Isla Vista Firebomber Released Bail-Free

Judge Clifford Anderson has taken his rightful seat next to Ochoa and Hill, As part of the most laxed and wimpy legal system in the country. Only in Santa Barbara can a guy try to burn down an inhabited Police station and get out of jail without bail. Seriously?!?!?!? I wonder if they would have been so easy on him if he had thrown a molotov cocktail in their courtroom.....Yep, good old Santa Barbara County.....If you do the crime, you won't have to worry about the time....heck, you won't even have to worry about bail.

Or if he would have been an hispanic gang member? Or a black person? Or a person of lesser financial means?

How nice of Judge Anderson to recognize that there's no such thing as a bad boy. One wonders what he would have decided if his own chambers had been firebombed.

Where is "hank" when i need him?!?!

Have any of the above commentators stopped to consider the kid might be innocent? If they really believed he was responsible for these violent crimes that have been officially deemed terrorist acts apparently, then why would he be released with no bail?
Usually the judge is presented with some sort of rock solid evidence and the DA would be protesting to high heaven. Dept. of Homeland Security is also involved and I'm inclined to think they would have also lobbied hard to keep Keiper in custody if they felt he was a solid threat.
Have people who've been arrested for medicinal marijuana been released bail free? I don't think so.
So instead of bellyaching and freaking out that a suspect who in our legal system is innocent until proven guilty has been released bail free; we should all be more concerned that there is potentially the real culprit running around unknownst to us.
Perhaps some of you just don't approve with his political opinions and thus wish Keiper in jail, and that is decidedly as Anti-American as firebombing your fellow citizens.

I hate to call the race/financial situation status card, but can anyone else explain this one to me? When else does mommy and daddy get to take junior home after committing such a serious crime on the promise that he will get help?

Arson. Attempted murder upon police officers. No bail?
This city/county is corrupt to the core, and this disparity is just one element of proof among many (Aaron Tudor; still on the job. Kasi Beutel: still on the job...although relegated to citing skateboarders! Cam Sanchez; still on the job, although it's well known that he'd leave SB in a flash if anyone would be dumb enough to hire him.)
Excuse me while I puke...

Innocent until proven guilty, or caught with a smoking car like Joe Armendariz. See above my above comment. I think the headline for this article is at the very least regrettable; he has plead innocent and has not been convicted therefore he is only a suspect.

Right here 2x4! WHAT A FARCE! Judge Anderson, what the hell are you thinking? This guy admits to a dangerous crime & he gets a free walk? Hey your honor, lots of gangsters also have a lot of people rooting for them, let em' all out too, why don't you. What an absolute joke. Now they're trying to turn it into an insanity type of plea? YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING! Well, fireboy has DEFINITELY beat that system occupoo hates. Congrats, you arsonist :) henry

Hank, he has plead innocent.

60 Minutes II: Falsely Accused - CBS News
www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/01/02/60...
Jan 2, 2002 – Some promising leads will pan out, but also some innocent people may be ... One American who knows all about that is Richard Jewell, who in 1996 was falsely accused of bombing the Olympics.

I'm with AZ2SB on this one. If that was a young Latino male with a shaved head in the mug, NO WAY he is out free. Total BS.

Ken reading the article he seemed to have admitted his guilt although there is the other firebombing they are still looking for the party involved, if he was innocent he would have just been released with no restrictions.

For all you screaming for blood it seems like he is suffering from a verifiable mental illness thus the conditions. I would applaud the Judge for his decision, since as we all know the jail does not have adequate mental health services. I am sure him turning himself in and having a strong support network (family) played a role in the decision by Judge Anderson.

Mr. Keiper still has court in front of him and the decision will be made whether or not he could distinguish right from wrong even with whatever mental illness was afflicting him at which point punishment may well come into play.

Just because I wasn't clear enough he turned himself in which could be viewed as a indication of guilt, a not guilty plea due to incompetence at the time of the crime while it would be grounds to acquit does not mean the subject did not commit the action.

