Boy, 9, charged in shooting of classmate at Washington elementary school

[Headliner]

9-year-old who brought a gun to school that wounded a classmate apparently got the weapon from mother's home<div class=feedflare>
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[Jazzy]

PORT ORCHARD, Washington – A frightened 9-year-old boy accused of accidentally shooting a classmate sat before a judge in juvenile court, crying and wearing an orange jail jumpsuit, as his father gently rubbed his back.



Documents filed when the boy was charged say the gun fired Wednesday after the boy slammed his backpack down on a desk. Eight-year-old Amina Kocer-Bowman remained in critical condition.



The boy was charged with unlawful possession of a gun, bringing a dangerous weapon to school and third-degree assault. Bail was set at $50,000.



Ultimately, the court will determine whether the case against the boy will continue. He will not be arraigned until the court determines whether he has the capacity to understand that what he did was wrong.



Under state law, children between 8 and 12 years old can face charges if a court determines he or she has the capacity to understand that what he or she did was wrong.



In 27 U.S. states, there is some kind of firearm child access prevention laws. Such laws can include criminal penalties for adults who allow children to get their hands on guns, but Washington has no such laws, according to the San Francisco-based Legal Community Against Violence.



Read more: http://www.foxnews.c.../#ixzz1nJU0tY75



Questions:



Do you think the charges brought against this boy are fair?



Do you think anyone else along with the boy should be held responsible?

 

[Evil Eye]

I have to wonder how that kid managed to get his hands on a (loaded) firearm, so charge the parents with something... negligence maybe?

Then, depending on the kid, maybe charge him with being stupid or something. Although I imagine he's quite traumatised right now.

 

[alan@stgiles]

Well said EE.