Scottie Thomaston
Queer and criminal justice rights and disability rights activist and writer
Reflections on the Trial of Lawrence King's Murderer
Posted: 12/23/11 12:40 PM ET
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/scottie-thomaston/brandon-mcinerney-lawrence-king-murder_b_1161555.htmlBrandon McInerney was sentenced to 21 years in prison for the execution-style murder of Lawrence King in a junior high school classroom in Oxnard, Calif. in 2008. The jury had deadlocked, but because McInerney is so young -- 17 now, 14 when he murdered King -- a plea deal was reached so that a new trial could be avoided. McInerney will be nearly 39 years old when he is eligible to get out of prison.
The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network issued a statement that most resembles my thoughts: "Ventura County along with communities and school districts everywhere must come together to promote a culture of respect and nurture the true potential found in every individual regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression..."
The thing is, though, it goes deeper than even they suggest.
