In California, a jury was unable to reach a verdict in the murder trial of teenager Brandon McInerney, who is accused of shooting gay classmate Lawrence King three years ago, the L.A. Times reported.
McInerney, then 14, shot King twice in the back of the head; prosecutors claim that McInerney committed the crime because he didn’t like gay people while the defense contended McInerney snapped after King allegedly sexually harassed him. The jury began deliberating Aug. 26 after eight weeks of testimony.
GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard issued a statement in reaction to the outcome. “The mistrial declared today is hardly a surprise,” Byard said.
She added, “This was always destined to be a case with little resolution and no winners, whatever the verdict. The central facts remain the same: homophobia killed Larry King and destroyed Brandon McInerney’s life, and adults failed both young men because of their own inability to deal forthrightly and compassionately with the multiple challenges they each faced. The jury’s indecision is a sad reflection of our collective inability to find common ground and invest in a better future for all youth and a culture of respect for all.”
ABC7.com reported that the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office wants to retry McInerney, 17, who was initially tried as an adult.