Lawrence King Killing "Premeditated",
Ventura County, California prosecutors have declared that the shooting of Lawrence King by 14 year-old Brandon McInerney (left) was a premeditated hate crime.
McInerney's family was in a Ventura courtroom Thursday as the adolescent was brought into a holding chamber to face charges. His arraignment was delayed to give his attorney time to review the police investigation before entering a plea.McInerney turned 14 only three weeks ago, passing the California legal cut-off age for being charged as an adult.
McInerney was charged with premeditated murder with enhancements of use of a firearm and a hate crime. Because he is a minor, McInerney will remain in Juvenile Hall and be taken to the Ventura courtroom for court appearances, Fox said. He is being held in lieu of $770,000 bail. If convicted, McInerney could face 50 years to life. The hate crime enhancement would add another one to three years to his sentence.
UPDATE:
There will be a memorial vigil for Lawrence King tonight at 7pm at The Art Barn in Ventura, CA. A memorial donation fund has been set up:
Ventura County Rainbow Alliance
4567 Telephone Road, Suite 100
Ventura, CA 93003
Fed tax # 77-0332688
Labels: Brandon McInerney, California, hate crimes, Lawrence King, transgender issues