According to news sources, three teens have been taken into custody in relation to the death of a 15-year-old Florida boy. The boy was reportedly found lying on the ground in a park in Winter Park, Florida on Oct. 15 with few signs of trauma.
Law enforcement authorities have stated that two of the boys, who are both 15, are facing charges of battery and manslaughter. A 14-year-old boy is facing a charge of witness tampering.
It was initially unclear what happened to the victim. Several bystanders, including a doctor, tried to revive him when they found him in the park. Tests later revealed that he had suffered from blunt force trauma to his head. It is unclear what led law enforcement officers to the three juveniles who have been charged. The judge in the case said that the three will remain in custody until at least Jan. 4 because of the serious nature of the charges that they are facing.
When minors face allegations of committing juvenile crimes, they may be facing serious consequences. In some cases, the prosecutor may decide to try to prosecute the juvenile as an adult. When that happens, the juvenile may face adult criminal penalties if a conviction is obtained, including incarceration. A criminal defense attorney who is experienced with defending minors who are accused of juvenile offenses may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor in order to keep the case in juvenile court. The attorney may also work to secure an alternative sentence or a plea to a lesser charge in order to shorten any possible period of detention or juvenile incarceration for the client.
Source: People, “Three arrests and cause of death announced months after Florida boy’s strange death,” Steve Helling, Dec. 8, 2016
