12 Juveniles Tried As Adults Stories Revealed

The juvenile justice system has long been a topic of debate, with many arguing that it is unfair to try minors as adults. However, there are instances where juveniles are tried as adults due to the severity of their crimes. In this article, we will delve into 12 stories of juveniles who were tried as adults, exploring the circumstances surrounding their cases and the outcomes. It is essential to note that these stories are not meant to sensationalize or glorify the crimes, but rather to provide insight into the complexities of the juvenile justice system.

Introduction to Juvenile Justice System

The juvenile justice system is designed to handle cases involving minors, typically those under the age of 18. The primary goal of this system is to rehabilitate rather than punish, recognizing that children and adolescents are still developing and may not have the same level of culpability as adults. However, in cases where the crime is particularly heinous or the juvenile is deemed to be a threat to society, they may be tried as an adult. This decision is usually made by a judge and is based on various factors, including the severity of the crime, the juvenile’s prior record, and their ability to understand the nature of their actions.

Factors Influencing the Decision to Try Juveniles as Adults

Several factors can influence the decision to try a juvenile as an adult. These include:

• Severity of the crime: Crimes that result in serious harm or death are more likely to lead to a juvenile being tried as an adult.
• Prior record: Juveniles with a history of delinquency or prior convictions may be more likely to be tried as adults.
• Ability to understand the nature of their actions: If a juvenile is deemed to have the cognitive ability to understand the severity of their actions, they may be more likely to be tried as an adult.
• Public safety: If a juvenile is considered a threat to public safety, they may be tried as an adult to ensure the protection of the community.

These factors are carefully considered by judges and legal professionals to determine the best course of action for each individual case.

12 Stories of Juveniles Tried as Adults

Below are 12 stories of juveniles who were tried as adults, each with unique circumstances and outcomes.

1. Case of Jordan Brown: Jordan Brown was 11 years old when he was accused of murdering his father's fiancée. He was tried as an adult and initially found guilty, but his conviction was later overturned due to prosecutorial misconduct.
2. Case of Joshua Phillips: Joshua Phillips was 14 years old when he murdered his 8-year-old neighbor. He was tried as an adult and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
3. Case of Lee Boyd Malvo: Lee Boyd Malvo was 17 years old when he participated in the Beltway sniper attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 10 people. He was tried as an adult and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
4. Case of Mary Bell: Mary Bell was 11 years old when she was accused of murdering two young boys in England. She was tried as an adult and found guilty, but her sentence was later reduced due to her age and circumstances.
5. Case of Robert Thompson and Jon Venables: Robert Thompson and Jon Venables were 10 years old when they abducted and murdered 2-year-old James Bulger in England. They were tried as adults and found guilty, but their sentences were later reduced due to their age and circumstances.
6. Case of Nathaniel Abraham: Nathaniel Abraham was 11 years old when he murdered a woman with a rifle. He was tried as an adult and found guilty, but his sentence was later reduced due to his age and circumstances.
7. Case of Lionel Tate: Lionel Tate was 12 years old when he murdered his 6-year-old playmate. He was tried as an adult and found guilty, but his conviction was later overturned due to prosecutorial misconduct.
8. Case of Eric Smith: Eric Smith was 13 years old when he murdered a 4-year-old boy. He was tried as an adult and found guilty, and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
9. Case of Craig Price: Craig Price was 13 years old when he murdered a woman and her two daughters. He was tried as an adult and found guilty, and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
10. Case of Joshua Komisarjevsky: Joshua Komisarjevsky was 14 years old when he participated in a home invasion that resulted in the murder of a mother and her two daughters. He was tried as an adult and sentenced to death.
11. Case of Graham v. Florida: Terrance Graham was 17 years old when he participated in a home invasion that resulted in the assault of a resident. He was tried as an adult and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, but his sentence was later overturned by the Supreme Court due to his age and circumstances.
12. Case of Miller v. Alabama: Evan Miller was 14 years old when he murdered his mother's boyfriend. He was tried as an adult and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, but his sentence was later overturned by the Supreme Court due to his age and circumstances.

Outcomes and Implications

The outcomes of these cases have significant implications for the juvenile justice system. They highlight the need for careful consideration of the circumstances surrounding each case and the importance of rehabilitation over punishment. The Supreme Court’s rulings in Graham v. Florida and Miller v. Alabama have also had a significant impact on the way juveniles are sentenced, emphasizing the importance of taking into account the defendant’s age and circumstances when determining an appropriate sentence.

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