Ken_Volok, If it was a weak charge, they would have dropped charges. Go back and read the article; He admits guilt. pointssouth says "I am sure him turning himself in and having a strong support network (family) played a role in the decision by Judge Anderson." WRONG! Daddy's pocket book is what played a role in this travisty of justice. AZ2SB and Scooter are correct, if this numbnut had been latino or black or poor, it would have been a no bail hold, not release.

And frankly I'm not buying the Mental Disorder crap! Clearly the guy is nuts, I mean, don't you have be to go and firebomb any place, especially a cop house??? Yes, it's clear this guy is a full bubble off center, but so what? he is still a menace to society and has no business walking free. The time for his "Loving Support System" to have stepped in would have been before he started throwing fire bombs at the police station!

And Ken, FYI, Richard Jewell was never actually arrested...big difference here. Here, they actually have a case.

With that, I casually walk to the edge of the ring and tag in Hank. yeeeeeeeeee haaaaaaaaa

This is so wrong for so many reasons. If Mr. Keiper has a mental illness that would be better treated outside of jail then I see no problem with him being released. If so punishment needs to be applied consistently towards everyone. Look at the case of Ben Warren who has asperger's syndrome and is serving a one year sentence in solitary confinement for stealing a van from the foodbank (non-violent). If Mr. Keiper was Latino and poor there is NO WAY he would be out. Now here is the real kicker, what if Mr. Keiper was Muslim, do you think Judge Anderson would have let him out to go work at his brother's non-profit Islamic Mosque, after being arrested for throwing Molotov cocktails at the Sheriff's station? This just goes to show the amount of discrimination in the criminal justice system in Santa Barbara.

AMEN, sbs124, amen.

Hank jumps into the ring &...! HAHAHAHA! 2x4, that is some funny stuff! Love the a "bubble off center" comment, made my morning!
So fireboy gets a release to go work @ his bro's non-profit Christian charity?
Considering the terroristic nature of his crime, that is quite a "forgiving" step.
Obvious factors here: Daddy's wallet, fireboy is White, a UCSB student, supposed insanity, yada, yada, yada.
Let's look @ another potentially obvious factor: Judge Anderson's RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION.
Going on a limb here (which I do often, but so what?), but I'm willing to bet (based on the Nordic nature of his honor's last name) that he is Lutheran (which sect/synod, who knows, depends on his house of worship).
I wonder if fireboy would've gotten the same "forgiveness" had he been Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Scientologist, Coptic, Santeria, Rasta or an Atheist or Agnostic?
As for the mental illness thing, come on you softies & give it a break already, it's a plea of convenience!
I'm sure if it was YOUR home this buttmonkey threw a firebomb @ you'd be screaming for blood, even if he was deemed "insane"!
We (law abiding, hard working, tax paying people of assorted & various political affiliations) are tired of witnessing stupid people get rewarded for bad behavior because they're deemed as a little "crazy" by slick-a$$ lawyers. Strategy vs. reality.
This guy ain't nuts, he's a typical entitled IV drunken stoner (based on the requirement he stay away from drugs & booze) w/ a deluded political agenda.
Funny thing is in the 1960's there was a group of these guys & gals running around called the Weather Underground doing the same thing.
Cool thing is many of those malakas blew themselves up in their terrorist in-home bomb factories.
Guess that's what happens when you get the wrong version of the Anarchist Cookbook (there's 2 versions, another story for another time).
In all, Judge Anderson has taken a place next to Ochoa & Hill as a proud member of the judicial catch & release program.
Hmmmm... Maybe it's time for me to start living out some crazy thoughts, I know if I got ANY of those 3 judges I'd be skipping down the path to "rehabilitation" they so often tout.
Nah, just kidding, I like working, following the law & paying my dues just like any other regular Joe/Jane has to do, gives me a warm feeling & nobody notices (NO! I didn't pee in my wetsuit) :) henry

Turning oneself in is not the same as admitting guilt, it's cooperating with an investigation. What would you have had Keiper do? Escape in his Bronco at slow speeds down the 405?

Ken, Drink some more cool-aid it helps with the delusional thinking.........

"Judicial catch and release."

