Judge Rules Teen in Lawrence King Murder Case Will Tried as an Adult

A Ventura County, Ca. judge has ruled that 14-year-old Brandon McInerney, who shot and killed an openly gay classmate in February, will be tried as adult, according to the Advocate.

McInerney’s attorney, William Quest, had filed a motion to try his client as a juvenile on the grounds that if he were convicted as an adult, McInerney could face anywhere from 51 years to life in prison, which Quest deemed cruel and unusual punishment.

The judge who presided over the hearing rejected Quest’s argument, determining that such a punishment wouldn’t be unconstitutional, according to the article.

In California, minors can be tried as adults if the crime in question is serious enough, although 14- and 15-year-olds cannot receive a sentence of life without the possibility of parole, meaning that if McInerney could still be freed at some point even if he received the maximum punishment.

McInerney’s arraignment has been postponed until August 8.