It sounds like these boys had a really rough life.  I do think we all have personal responsibility for our choices at the end of the day though.  Even though you might have it rough, ultimately it is up to you to decide to break the law or use drugs or not.  So they had free will too and could have exercised that.  Regardless, it is still sad that they went through a rough childhood.  Nobody should have to endure that and kids are the saddest victims.