Winfield Avenue Attack Spurs Rapid Reaction

The first commenter posted on Patch at about 9 a.m. Wednesday morning, expressing outrage that some of the teens accused of brutally beating and robbing a Port Chester man Saturday night in Harrison might be allowed back in school.

"I am outraged by this brutal attack," the anonymous commenter said. "I do not want these kids back in the same school as my children."

Within 24 hours more than 80 comments were posted on Patch's story about the incident, expressing emotions ranging from rage to deep concern that an incident like this could happen in a quiet Harrison neighborhood, allegedly orchestrated mostly by Harrison teens.

"This is shocking," said a commenter from Park Lane. "To think that kids like that live right here in our community."

Others discussed possible motives for the crime. According to several reports, the badly beaten victim was 21 years old, much older than most of his attackers. A few comments pointed to the ages of the girls allegedly involved, saying there is more to this case than meets the eye.

Several people urged others to wait for more facts before jumping to conclusions.

"Of the many who have written comments here, who is qualified to judge anyone until all the facts are known?" wrote someone under the username Michael Fiore. "Please raise your hand... Save your comments for when all the facts are known."

Some of those facts remain murky at this point. Police have not released a specific motive for the case, but did say the incident dates back to Facebook chatter between a friend of the alleged attackers and the victim.

Blame was also discussed throughout the day Wednesday. From parents, to kids, to schools and even society itself, who to point the finger toward varied. Some said they would like to see a larger police presence in the schools, others said the school district has nothing to due with whatever unfolded on Winfield Avenue.

Making matters more difficult are the ages of the alleged attackers. Several reports have indicated that 19-year-old Prince Lee of Harrison is one of the accused, but the others who face charges are under 18 and likely won't be named until courts decide whether or not to charge them as adults.

"Personally, I believe that in order to form a legitimate and genuine opinion, you need to know who these kids are," said one commenter.

As the community reacts to an attack many view as out-of-character for a usually quite Westchester town, most are dealing with the incident in their own way. A commenter under the simple name "mom" outlined what she hopes will develop from a difficult situation.

"I hope the victim heals. I hope the parents of the attackers find the strength to get their kids the help they need. I hope these kids mature to be responsible caring adults. I hope none of you find yourselves ever having to deal with a situation like this with your children," the post read. "Regardless of how much time and attention you give your children, eventually they are given freedom and hopefully make the right decisions. They don't always."