Youth and Violence

I was surprised that Thomas Reid (letter, April 19) thought The Times erred in covering the background of the Vietnamese youths involved in the Sacramento store killings. Don’t readers want an analysis of what led to such a tragedy? A look at the struggle some youths find in adapting to a culture so opposite in many ways from their own?

This is not only a tragic story of a Vietnamese family’s loss; it is an examination of the violence that many California youths of every color are pursuing. Adults need to take a hard look at the reasons. Stories like the one in The Times allow us to do that--and, Mr. Reid, can help us to save future victims.

KATHLEEN MOHN, Orange