The prosecutor allowed that the crime is third-degree battery and that the homicide occurred during the battery. The mitigating circumstance in Alex King's situation was the influence that Ricky Chavez exerted over Alex, who was 12 years old at the time of this crime. Alex asserted that Mr. Chavez and he were in love and that if Mr. King were alive, he would not let Alex live with him. Alex admitted that he asked Derek to kill his father and although the crime appeared to be premeditated, the judge was unwilling to allow for first or even second-degree murder, thereby eliminating a lengthy prison sentence.

The 8th amendment to the United States Constitution protects U.S. citizens from cruel and unusual punishment. Juveniles under the age of 16 are exempt from execution due to this amendment, but may still receive the sentence of life imprisonment, as Lionel Tate did. In terms...
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