I'm gonna steal that, Hank.... :-)

Something to consider: Keith Keiper's father has stepped up to provide him the psychological and medical help he may need. Had Daniel Attias and his wife done the same for their long-troubled son, David, instead of buying him a fancy car and sending him up to UCSB with his meds, perhaps four people might not have died on the streets of Isla Vista back in 2001.

2x4 says
"And frankly I'm not buying the Mental Disorder crap! Clearly the guy is nuts, I mean, don't you have be to go and firebomb any place, especially a cop house??? Yes, it's clear this guy is a full bubble off center, but so what? he is still a menace to society and has no business walking free."

There are lots of people out here with Serious Mental Illnesses who are dealing with them successfully most of the time, and who are making great contributions to society. One slip-up in their support system and they can do some pretty whacky things. Does that mean they need to be isolated from society in a prison? Or in an institution with completely non- or dysfunctional SMI compatriots?
I think not--what a waste of great potential. But of course you may disagree.
Discrimination? Two very similar individuals, one who has a solid support system (including daddy's wallet, as some commenters have put it), the other who has nothing--as a judge I'd be more likely to release the first one, fair or not. Wouldn't it be nice if we as a society could provide for all equally, without regard to income?

You've all convicted him based on a headline. If he were a serious threat (much less guilty of what apparently has been deemed a "terrorist act" why would the FBI and DHS consent to his release? By far not the most "liberal" institutions on the block are they?
Maybe he is guilty, but just maybe he's innocent as he has plead. It speaks volumes that people are more upset that the system appears to be working than they are about the possibility of the actual culprit being both unknown and on the loose.
The reactions here are almost like the old stereotype of a woman cowering atop of a chair because a mouse is loose.

The definition of classism,

Classism: Bias based of social or economic class.

Classism is prejudice or discrimination on the basis of social class. It includes individual attitudes and behaviors, systems of policies and practices that are set up to benefit the upper classes at the expense of the lower classes.

You be the judge. :)

I get a warm fuzzy feelling from all of you guys! HANK RULES!!!

Ken -

Is the system really working? For whom? It definitely seems to be working for European American, Christians, with money.

Is it really working for everyone else who may not come from what society considers "a good family"?

We can discuss whether this is fair or not, but a Judge has the duty to be unbiased and the ensure equal protection under the law for EVERYONE.

In response to: sbs124 and AZ2SB,
I totally agree with the issues you've both raised. I have wanted to keep my points focused and avoid introducing points that I feel you both covered very well already and avoid a big long rant.

Hey Ken, what's it like at night when the demons come?

There's been no demons since I filed the restraining order against you.

2x4: "Hey Ken, what's it like at night when the demons come?"

KenV: "There's been no demons since I filed the restraining order against you."

Ken, there ARE ways to get around those pesky injunctions. BWAHAHAHAHAHA! :) henry

How do you know that he didn't turn himself due to the fact that they were on to him, and that he was about to have a SWAT team break his door down? How do we know that he isn't giving up all his Occupy co-conspirators as we speak and working on a much bigger case with the FBI and maybe the ATF in exchange for immunity? Hmmm? Patty Hearst anyone?

2x4 Applaudes AZ2SB! Damn, with both Hank and AZ in the debate, all others better recognize!

You've jumped the shark AZ2SB.
Personally, before I publicly criticize a movement (i.e. The Tea Party) I find out what they're about. Seems many of you are basing your judgement of this guy based on his connection with a group that first and foremost espouses nonviolence. Not like the Tea Party idiots with their guns and nooses.

What do you think, Hank....This little trooper "Ken" has alot of heart....unfortunately, he didn't even notice that we already won the match and are out having a beer now.

ahhh, the indi, with juvenile delinquents out having a beer, you think law enforcement would have it's hands full. 2x4 should upgrade to 4x4 if it wants to go off-roading and win trophies. word up, recognize, peace out.

Spacey: "ahhh, the indi, with juvenile delinquents out having a beer, you think law enforcement would have it's hands full. 2x4 should upgrade to 4x4 if it wants to go off-roading and win trophies. word up, recognize, peace out."

