If he was, so what. The kid's life has been under the control of the kidnapper for 5 years.
No matter what Sean is, does, or says, he was taken from his home by a kidnapper. He is only a child whose life has been taken over by someone else.
He probably knew exactly what would happen to him if he went home - everyone would be in his face asking about "why", all of his actions would come to light and he would be judged.
Give him a break - he needs it.
You are right. We can only imagine 5 years from now what the result would have been to Ben Ownby. He was captive for 4 days.
Maybe people see Shawn as "tainted" and have a hard time imagining that the same could have ever happened if it was them. It is hard to put yourself in that situation and believe that you would let this happen to you. Just a possible explanation for people who try to make this kid a willing complier.
Thank you. Well said. The judgmental people on these threads who are aiming their vitriol at a young man who was kidnapped from his family as a child and raised by someone who thinks he can just take kids from their families make me sick.