Not trying to be rude, I guess I just don't see it that way. It seems to me (with IMO and all the other caveats added) that Dylan's life with his mom and brother was good, and had probably gotten better in recent years.
He played sports, he had friends, he had an older brother he seems to have adored. His mom, if the picture and article is any indication, also made an effort to keep him in touch with at least one of his half-brothers, visiting when he had his new baby. Elaine Redwine had a good job, and had been stably employed for years (again, if the information out there is correct). It seems like she required that she keep in touch re: his whereabouts (and yes I know to some here that has seemed to be overprotective).
I'm sure he was a regular 13-year old boy, with all the uncertainty and fear and questioning that goes with the territory, but I see every indication that his mother and brother loved him very much, and protected him the best they could.
Thanks.
Again, just trying to see what you're seeing. I could very well be way off base.