11 Year-Old Murders 8 Year-Old

[abaris]

I don't believe that an 11 year old could possibly understand the implications of killing someone.

Why not? I definetely understood it. Probably not all the implications, but the finality didn't escape me. We're talking about a preteen, not a toddler.

That said, and to repeat myself, he shouldn't be tried as an adult. He should be treated, since he's at an age where the cycle can still be broken. According to forensic psychologists. He's definetely on his way to become a very dangerous person and I wouldn't be surprised if he already got a history of animal cruelty or cruelty towards younger children. Locking him up will only speed up the process. Oh, he should be locked up, but not in a punitive institution. A mental institution where trained professionals work with him, would be the right place for that kid.