by Maxi
Hundreds of us here in Florida watched the Alex and Derek King murder trial. Jurors and TV viewers were mesmerized by their angelic looks and soft-spoken manner. Even the judge seemed taken. Not me. Where is the sorrow?
The boys did not run away because their father was abusive; he was too strict they complained. Days later when they returned Alex and Derek were afraid of being punished. Now this is diabolical. The brothers sneak into the house where their father is asleep in a chair … and bash his head in with a baseball bat. Then set the house on fire to cover up the murder.
Alex and Derek were 12 and 13. They were charged with first degree murder. Yet, the jury was allowed to find them guilty of lesser charges and did—second degree murder—for which they could have been sentenced to 22 years to life. During the trial the brothers showed no emotion, especially remorse.
When things turned complicated the Circuit Court Judge stepped in, by the time the smoke cleared … Alex was sentenced to seven years, Derek eight.
They’re back now. Basking in front of TV cameras to give interviews and answer questions. In the future they plan to be “productive citizens.” As for the past … “they made a mistake.”
May Your Glass Always Be Half Full
Read Chapter Three of Over the Edge at: maximalone.com
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