When most in Waukesha think of juvenile crimes, they may only think of instances of curfew violation or being caught with drugs or alcohol. It’s often difficult to think of teens being capable of the more adult crimes of assault or murder. When teens are suspected of such things, the manner in which the criminal justice system handles their cases is often viewed with a great deal of scrutiny. Typically, the circumstances of their crimes are brought into consideration when determining whether or not the suspects should be tried as juveniles or adults.
The community of Ashland is currently dealing with a crime that is as shocking in its brutality as it is puzzling in its circumstances. A 14-year-old boy has been arrested for the murder of his custodial father and the attempted murder of his custodial mother. Details of what happened to the mother were not released, but it was reported that the father had been shot and stabbed multiple times, and that the boy suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. When police responded to a 9-1-1 call in connection with the incident, the boy also fired on them with before retreating into the house. He was later apprehended while trying to escape out the back of the home. The motive behind these crimes has not yet been reported.
The question of trying a juvenile as an adult in such a case isn’t always as cut-and-dry as some may think. Such a decision is usually only made after a thorough investigation, and even then, other factors such as the situation at home and any potential mental issues the youth may be dealing with are often taken into account. Parents or family members with a teen facing such a serious criminal charge may wish to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight for the appropriate treatment of their teen.
Source: Northlands NewsCenter “Police: Suspect in Ashland Homicide allegedly shot at officer” Raeanna Marnati, Dec. 20, 2013