kevin922 0 #1 September 4, 2003 What do you guys think of this? http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/Midwest/09/04/cornfield.killing.ap/index.html Man killed in Amish tomato-tossing prank Thursday, September 4, 2003 Posted: 11:53 AM EDT (1553 GMT) An Amish man rides his bike past the cornfield where Steven Keim was shot on Labor Day. MOUNT HOPE, Ohio (AP) -- It's an annual prank in this tranquil Amish community, where men wear straw hats and women bonnets and plain dresses: Youngsters hide in cornfields and hurl tomatoes at passing cars. This year, the mischief turned deadly. A motorist who had been pelted several times on Labor Day got out of his car and fired three to five rounds into the 7-foot-high corn, killing 23-year-old Steven L. Keim. No arrest has been made. Residents are reeling from shock, unable to understand why anybody would retaliate so violently. Authorities say the county hadn't seen a firearm-related homicide in about three decades. "The prank has gone on for years and years," said Marty Yoder, who owns Marty's Shoes in this town about 60 miles south of Cleveland. "All over the county it's been happening every year." The shooting occurred just north of Mount Hope in Holmes County, where the clip-clop of horses pulling Amish buggies is just as common as the sound of passing automobiles. Holmes County has what is believed to be the world's largest population of Amish, who do not believe in modern conveniences such as electricity and automobiles. Keim, 23, an Apple Creek resident of Amish heritage, died of multiple wounds to the chest, Holmes County Coroner Robert Anthony said. Keim was with about 10 other members of the Amish community, ages 15 to 23. The group told the sheriff's office they had been throwing tomatoes and firing paintball guns at passing vehicles. The crime scene is marked by trampled corn stalks that interrupt an otherwise uniform stretch roadside corn. About eight rows into the cornfield, well hidden from the road, two buckets of rotting, fly-covered tomatoes still sat. According to the sheriff's department, the driver of a Lincoln or Cadillac stopped, got out and threatened to shoot whoever threw the tomatoes Monday night. The vehicle turned around and drove past the cornfield again. The car was struck with tomatoes a second time. About 25 minutes later the vehicle passed the cornfield two more times. On a third pass, the driver stopped and challenged the group to throw more tomatoes -- then fired his shotgun into the cornfield. The sheriff's department did not have a suspect, only a vague description of a middle-aged male of medium height. Residents say the community will be nervous until the shooter is caught. "People won't be resting too good until they know who it is at least," said Ivan Miller, 41. "He should be punished. The guy lost it." Wayne Miller, an Amish man from nearby Kidron, said the young people "shouldn't have been throwing tomatoes." "But if people start shooting people for throwing tomatoes, this country's in bad shape," he said. Keim was born into an Amish family, but his family left the Amish church and became Mennonites, said Yoder. Mennonites share similar beliefs with the Amish, but drive cars and use more modern conveniences. "He was a real outgoing person, always willing to help you," Yoder said. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leroydb 0 #2 September 4, 2003 I told you all not to do that shitLeroy ..I knew I was an unwanted baby when I saw my bath toys were a toaster and a radio... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
base311 0 #3 September 4, 2003 I think the kids in that area - and around the country - will think twice about throwing shit at cars next time. I also think that someone who has no self-control will be locked up for a long time, too. Gardner Wasn't there a movie about this? I think in the case of the movie, the victim was Amish, and the perp was a cutter (and threw rocks); it appears in this case that at least there was some inter-communal horseplay going on (for lack of a better descriptor). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheAnvil 0 #4 September 4, 2003 Sad. I thought of the tomato fight in Bolon, Spain when I saw the thread title. When does that take place?Vinny the Anvil Post Traumatic Didn't Make The Lakers Syndrome is REAL JACKASS POWER!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Meathorse 0 #5 September 4, 2003 Quote... Amish, who do not believe in modern conveniences such as electricity and automobiles. Quotefiring paintball guns at passing vehicles What's the technology cut off point for the Amish? Is paintball a hellworthy sin??? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DYEVOUT 0 #6 September 4, 2003 The article states there were Mennonites involved as well. (Amish folks with T.V.s) We got a bunch of them out by my place. They constantly stick flyers on your mailbox to attend their church. Pain in the ass. ----------------=8^)---------------------- "I think that was the wrong tennis court." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtlespeed 226 #7 September 4, 2003 It's all fun and games till some one blows a head offI'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,084 #8 September 4, 2003 >I think the kids in that area - and around the country - will think > twice about throwing shit at cars next time. Naah, clearly the answer is that the Amish should arm themselves, so that when another crazy driver gets out of his car, they can exercise their right to defend themselves. Remember, an armed society is a polite society. Think that guy would have fired into the corn if he knew the tomato throwers had AK-47's? