Steve Jobs calls with condolences for family of slain teenager

A 15-year old boy was slain in Brooklyn, NY last week, exemplifying a senseless act of depraved indifference. Christopher Rose was stabbed to death by a group of punks and thugs who put the value of an iPod, and other assorted material things, above the value of a human life.

For Errol and Sharon Rose, the parents of the slain boy, there are few words that can be said that offer any comfort. But that didn't stop Steve Jobs from trying.

The Apple CEO placed a call to the grieving parents yesteday after receiving their phone number from a NY Times reporter who had been contacted by one of Jobs' assistants.

"I didn't know who he was," Mr. Rose said. "He called me on my cellphone, at 4 maybe. Or maybe it was 5."

The men reportedly talked for a few minutes.

"Some people talk to you like they're something remote," Mr. Rose said. "He was so familiar. After every word, he paused, as if each word he said came from his heart."

Rose said that Jobs called him by his first name and asked how he was doing, conveying his sympathies. "He told me that he understood my pain," Rose said. "He told me if there is anything–anything–anything he could do, to not be afraid to call him.
It really lightened me a bit."

[Thanks to R. Stacy Fenner, Kaegan Donnelly and others who sent in the tip]