Not many Georgia parents would think their 11-year-old or 15-year-old children could commit a crime, much less one as serious as murder. The idea that children that young could plan a murder, get access to a weapon, and have the foresight and wherewithal to hide or tamper with evidence after the crime seems preposterous. Unfortunately, members of the Dougherty County Child Death Team have arrested two 11- and 15-year-old boys, accusing them of this serious violent crime.

Not only have Georgia police officers accused such young children of such a serious crime, but The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says they believe the 11-year-old was the one who shot the 13-year-old boy. Police also believe that after the incident the 11-year-old supposedly tampered with the evidence. He has since been criminally charged with tampering with evidence and felony murder.

Police also accused the 15-year-old of a weapons charge and tampering with evidence.

The Child Death Team is continuing to investigate what they believe to be a murder and do not currently have any idea why the two boys would have shot the third. Since there are no apparent problems between the children, it calls into question law enforcement's allegations that the 11- and 15-year-old were involved in the 13-year-old's death.

Police say additional charges could be pending.

While this blog has previously mentioned the seriousness of a criminal conviction for murder, being convicted as an 11-year-old would be even more traumatic and life-altering than as an adult. There is absolutely no question that a child charged with such a serious crime needs a strong criminal defense lawyer to ensure that police and the criminal justice system does not take advantage of him or her.

Source: The Atlanta Journal Constitution, "11-year-old charged with murder in teen's shooting," Feb. 13, 2012