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MattM 0 #9 September 4, 2003 QuoteIt's an annual prank in this tranquil Amish community... my peeps! Matt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Push 0 #10 September 4, 2003 Not to belittle a second-degree murder, but throwing tomatoes at cars on the highway is not ok. It could possibly result in over a hundred dollars of body work if you bend a plastic hood, for example. And just because you were doing it for years and years doesn't make it ok either. It was only a matter of time before someone got angry enough to make the prankster sorry. Unfortunately, that someone was not very rational. -- Toggle Whippin' Yahoo Skydiving is easy. All you have to do is relax while plummetting at 120 mph from 10,000' with nothing but some nylon and webbing to save you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #11 September 4, 2003 QuoteNot to belittle a second-degree murder, but throwing tomatoes at cars on the highway is not ok. It could possibly result in over a hundred dollars of body work if you bend a plastic hood, for example. Or death, if the car crashes. Not that I didn't do that kind of thing when I was a kid, but now realize how stupid that was. As to Bill's comment. I'll bet he wouldn't have shot into the corn if he thought the people in there would shoot back. And I'll bet they wouldn't have been throwing stuff at cars if they thought someone would shoot at them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
base311 0 #12 September 4, 2003 Quote>I think the kids in that area - and around the country - will think > twice about throwing shit at cars next time. Naah, clearly the answer is that the Amish should arm themselves, so that when another crazy driver gets out of his car, they can exercise their right to defend themselves. Remember, an armed society is a polite society. Think that guy would have fired into the corn if he knew the tomato throwers had AK-47's? No. Clearly, there should be more effective tomato control legislation adopted to prevent the likelihood of tomatoes falling into the hands of would-be tomato antagonists. Tomato buy-back programs would help get illegally-owned tomatoes off the streets, while tomato growers manage to find ways to increase the general safety of tomatoes. Currently, the Bureau of American Tomatoes' Focus group is researching ways to allow only the bona fide, qualified purchaser of a tomato to actually be able to throw that particular tomato. The first wave of tomato reform MUST BE the reigning-in of tomato sales at roadside stands, where tomatoes may be purchased inexpensively by the thousands without so much as a driver license check. This scourge of tomato assaults, left unchecked, will soon sweep the country; the sooner tomato control legislation is adopted, the sooner the public's fear of crimes by tomato will pass. Remember: People don't kill people; tomatoes kill people. ...and don't call me Shirley... Gardner Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfields 0 #13 September 4, 2003 Quote>I think the kids in that area - and around the country - will think > twice about throwing shit at cars next time. Naah, clearly the answer is that the Amish should arm themselves, so that when another crazy driver gets out of his car, they can exercise their right to defend themselves. Remember, an armed society is a polite society. Think that guy would have fired into the corn if he knew the tomato throwers had AK-47's? It is a damned good thing that guy in the car was carrying a weapon. And he exhibited great restraint by only driving by and daring the tomato throwers three times. Maybe he was allergic to tomatoes. He clearly had justification for using deadly force. What kind of message would it have sent the "crazed Amish perps" if he had just gone to a car wash and let them get away with it? They would think they could throw tomatoes without being shot. We can't have that. The greater crime of tomato-throwing must be deterred by more civilized lethal use of firearms. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #14 September 4, 2003 QuoteThe greater crime of tomato-throwing must be deterred by more civilized lethal use of firearms. A guy in my neighborhood when I was a kid was killed when a snow ball went through his windshield and he smashed into a tree. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kevin922 0 #15 September 4, 2003 QuoteQuoteNot to belittle a second-degree murder, but throwing tomatoes at cars on the highway is not ok. It could possibly result in over a hundred dollars of body work if you bend a plastic hood, for example. Or death, if the car crashes. Not that I didn't do that kind of thing when I was a kid, but now realize how stupid that was. As to Bill's comment. I'll bet he wouldn't have shot into the corn if he thought the people in there would shoot back. And I'll bet they wouldn't have been throwing stuff at cars if they thought someone would shoot at them. Not so sure of that, if I read correctly the guy actually warned them once he'd shoot them and they proceeded to still throw tomatoes at him.. guess they aren't the brightest Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfields 0 #16 September 4, 2003 QuoteThe greater crime of tomato-throwing must be deterred by more civilized lethal use of firearms. