Teen Murder: Is It A Hate Crime?
February 25, 2008 by polivox
On February 12, Brandon McInerney, age 14, shot a classmate execution style in front of classroom full of students in Oxnard, California. The victim, 15 year old Lawrence King was pronounced brain dead the next day. This crime as shaken so many people that even talk-show host Ellen Degeneres felt compelled to discuss the subject.
King, who was in the eighth grade, identified with being gay and was attacked by McInerney and other boys the day before the shooting. But they weren’t alone. Reports are that the young man was often teased and taunted by fellow students for his sexual orientation. What the other kids didn’t know was that King had nowhere to turn or a safe place to run to — he was living in a home for abused and troubled children. The bullies added to this young man’s already tortured existence.
Police have decided to charge Bradon McInerney with first-degree murder and a hate crime.
Parents and community members are shocked at the crime, but they shouldn’t be. Unfortunately, crimes against gay/lesbian/transgendered teens are all too common. This latest event brought back the emotion and anger associated with the Matthew Shepard case. In fact, activists are calling for passage of the Matthew Shepard Act, that would allow prosecutors more power to charge hate crimes in such cases.
Larry was not a second-class citizen. I am not a second-class citizen. It is ok to be gay. -Ellen Degeneres
Though this young man pulled the trigger, he didn’t kill young Lawrence King on his own. The people who taught him to hate and show such intolerance pulled the trigger along with him. A young man of 15 does not execute another boy without having learned the behavior from parents, friends or other adults. There is a long trail of perpetrators to this crime.
We never learn. We never embrace tolerance when it is needed most. We repeat the same mistakes and pass them down to our children.
Now there are two lives lost — one is dead and the other will pay for his hideous crime, perhaps for the rest of his life.
I think it was a “self hate” crime.
Like most homophobes, the fear is based in their own shame.
From what I understand, these two boys, both from troubled homes, had known each other for a while. Who knows what their relationship was?
McInerney was clearly, murderously, confiicted, perhaps about his own sexuality.
Of course, it’s much easier to spout about teachings of violence and hatred than it is to teach about a healthy sexuality, yours and others, and the feelings you get when you have an erection.
Don’t get me started.
Luke:
You’re a very bright and informed individual.
I couldn’t agree more with your comments. I too, believe that McInerney (with my limited knowledge of who he is) acted out of some sort of inner conflict.
All too often, bullies target those that represent something within themselves that they loathe.
Understanding that doesn’t make it any less tragic or sad.
Steve at Poli+Vox
[...] week started off on a sad not with a posting about the Teenage Gay Murder in Oxnard, Ca. It’s a story so sad that even talk-show host Ellen Degeneres felt the need to [...]
It’s a hate crime. Death penalty.
It is a hate crime … and it has been taught, and it continues to be taught here in the United States. From our politicians who want to put discrimination in our Constitution, to the right wingers who love to judge others. NO ONE will judge me or has the right to judge others until they die (that is God’s job). Then we will all be judged by Him.
So, for all of those who castigate, show prejudice, discriminate, and judge … I’ll be passing you on my way to heaven … good luck getting there!
I agree with Fred…….Especially tha ones that end up with tha victim losin their life…..This ish DONT MAKE SENSE
What we should also be looking at is how the hell this kid got a GUN into class to shoot him in the first place. Let’s not forget this issue people!!
Larry asked the other boy to be his valentine, so the other boy shot him. How did he know to bring a gun to school?
He obviously knew Larry had the hots for him, or else he wouldn’t have felt threatened; heck, he probably said or told some other kid that if Larry doesn’t back off of me, I’m going to shoot him.
It’s a good thing kids didn’t carry guns when I was in Junior High; I would have been shot several times. Thank God we now have the internet, makes the whole dating / guessing who is and who’s not gay dating game a lot easier, especially for us shy guys.
Rest in Peace dear Larry; maybe your school will honor your memory by teaching kids that it’s okay to be gay.
It’s ok to be Bi or Gay,Mr.Fred is right “It’s a hate crime. Death penalty.”