AJ and Renee at Karen's Book Release Party
As though Renee and AJ haven’t had enough to handle the past year another problem arises. Renee's son, AJ, was involved in an incident in early April. AJ and his girlfriend, Sydney, pulled over when he witnessed a 15 year old girl arguing with a group of girls. AJ's intention was to attempt to help break up the fight. AJ saw a bad situation and tried to do the right thing by defending the girl. AJ was not aware that there was an issue after he left the scene, but when he learned that there was, he turned himself in to the authorities yesterday, and explained what happened. AJ has a court appearance and all indications are that the case will be dismissed.
It’s no secret that I have always had a soft spot for AJ from the moment I saw him on Mob Wives. He is a wonderful and intelligent young man. I find it very hard to believe that he would pull over with his girlfriend just to engage in a fight with total strangers. That is what the news media and other sources would have you believe by sensationalizing the facts. It doesn’t make sense, and if it doesn’t make sense, it’s very likely not true. The truth will come out, it always does.
I met AJ not too long ago, at Karen’s book release party. He was there for Karen's celebration and accompanying his mother. Not too many young men would do that in this day and age. He was very sweet and cordial to me when Renee introduced us. I remember asking Renee, during our first interview last June, what was her proudest moment concerning AJ. Without a moment’s hesitation, she answered that he was the only student to earn the Triple C Award, for courage, character, and commitment, given by the State Attorney General. The award is about honor. In this situation, AJ was trying to do the honorable thing. It would have been so easy for him to drive by and not get involved, but that’s not how AJ was raised. He stopped, as a good citizen would, to try to help someone in a bad situation. For being a good Samaritan, he ended up getting in trouble himself. This is why so many people hesitate to help others and don’t want to get involved when they see trouble. Not AJ. He saw someone who needed help and he offered it.
Renee has every reason to be proud of her son, AJ. I’m proud of AJ for doing the right thing. Hopefully this unfortunate incident can be resolved soon and put to rest.