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A guy in my neighborhood when I was a kid was killed when a snow ball went through his windshield and he smashed into a tree. Okay. And snowballs (like tomatoes) are generally as deadly as shotgun blasts aimed at people? I'm not saying what the tomato-throwers did was right, but the response was a pretty severe overreaction, don't you think. Do you think it makes sense to drive by the people throwing tomatoes four times, to intentionally see if they will do it again? Does that make it justified as self defense when they do? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D22369 0 #17 September 4, 2003 No. Clearly, there should be more effective tomato control legislation adopted to prevent the likelihood of tomatoes falling into the hands of would-be tomato antagonists. Tomato buy-back programs would help get illegally-owned tomatoes off the streets, while tomato growers manage to find ways to increase the general safety of tomatoes. Currently, the Bureau of American Tomatoes' Focus group is researching ways to allow only the bona fide, qualified purchaser of a tomato to actually be able to throw that particular tomato. The first wave of tomato reform MUST BE the reigning-in of tomato sales at roadside stands, where tomatoes may be purchased inexpensively by the thousands without so much as a driver license check. This scourge of tomato assaults, left unchecked, will soon sweep the country; the sooner tomato control legislation is adopted, the sooner the public's fear of crimes by tomato will pass. Remember: People don't kill people; tomatoes kill people. ...and don't call me Shirley... --->> BWWWAAAAHAHHAHAHAA......... heheh, sounds great.........put it on the ballot, I will vote for it!!!! RoyThey say I suffer from insanity.... But I actually enjoy it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmcd308 0 #18 September 4, 2003 >>Remember, an armed society is a polite society. Think that guy would have fired into the corn if he knew the tomato throwers had AK-47's? << Excellent point, Bill! ---------------------------------- www.jumpelvis.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmcd308 0 #19 September 4, 2003 >>Do you think it makes sense to drive by the people throwing tomatoes four times, to intentionally see if they will do it again? Does that make it justified as self defense when they do? << I don't think that anyone here is arguing that what he did was acceptable, and if someone is, I disagree with them. Sure, throwing tomatoes is dangerous and stupid, but shooting people over it is worse. This guy was just looking for someone to kill, and I hope they catch him. Brent ---------------------------------- www.jumpelvis.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #20 September 4, 2003 QuoteI don't think that anyone here is arguing that what he did was acceptable, and if someone is, I disagree with them. Sure, throwing tomatoes is dangerous and stupid, but shooting people over it is worse. Agreed. But it's pretty silly to take this isolated incident and make it the justification for gun control. Next we'll have people inspecting our bathtubs to make sure they have those traction flowers on the bottom since more people die in bathtubs than due to guns. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfields 0 #21 September 4, 2003 QuoteBut it's pretty silly to take this isolated incident and make it the justification for gun control. What are statistics, other than an accumulation of isolated incidents? I was just throwing in some sarcasm earlier, not trying to swing this into yet another endless and futile gun control debate. But I still won't throw any tomatoes at you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
QuickDraw 0 #22 September 4, 2003 QuoteIt's all fun and games till some one blows a head off Sorry...LMAO. -- Hope you don't die. -- I'm fucking winning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmcd308 0 #23 September 4, 2003 >>But it's pretty silly to take this isolated incident and make it the justification for gun control.<< Agreed back at you. ---------------------------------- www.jumpelvis.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #24 September 5, 2003 QuoteWhat are statistics, other than an accumulation of isolated incidents? Actually, it's an accumulation of isolated incidents as compared to a control group (e.g. the general population). Looking at a incident without putting it into proper perspective is the tactic of the majority of "banners". That's anyone that wants to ban anything. Drugs, movies, video games, guns, porn, etc. Yes, any of those things could be contributors to a tragic, yet isolated incident. But is that any reason to ban them? I think not. For the record, cherry or plum tomatoes are safe. I only use deadly force when confronted with beafsteak. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfields 0 #25 September 5, 2003 QuoteFor the record, cherry or plum tomatoes are safe. I only use deadly force when confronted with beafsteak. In that case, I'll just use my Mark III High-Velocity Belt-Fed Auto-Loading Cherry Tomato Thrower with the cyclic rate of 1000 TPM (tomatoes per minute) to go after your ass. You see, it is all about the loopholes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
