On November 19, 2011, Juan De La Cruz bought a beer and was just leaving Turner's Mini Mart when a group of teenagers allegedly decided to take that simple pleasure from him.

The teens — three 16 year olds, two 14 years olds and a 13 year old — beat him up, stole the beer, a $1.99 and fled the scene. The teenagers left him without regard for the severe head injuries they inflicted upon him.

The teens were caught within a few days and charged with assault and robbery, but De La Cruz, 67, was taken to Nash General Hospital and flown to Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, where he was listed in critical condition for more than a month. He was eventually taken off life support and died on Saturday.

The elderly man was a Rocky Mount homeless resident for several years. Many remembered seeing him ride around town, but how many noticed his absense? How many questioned what had happened to him?

What made these teenagers think this man's life was worth a beer and $1.99? Where were the parents when this man was being beaten unconscious? Did these teens suffer any reprocussions while they awaited trial?

The number of questions this incident raises about our society is innumerable, but they all revolve around why. What do you think could be done in the future to ensure De La Cruz's death was not in vain?