almost too much to bear.
"They're strong, tremendous faith in God, but not easy, you know, someone is always missing from the table," Assemblyman Dov Hikind said.
On Thursday, Assemblyman Dov Hikind will be the family's voice in court, reading a message from Leiby's parents about how the murder of their 8-year-old son has altered their lives in unimaginable ways.
"It really speaks about this family and how grateful they are to God and how grateful they are to everyone for being there for them," Assem. Hikind said.
Leiby was kidnapped on July 11, 2011 after getting lost on the first day he'd been allowed to walk home alone from his day camp.
He stopped to ask directions from Levi Aron, also a member of Brooklyn's Orthodox Jewish community, but instead of helping him, Aron is charged with luring Leiby to his apartment, and then drugging him, murdering him and dismembering his body.
The randomness and brutality of the crime inspired sympathy from around the globe.
"Leiby is my son, your son, and everyone's son, everyone got it, the tragedy, of what unfolded here during those days," Hikind said.
Leiby's parents approved the conditions under the plea deal under which Aron is expected to plead guilty to murder and serve 40 years to life in prison.
The plea avoids a trial that would have inevitably included gruesome images and testimony.
The Kletzky family is said to be happy that at least there will be closure in the criminal aspect of this tragedy. Although the family will not be in court physically Thursday, they will be following the proceedings closely.
abclocal.go.com...
5 сен 2024