Translation: Ahh, the Independent, w/ opinions of all kinds from responsible, hard working, tax paying, law abiding folks, law enforcement appreciates these people.
2x4 probably does have a paid for, smogged, legal 4x4 that he goes offroading w/ for fun, not trophies. Good opinions folks, keep up the good work, peace be w/ you."

There spacey, FTFY (fixed that for you) :) henry

KenV: "You've jumped the shark AZ2SB.
Personally, before I publicly criticize a movement (i.e. The Tea Party) I find out what they're about. Seems many of you are basing your judgement of this guy based on his connection with a group that first and foremost espouses nonviolence. Not like the Tea Party idiots with their guns and nooses."

You'e tasted the kook-aid Ken.
Personally, before I publicly criticize a movement (i.e. occupoo Wall Street) I find out what they're about.
Seems you are basing the tea party's connection to racism & violence based on their right to bear arms (2nd Amendment, US Constitution) while they've been non-violent as well.
Not like the occupooper idiots, illegally camping, ruining mom & pop businesses near their campsites, stopping regular hard working folks from getting to their jobs so they can live their lives, ruining public places, spousing anarchism & socialism, threatening members of the media, showing effigies of people in nooses.

There, sound familiar? :) henry

"Isla Vista Firebomber Released Bail-Free" is the headline. Unless this man has been convicted of this crime, this is not only irresponsible journalism, but could get you people into hot water. My suggestion: "Man suspected of firebombing..."

@BC
I actually wrote the editor/publisher about this regrettable headline. There's such a rush to go "to print" on the internet now proofing ect seems to have gone with the windbags. I'm not sure there's been such an inflammatory headline since Willie Hearst stopped overseeing editorial back in the day.
In general:
Some commentators will be surprised to learn that Anarchism and Socialism are two very different political philosophies.
Overall the comments here demonstrate the mob mentality that our legal system is designed to protect defendants against, who are legally innocent until found guilty.

BLA BLA BLA......how is your beer, Hank? :) Mine is nice and frosty :P

I went to the trial on Feb 10 and can shed a lot more information on this than the article above. The psychiatrist reported that Keiper is absolutely no danger to the public, and that his removal from jail may save him from committing suicide. He is to spend his time in San Diego until his court date of March 8, attending various mental health treatments and working with a ministry.

Also, "daddy's money" was not involved at all in the case. Keiper used a public defender. His family could not afford to pay 10% of his bail to the bailbondsman, hence the bail reduction hearing. He was deemed safe for the public and was let out to protect his health.

@Ken: I absolutely agree with you about the mob/lynch mentality one sees in these blogs. What is scary is that these people have children and they vote.

What is also scary is that we have a publication that prides itself on being the defender of the man-on-the-street and purports itself to be a bastion of intellectualism yet they print such irresponsible headlines such as this, and even though several hours have passed since I've written Ms. Partridge AND posted on the matter, the headline is still up.

On the other hand, if one expresses an opinion, they run the risk of having that comment deleted because after all, forcing people to actually having to think critically is too much of a threat to their self-understanding.

This may seem like no big deal but the combination of the lynch mob mentality, a newspaper which allows such headlines to feed into that mentality, with a president and congress which support detainment without trial is something every one of us--liberal/conservative/progressive/whatever else should be VERY concerned about. This isn't what America is supposed to be about.

So do you believe what was done in this case was appropriate?

Sheer LUNACY to release, bail or not, a psychopathic domestic terrorist who WILLFULLY throws firebombs at people and things not his own.

When did so many parts of our local (and national) justice system get a terminal case of idiocity? Really? That long ago . . .

SimoneH: "The psychiatrist reported that Keiper is absolutely no danger to the public"

But of course not! Didn't any of you know? Every red-blooded American male lobs molotov cocktails @ police stations on a daily basis. It's a great American past time!

Actually the psychiatrist showed who the real danger to society is: The psychiatrist for influencing the decision to let this terrorist out. There's plenty of criminals in jail that are on suicide watch, they don't let those fools out do they?

