Openly gay 15-year-old shot in head
by Matt | February 15th, 2008 |The issue is too emotional for me to say anything worthwhile… I guess this is what is meant when it is said, “their blood shall be upon them.”
OXNARD, VENTURA COUNTY
Boy, 14, charged with murder, hate crime
Police say he shot classmate -he’ll be tried as an adult
Associated Press
Friday, February 15, 2008
(02-15) 04:00 PST Oxnard, Ventura County — Prosecutors filed a charge of murder with a hate-crime enhancement Thursday against a 14-year-old boy in the school shooting of a classmate who has been declared brain dead.
Prosecutors said they would try Brandon David McInerney as an adult. They changed the charge from attempted murder after learning that the victim, 15-year-old Lawrence King, will not survive.
[…] The felony complaint filed by prosecutors did not contain the reasons they are seeking a hate crime enhancement, and prosecutors said they could not reveal them.
Several classmates have said King would wear feminine attire, making him an unpopular figure with other boys at his campus.
King sometimes came to school wearing makeup and high heels, said eighth-grader Nicholas Cortez, 14.
Another eighth-grader, Michael Sweeney, said King’s appearance was “freaking the guys out,” the Los Angeles Times reported Thursday.
“He would come to school in high-heeled boots, makeup, jewelry and painted nails - the whole thing,” Sweeney told the Times.
6 Responses to “Openly gay 15-year-old shot in head”
Many of the early AP reports left out the gay part, citing only “bad blood” between the two. Seeing that was rather frustrating.
By KipEsquire on Feb 15, 2008
I’m with Kip on this one. In fact, this is the first news article I’ve seen which mentioned anything concrete behind the motives. Though I heard plenty of rumors from third parties.
By Jarred on Feb 15, 2008
I’ll be surprised if this makes it as a national story. With the Republican walk-out, FISA, the war, the election and so many other things happening on a national level, I doubt this murder will be a focus for too long. Although, on the other hand, this could end up being the “Matthew Shepard” of 2008.
By Matt on Feb 15, 2008
It has been pretty clearly reported in the CA media, particularly the LA Times. Unfortunately, it’s come in a week with three other school campus shootings, so the focus is going to be a bit diffused. Too sad all around.
By Casey on Feb 15, 2008
This is the first time that I am hearing of this. A friend of mine heard it on the radio this morning. 2/26/08 Austin, TX
By Ammie on Feb 26, 2008
Unfortunately, the media is so busy covering so many other “more important” topics that this tragedy really hasn’t gotten the attention it needs.
By Matt on Feb 26, 2008