Just Ask JR: Elliot Rodger Lives Next Door

Dear JR,

Two years ago, a couple built a home on the lot next to ours. From the time they moved in, we have been concerned about their 11-year-old son's anti-social behavior. It began with him trying to coax our dog into his yard when we were trying to call her in. Then he started coming into our yard, playing roughly with our three small children and using vulgar language around our 8-year-old daughter.
He is no longer allowed in our yard and has been kicked out of three other homes in the neighborhood. The most recent incident occurred a few days ago, when he yelled a profanity at our daughter. I called his mother, and she told me her son would "never behave that way"!

JR, this boy is creepy. I don't trust him. He stands in his yard staring at us whenever we are outside. I'm worried his behavior will get worse. Other neighbors have seen him abuse his dog and other animals. His parents never watch him. What do we do? I'm worried about my children's safety. - Alicia in Wisconsin

Alicia,

I’m just going to be honest with you. The kid is a fuckin’ weirdo. And as is the case with most people in your situation, you’ll probably just brush it under the rug and assume the next Charles Manson isn’t living next door. Then you come home from work one day and that dog of yours is laying in the driveway with her god damn head lopped off!

Assumption is your worst enemy.

But if you’re going to assume anything, it’s best to assume the worst. It’s best to assume this kid is only days away from kicking your front door in with a loaded shot gun and laying waste to all of you.

Oh yeah, I’m serious. I’m serious as a fuckin’ heart attack. I got the chills just reading your inquiry. 11 years old? Did you hear the one the other day about the 10 year old who beat his 90 year old grandmother to death?

Demon seeds.

What should you do? Well, I mean, conventional wisdom suggests you should be proactive with this little psycho’s parents. Find out what his deal is, is he taking his medication, etc. And what they’re doing about it? Then again, the fact that this little pricks mother is in denial is the biggest red flag of them all.

Do you want the police involved? Do you want to discuss restraining orders and things like that? Seems like a big hassle and a piss poor quality of life. Hey look, it’s not your fault Alicia. It’s not your fault that you’re living next door to Elliot Rodger 2.0. Me personally, I’d get the fuck out of there. Like, yesterday! Pack your shit and get the hell out of dodge. That’s my advice. That’s what I would do. Error on the side of caution.

Or not.  Or hang around, pretend it’s nothing and end up on the front page of the Wisconsin Daily Journal.