YOU BE THE JUDGE
Manny
Bio: 17 year
old Hispanic male. Gang member in rough, poor neighborhood.
Priors: Pled guilty to rape at age 14.
Charge: 4 counts of attempted murder. he and two other gang members
attacked a family. One victim was six months pregnant. She was hit repeatedly
in the stomach with a baseball bat. 4 men were assaulted, 2 of them stabbed.
Outcome: Tried as an adult. Sentenced To 9 years at a state prison.
Shawn
Bio: 16 year old caucasian
male from an affluent neighborhood. Drinking/drug problems.
Priors: Robbery
Charge: Attempted murder. Stabbed father repeatedly in the middle
of the night.
Outcome: Sentenced to remain in county juvenile hall until age 19. Able to leave hall during day for classes and, later, for meals with his family.
Marquese
Bio: 17 year old African
American. Mother crack addict.
Priors: 7 juvenile felony convictions-all theft related
Charge: Auto theft and residential burglary. Because he was a repeat
offender and was 17 years 10 months, prosecutors wanted him tried in the adult
court system.
Outcome: Sent to California Youth Authority. Up for parole in fall 2001.
José
Bio: 15 year old Hispanic
male. Abandoned by parents. Gang member. Drinking/drug problems.
Charge: Murder. In a brawl with other teenagers one male
was killed. His skull was crushed after being beaten repeatedly.
Outcome: 208 days in juvenile hall.