The fact this is Al's grandson, while not irrelevant is of least interest to me. As young children our eldest child and Daniel were in an in home day care together here in Alameda. We remember Daniel as a really beautiful, gentle, sweet child and his parents were lovely. This is a horrible tragedy from every angle.

I agree with Mark. Although we haven't kept in touch over the years, I remember Daniel as gentle and sweet as well. He was in our youngest daughter's class at St. Joseph's Elementary School. My heart goes out to all...

How tragic that this young man did not get the mental health care that he needed and that this gentleman died because of it. Tragedy all around. My condolences to both families.

I have known this family before they ever had children. They are wonderful careing people. Daniel I have known since his birth. I too have known him as a beautiful, gentle and sweet child. This tragic incident brings to light the dirty little secret of how poor our mental health system is. Daniel parents have tried every avenue availed to them under the letter of the law....frantic...desperate...they get the same drill...the revolving door of heavy medication...72 hours in a mental health clinic and then released to the streets. Each time he gets sicker and sicker. There are not enough beds...not enough funding...Daniel is no the criminal here the system is....shame...shame on us.

Janice Wilkes

I agree with all of you and am glad to know that others feel compassion for both families. I went to high school with Daniel and also remember him as sweet and kind. I didn't know he was unstable but my heart goes out to Candy and the rest of Daniel's family, as well as the victim's family.

We pray for the victims family. We also pray for Hans and candy which we will support them.

The suspect and the family have been living a life in hell already. The suspect is also a victim. A victim of a brain disorder. He was not trying to steal or vandalize or rape. He was confused. And the family has obviously spent a great deal of time attempting to change the system. The way it currently works is when the symptoms of the illness are severe, you are allowed into the hospital. But being over 18, you are also allowed to leave and not take medication. It strongly appears the family attempted to change that system. With budget cuts and the passage of bills like the 1971 Laterman Act, there are no alternatives to helping those with this illness. I pray for both families, for their losses, for their grief, for their anger.
Both families are victims, but in different ways. If a man had a stroke driving a car and killed a pedestrian, would he be viewed the same as a man that broke into a home for drugs? The victim was not murdered for murder is an intentional act. The state of mind is important in determining what type of homicide has taken place. I have seen dozens of articles but i don't see anything indicating that the suspects family is washing their hands of the incident. I see a family that has struggled for years to change the system, to fight to keep this very thing from happening. Unless you have worked in the system, seen the legal restrictions on getting medical care, you cannot begin to understand what has happened here. Both families need support!

I am so sad to hear about Daniel. I know Candy and Al have given Daniel kindness and love. This tragedy is shocking and heartbreaking. My love and support go out to the families.

We are praying for the Dewitt family and for the folks in Berkeley.

My heart is heavy with this news...so many good people affected by the lack of integrity in the system. All are victims here...I say to the widow in Berkeley, "I'm so sorry for your loss." I say to Al and Candy, "I am so sorry for your loss. I admire you for your courage to stand up in the face of tragedy and speak your truth. I hope Daniel finally gets the care he needs. You are in my thoughts and prayers."

Candy and Al, Our hearts go out to you and to the family in Berkeley. We worked with Daniel for a long time and know what a good and gentle youth he was. Much love to you and prayers for peace, Ann and Thomas