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News

13 yo in the US could be jailed for life for murder without the possibility of parole

38 replies

winnybella · 26/01/2011 13:57

www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/25/us-boy-accused-murder-appeals

He was 11 at the time of the crime.

While obviously he did a horrible thing, surely it's wrong to imprison a child for life?

What are your thoughts on it?

OP posts:

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SummerRain · 28/01/2011 19:40

What I meant was surely the people objecting to his trial as an adult and protesting against it... most notably his father.... would have brought it to media attention when they made their objections to his trial as an adult public.

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girliefriend · 28/01/2011 19:42

He def should not be treated as an adult and there should be an investigation into why a child committed such a violent act. Normal, happy 11 yr olds don't shot someone in the back of their head. Awful

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wubblybubbly · 28/01/2011 19:47

Well, for a start, his family believe he is innocent!

From the little reading I've done, it seems he could only be tried in a juvenile court if he admitted the crime.

I've found this website which puts the view point of this child's supporters.

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wubblybubbly · 28/01/2011 19:52

From this article

"But many argue 12 is simply too young to face the prospect of an adult sentence. Due to tough-on-crime laws, Pennsylvania has more juveniles sentenced to life in prison without parole than any other state. Kids charged with murder in Pennsylvania are automatically considered adults and only a judge's decision can move the trial to juvenile court.

"I think the judge's decision in this case is both disappointing, and I think, misinformed," said Lawrence Steinberg of Temple University. "The judge is saying in order to be tried as a juvenile you need to admit that you've done the crime. That doesn't seem quite right to me."

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WelshCerys · 28/01/2011 20:07

Pesha - agree completely. 11 is very, very young. Of course the alleged crime is appalling - truly awful.

However, trying the boy in a juvenile court, or equivalent thereof, and, if found guilty, working hard to rehabilitate him, and gently to let him go when it's right to, albeit with appropriate family support, doesn't in any way detract from the horrific nature of the double murder.

No child, no child, should be locked up for life. And trying a juvenile as an adult seems entirely illogical.

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GiddyPickle · 29/01/2011 20:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

reallytired · 29/01/2011 22:41

If the child is guilty then he deserves to be punished. However we do not know what provocation the finacee gave him. Some step mothers are complete and utter bitches from hell. It does not make it right, but it is understandable why a child might decide to murder an obnoxious step mother.

An eleven year old is a child. They don't think like an adult and should not be punished as adults. James Bulger's murders did not get away with their crime.

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foxter · 01/02/2011 12:22

Is he an adult? No
Therefore, should he be tried as an adult? No

He should be tried as a juvenile because that's what he is. They can still give him a harsh sentence IF he's guilty, but he should defintely not be tried as an adult.

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reallytired · 01/02/2011 13:29

America has an attrious human rights record. In the past they have executed children juveniles. Thankfully the US no longer executes children.

I just hope the child gets a fair trial and is not tried by media.

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Lilka · 01/02/2011 22:08

An adult is an adult, and a child is a child.

Whilst SummerRain has a point, babystiing is not truly an adult responsibilty.

If 11/12/13 year olds are to be tried as adults then they must have the same rights and responsibilities as adults. This includes the right to marry, to vote, to drive, to have sex, to buy a house etc. If you would not be comfortable with your 13 year old doing those things, then how can you be okay with them facing adult courts? Lets not forget sitting on the jury as well...30 year olds are hardly the peers of 12 year olds

The brain of a 13 year old is not like the brain of an adult, and brain scans would show you that. I believe the young people of this age have been described as 'brain damaged adults' based on scans. They do not have the maturity and understanding of adults at all, not one 13 year old has the brain of an adult, fact. They should not be tried as adults.

A better system would be IMO locking them up until maybe 25, with mental health treatment if necessary etc then assessing them at that age for release. If they still have murderous thoughts etc they can remain behind bars, if they've changed release them on parole. Case by case basis, no fixed sentences. But no chance of parole at 13 is not right at all :(

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foxter · 02/02/2011 11:55

well said Lilka

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KaraStarbuckThrace · 02/02/2011 12:03

He knew what he was doing. He must have known what would happen and it was was clearly premeditated.

I cannot bring myself to feel sorry for him when he has taken away 2 lives in such a brutal way.

He carried out an adult crime he should face the consequences.

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HecateQueenOfWitches · 03/02/2011 22:11

He shot a pregnant women in the back of the head while she slept. He then went to school and about his day as normal.

My sympathy for him is limited.

However, it is so clearly totally abnormal behaviour that something is evidently very wrong with him and should it be shown that he has a mental health problem or other disorder then he will, no doubt, be treated appropriately.

My views on crimes are, I know, deeply unpopular and out of fashion, but I care very little about those who commit crimes and very much about those who are their innocent victims.