2x4: "how is your beer, Hank? :) Mine is nice and frosty :P"

Had a couple of ice cold Miller Genuine Drafts when I got home from work today, NICE! Now getting ready to lob some molotov cocktails :) henry

This is not a big deal. The drunk college kid threw a molotov cocktail. He is not the next Osama bin Laden. He will most likely be charged with felony vandalism and learn his lesson. Dropping out of UCSB and having that on his record is way more punishment than any amount of jail time.

Some commentators mentioned race/money in the judges decision. I expect a judge to do this. Giving a UCSB student with a supportive family no bail makes sense because it doesn't do him any good to sit in jail. He has plenty of further consequences to suffer for his action. However, if it was a mexican with a shaved head and gang affiliations, they have nothing to lose. The only way to punish those people is with jail time.

"Some commentators will be surprised to learn that Anarchism and Socialism are two very different political philosophies."

I am surprised that more then a few would confuse them. They are clearly opposite philosophies.

Wasn't the Weather Underground composed of college kids? And they were criminals who did crimes like they had nothing to lose, killing police and other innocent bystanders.

I read the article and my first thought was, "WTF?!", and then the next was and is, See Ya!

Joe Amendariz's drunk driving has endangered the public just as much as the firebombs. I don't see a big howl and cry that he's free to roam the streets and he has admitted guilt!
The West Memphis Three WERE convicted and found later to be innocent! And there was definitely the same mob mentality in the WM3 case that has been put on full public display here.
I suggest you all see Fritz Lang's "Fury". You'll like it, it has Spencer Tracy.

Ken, get serious....Joe's arrest was bad enough...but seriously bro?!?!? This guy threw a firebomb at an occupied police station. Willingly! People could have died! He is a terrorist and should not be free....so what if he is suicidal? Might save us all some money in the long run.

The DHS and FBI don't seem to think Keiper's either a terrorist or a threat.
Just as many people or more could've been killed when Armendariz was driving drunk. Both acts endangered the public at large (including law enforcement, i.e. Armendariz could've hit a motorcycle CHP, or an officer that was alongside the road with another driver.)

Just for the record, I strongly disagreed with a politician getting a break, but the problem there is the law, not really the good ole boy network. Here, we have arson, attempted murder on police officers and probably a few other crimes which would normally carry decades to life in prison for any other average joe on the street. Sorry, but everybody in jail is sad because they are there. How many mug pictures do you see with smiling faces? If this guy is a scapegoat, then they are setting a poor example by letting him go.

AZ2SB, do you really think all the legal entities involved would let him go if he were a danger to the public much less a terrorist?

Ken, Do you really think that money doesn't exchange hands at times to determine the fate of certain people? The previous poster who said he was there during the court hearing is clueless. They are not going to advertise how much money went into whos pocket to send this guy home. So, to answer your question, Ken.... Yes, I do believe the legal entities involved would let him go...if the price is right.

Ah-Nold did so not to long ago. Didn't he reduce his buddies son's murder sentence? I think he is still a danger just as much as any other gang member serving out his sentence for the same crime in the same system, but he got a break because his daddy knew the goveranator. Do you really not see these things? Have you ever heard of a disgraced politician named Blagojevich? I mean these are all pretty current events, but the list goes on and on, and these are the ones that were caught, just imagine how much goes on that we don't know about.

Total BS.. now he's crazy his family and fireboy had time to pull the crazy card before he turned himself in. Let me see if he was hispanic, short hair, and lived in the eastside everyone knows he would have got slapped with gang enhancement plus the crime charge oh by the way bail would have been set so high that your family would not be able to afford! and this guy gets to walk away free! what a joke judge Anderson. what a joke!

Anderson, you are a joke. Of all the requirements identified that this psycho must complete why isn't one listed that identifies the amount of money you received for making this obviously stupid move?

The purpose of a bail hearing is not to determine guilt or innocence--it is to determine if the defendant is a flight risk and/or a danger to society. Some of you are acting as if Judge Anderson threw the case out of court. All this decision indicates is that the Judge deemed it appropriate to release the defendant pending trial. How much time did some of you waste on all those comments, anyway??