The death of 19-year-old Christina Marie Williams last Nov. 11 was a senseless tragedy resulting from the actions of two immature, irresponsible teenagers, one whose case will be handled in juvenile court and the other, in adult court.

It is important that if the evidence is proven in upcoming criminal proceedings, both courts not make a mockery of Williams' death by displaying leniency toward the defendants, even under plea bargains.

This is an opportunity albeit unwanted for the courts to send a message regarding the conduct displayed by then 16-year-old Mason David Spencer of Clay Township and Robin Charles Brain, 18, of Kennerdell, Venango County, whose decision to race on Route 308 in Center Township on that November evening resulted in the head-on crash that killed Williams.

The crash claimed the life of one victim who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. If the police reports are accurate, the two teens' misguided bravado had the potential to claim more lives, if another vehicle with more than one occupant had been at the place where Spencer's car smashed into Williams', after Spencer lost control.

Spencer and Brain allegedly had been racing at speeds between 95 and 105 mph.

At proceedings last Tuesday before District Judge Lewis Stoughton in Chicora, during which Brain waived his case to adult court, Brain sobbed uncontrollably as he apologized to Williams' family. Only the most hard-hearted person would not now be experiencing sorrow and remorse like that displayed by Brain in what his attorney described as an unplanned apology "that was purely from the heart."

However, in eventually considering Brain's punishment, if he is in fact convicted or enters a guilty plea, the court should consider that:

n Brain had the opportunity to back off from Spencer's car when, allegedly, Spencer wouldn't allow him to complete a pass that he was attempting in a legal passing zone, setting up the deadly race.

n Brain was aware that Spencer's car had collided with another car but did not stop to render assistance; instead, he drove home.

n Despite the knowledge that police were seeking a third vehicle in the incident that claimed Williams' life, Brain did not come forward. Police would not track him down until March 15, more than four months after the race and crash.

In addition to involuntary homicide, Brain is charged with reckless endangerment and various traffic offenses.

Spencer, who still is recovering from the injuries he received in the crash, faces a juvenile court hearing Friday on charges of vehicular homicide, involuntary homicide, reckless endangerment and a number of traffic violations.

This is a case whose proceedings should be watched closely by parents of young drivers, any of whom might be prone to irresponsible judgment and conduct based on immaturity or peer pressure, coupled with minimal driving experience.

This also is a case that, when court proceedings end, parents should use to provide a strong reminder and warning to their young drivers about the kinds of punishment that can and will be exacted for such irresponsibility.

It is to be hoped that the penalties meted out don't justify criticism of the courts for creating a travesty nearly as bad as the circumstances under which Williams died.

Both drivers will carry the burden of the tragic consequences of their irresponsibility for the rest of their lives. Their lives have been forever changed, but they nonetheless will be able to go on living their lives and, hopefully, living responsibly hereafter.

No so, Christina Williams.

Members of Williams' family will carry with them heavy hearts and wonderment about what could have been for that life that was cut short.

"Mockery" must never be a word synonymous with this tragedy. This case must be the basis for saving other lives.