Did Steve commit the crime because he was afraid what the gang might do to him?

WE never really know but I think peer pressure was a factor. Whether Steve was actually involved in the crime or not remains ambiguous to the reader. There is no surveillance footage or concrete proof of his involvement. Thus, Steve's culpability is subject to audience interpretation. Throughout the story, Steve faces numerous emotional challenges. Peer pressure and fear might have been a factor in the situation. He is confronted with his parent's disappointment, and he also fears that authorities view him as a "monster." Particularly, Steve is bothered by his relationship with his defense attorney, Kathy O'Brien, who seems not to believe him.