|
|
| Plan to imprison 9-year-old killer prompts outcry |
| By azcentral.com |
| Published: 11/10/2009 |
|
What's to become of a 9-year-old boy who pleaded guilty in connection with a murder? That question has twisted the Apache County justice system in knots for nearly a year as attorneys, psychiatrists, victims, probation officers, a judge and residents of St. Johns consider the fate of Christian Romero. What sentence would best serve the interests of justice, the community and the child? The query remains unanswered, compounded by small-town dynamics and financial obstacles. In the past few weeks, those issues erupted in controversy at Apache County Juvenile Court. First, Judge Michael Roca announced that he was going to reject a plea agreement that calls for probation, instead sentencing Christian to the state's Department of Juvenile Corrections. Then, defense attorney Ron Wood filed a motion claiming Roca was swayed by local politics and should be removed from the case for bias. Finally, prosecutor Michael Whiting joined the defense, arguing that Roca's decision to put the child behind bars was all about money, not justice. At a hearing this afternoon, a Navajo County judge is expected to hear those arguments and make potentially crucial rulings on the future of the case and the defendant. Read More. |
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think