Author Archives: Amy Herdy

by Amy Herdy | January 23, 2010 · 2:00 pm

Primary evil

“I could have told him that, wherever I go, I keep searching for primary evil, out of the womb-the bad seed-but have never found it. I could have told him that everyone really does seem to be recycling pain, that empathy, properly harnessed, really does seem to stop the cycle of hurt–and heal people. And I could have told him that something about those two facts kept my mood from plummeting and kept me out of the gutter, because they reassured me we might be a worthwhile species, capable of more compassion than we seem to be.”

From “Compulsion” by Keith Ablow, M.D.

A letter from Brent Brents

To the reader:

As you read this, you may find yourself experiencing a wide range of emotions. But I ask of you only to keep an open mind.

You may very well find yourself full of opinion towards myself and the author. No matter how you feel about me or my actions—hate me, be wary of my sincerity if you choose–please, if you are a parent, planning on being a parent or are someone who is responsible for the wellbeing of children.

Treat them with dignity, respect and love. Be good role models. Teach them empathy, compassion and integrity. Regardless of your financial, emotional and physical situations, show them how to overcome and achieve. Be loving and attentive. Listen to them, hear them, spend time with them and nurture them. Most of all, give them your heart forever so that they will become good people.

B. Brents

March 5, 2009

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by Amy Herdy | October 10, 2009 · 12:26 pm

Introduction

This site chronicles the case of Brent Brents, a rapist who in 2005 received the largest prison sentence in Colorado history for charges that included attempted murder, sexual assault and kidnapping, and Brents’ correspondence with journalist Amy Herdy (see “about” for more details). Before he became a predator, Brents was a victim. That doesn’t justify his behavior, but it does help explain it. It also helps explain the purpose of this site, which is to look at sexual assault as a societal crime and not simply a women’s issue, and to prompt constructive and thought-provoking conversation about it .

The above photos are of Brents, and the quote is his. From left to right: Brents as a boy in elementary school, Brents at age 13, Brents at age 21 and in a state mental hospital, and finally his arrest mug shot, which is how he appears today.

If you have something to say about these issues, I would like to hear from you. And while I realize that providing a platform for healthy discussion means airing differing views, please know that comments will be moderated to prevent hate speech or abusive attacks.

Do you have a comment for the author or a question for Brents? Please use the online contact form.

See what our readers say about the Diary of a Predator project.

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