Ariz. boy, 8, accused of killing 2, including dad

[LiberalNation]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081108/ap_on_re_us/child_charged

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – An 8-year-old boy is charged with murder in the shooting of his father and another man in a rural community in eastern Arizona, authorities said Friday.

The boy was charged with two counts of premeditated murder in the death of his father, 29-year-old Vincent Romero, and 39-year-old Timothy Romans, St. Johns Police Chief Roy Melnick said.

Police arrived at the home within minutes of the shooting Wednesday, Melnick said. They found one victim just outside the front door and the other dead in an upstairs room.

The boy, who prosecutors say had never been in trouble before, initially denied involvement in the shooting but later confessed, Melnick said.

Police have not said what they think the boy's motive was.

Defense attorney Benjamin Brewer argued Friday that police overreached in questioning the boy without representation from a parent or attorney and did not advise him of his rights.

"They became very accusing early on in the interview," Brewer said. "Two officers with guns at their side, it's very scary for anybody, for sure an 8-year-old kid."

A judge determined at a hearing Friday that there was probable cause to believe the boy committed the killings. He is being held at the Apache County juvenile detention center.

[Joe Steel]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081108/ap_on_re_us/child_charged

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – An 8-year-old boy is charged with murder in the shooting of his father and another man in a rural community in eastern Arizona, authorities said Friday.

...

A judge determined at a hearing Friday that there was probable cause to believe the boy committed the killings. He is being held at the Apache County juvenile detention center.

The kid should be thankful this didn't happen in Maricopa County. Joe Arpaio probably would have him on a chain gang already.

[crin63]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081108/ap_on_re_us/child_charged

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – An 8-year-old boy is charged with murder in the shooting of his father and another man in a rural community in eastern Arizona, authorities said Friday.

The boy was charged with two counts of premeditated murder in the death of his father, 29-year-old Vincent Romero, and 39-year-old Timothy Romans, St. Johns Police Chief Roy Melnick said.

Police arrived at the home within minutes of the shooting Wednesday, Melnick said. They found one victim just outside the front door and the other dead in an upstairs room.

The boy, who prosecutors say had never been in trouble before, initially denied involvement in the shooting but later confessed, Melnick said.

Police have not said what they think the boy's motive was.

Defense attorney Benjamin Brewer argued Friday that police overreached in questioning the boy without representation from a parent or attorney and did not advise him of his rights.

"They became very accusing early on in the interview," Brewer said. "Two officers with guns at their side, it's very scary for anybody, for sure an 8-year-old kid."

A judge determined at a hearing Friday that there was probable cause to believe the boy committed the killings. He is being held at the Apache County juvenile detention center.


Good Post, pointing out for all to see that police officers abuse their authority with children. Those police officers should be suspended for their conduct.

Joe Arpaio is awesome. All Sheriffs should treat their inmates the same.

[diuretic]

Defense attorney Benjamin Brewer argued Friday that police overreached in questioning the boy without representation from a parent or attorney and did not advise him of his rights.

Interesting allegation. If it's true then it might be that any evidence from the interview will be tossed. If it's true then I agree the cops involved should be disciplined. I don't know what the law is in Arizona or what the department's general orders are regarding interviewing juveniles but I would regard not having an adult there, let alone an attorney, is blatantly unfair to the suspect.

[Joe Steel]

Interesting allegation. If it's true then it might be that any evidence from the interview will be tossed. If it's true then I agree the cops involved should be disciplined. I don't know what the law is in Arizona or what the department's general orders are regarding interviewing juveniles but I would regard not having an adult there, let alone an attorney, is blatantly unfair to the suspect.

Arizona is the home of the Miranda case which led to the notice given to everyone arrested in the US: "You have the right to remain silent..."

Apparently, they have a tradition of questioning which is somewhat unsavory.

[diuretic]

Arizona is the home of the Miranda case which led to the notice given to everyone arrested in the US: "You have the right to remain silent..."

Apparently, they have a tradition of questioning which is somewhat unsavory.

I forgot about Miranda - 1966 from memory. Apparently though the FBI had been using the caution for some time before Miranda was decided. Again from memory there were some other groundbreaking cases, can't think of the name but one was a privacy issue, something about pornography. Nope, can't think of the case name.

But really, if true, this is close to being a deliberate breach by the investigators. 8 years of age and no adults there? That's the kind of crap that happens in non-democratic jurisdictions.

[LiberalNation]

Young murder suspect can spend holiday with mother

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/child_charged;_ylt=AqzKbdAufNTj7j8_QivZCtcDW7oF

ST. JOHNS, Ariz. – An 8-year-old boy accused of killing his father and another man in eastern Arizona will be allowed to spend Thanksgiving with his mother, a move that drew criticism from the family of the second victim.

[avatar4321]

Young murder suspect can spend holiday with mother

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/child_charged;_ylt=AqzKbdAufNTj7j8_QivZCtcDW7oF

ST. JOHNS, Ariz. – An 8-year-old boy accused of killing his father and another man in eastern Arizona will be allowed to spend Thanksgiving with his mother, a move that drew criticism from the family of the second victim.

Sheesh. Come on people. I know the kid is accused of killing two people but he is 8 years old and hasnt been found guilty. I think the least they can do is let the kid spend the holidays with his mother. What are the chances things could get worse?

[Mr. P]

Sheesh. Come on people. I know the kid is accused of killing two people but he is 8 years old and hasnt been found guilty. I think the least they can do is let the kid spend the holidays with his mother. What are the chances things could get worse?

Hard to tell..for whatever reason he killed two adults..why? It logically follows he could do so gain, who knows.

I feel for the kid, regardless of "why" he did it, it will follow him for the rest of his life, in addition to the underlying cause.

EDIT: an after thought..I'm guessing the kid is on ritalin..any bets?