From time to time, even in a small-town community such as LaPlace, a child will be murdered. For a parent to confront the awful fact that not only did their child precede them to death, but that someone specifically intended for that child to die is a heartbreak nearly unbearable for any good parent.

The LaPlace community, and the East St. John High School community, is now dealing with the loss of one of their own. This is a pain no one should have to feel, and we question and wonder and most of all, ask why. Why should any young person die so senselessly and so violently? What could motivate someone to brutally take someone’s life?

There are those who feel this generation of young people have been desensitized to violence with the influence of television, movies and the recording industry. That, however, is not the case. The overwhelming majority of this present generation are good people, loving and caring. It is only those on the fringe, outside the edge, who have somehow lost their sense of balance, their common concern for their fellow human beings.

We don’t know why Jim Rogers died. Speculation is circulating in the community, but nothing is yet known. What little has come out by way of speculation makes no sense at all.

Perhaps in his last hours, he was resisting his killers’ demands that he help them in something highly illegal. If so, then he died bravely, and he is a hero.

That, though, is small solace for his grieving parents, friends and other family members. It is a hope we can all cling to, as the investigation continues into this case.

Every child’s life is precious, and no parent should have to endure such pain, grief, heartache and loss.

We extend our deepest, sincere sympathies and prayers for those loved ones of Jim Rogers. He was a good young man, and his loss is keenly felt in the community.

L’Observateur