James Tramel: |
As a juvenile, Tramel was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced 15 years to life. However, he was later paroled for what appeared to be turning his life around. Upon release, he became an Episcopalian Priest. Within two years of his release, he was suspended from the church for sexual misconduct. Click the image to learn more.
|
Parents Cry, Killers Yawn:
The sentencing of a criminal should reflect the severity of the crime, not the age of the offender. Although juveniles are different than adults, they should be implicated in the adult criminal justice system when the consequence is warranted. As reform for juveniles being tried as adults is considered, the National Organization of Victims of Juvenile Murders addresses the idea that not all juveniles can be rehabilitated. Making the generalization that all juveniles should be tried in the juvenile justice system prevents adolescent murderers from receiving adequate punishment. Specifically, it allows juvenile murderers to age out of the system and re-enter society, preventing their victims from receiving the justice they deserve. In 2014, 34.7% of Indiana juvenile delinquents returned to incarceration. When the crime is as significant as murder, releasing a juvenile and risking recidivism could be at the expense of someone’s life.
|
The National Organization of Victims of Juvenile Murders highlights many stories of families who live knowing justice wasn’t served to the criminal who killed their loved-ones simply because the murderer was considered a juvenile. Some may argue, the developmental differences between juveniles and adults is reason enough not to prosecute juveniles and adults in the same court system. However, the average child has developed a stronger sense of right and wrong by the age range of 12-14. Young teens can process that taking a life is wrong. When debating a topic as serious as trying juveniles in the adult criminal justice system, applying a standardized result for every case is irresponsible. Instead, the determination for what court system a case should be tried in should be on a case-by-case basis.
|
Click each image to learn about these victim's stories
Bringing Justice to the Victims:
No matter the age of the criminal, families still experience the loss of a loved-one. Unfortunately, this family will never be reunited with their family member. This video highlights how teenagers are capable of committing deadly crimes and when posing a threat to society, should be seen as dangerous criminals.
|
|