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More from Breaking NewsA 14-year-old boy charged with a hate crime in the death of an eighth-grade classmate had among his possessions numerous items of white supremacist literature and drawings, including hand-drawn swastikas, according to court records filed by prosecutors.
Brandon McInerney is being prosecuted as an adult in Ventura County Superior Court, accused of the February shooting death of his classmate Larry King, 15, at E.O. Green School in Oxnard. King had told friends he was gay.
McInerney, of Oxnard, faces a sentence of 51 years to life if convicted of all the charges.
The discovery of the white supremacist material earlier this year in a seach of McInerney's room at his home had a significant role in the District Attorney's decision to charge McInerney with a hate crime, Senior Deputy District Attorney Maeve Fox wrote in a court filing.
Fox submitted the document in response to a request by McInerney's attorney William "Willy" Quest for background information about a police gang expert who is expected to testify in the case. Fox opposed Quest's request to get the information so he can have it for a preliminary hearing.
Fox referred to the material found by an investigator as a "trove of white supremacy related" items.
"The discovery of these items in large part prompted the filing of the hate crime allegation in this case," Fox wrote.
The materials are "not the type of things that are typically associated with the study of World War II," Fox added. "Rather these items depict racist skinhead philosophy of the variety espoused by Tom Metzger, David Lane and others. They included hand drawn sketches of swastikas, references to the 14 Words' and the number 88, which is commonly used by skinheads to represent the words Heil Hitler and Hitler's SS." In an interview Wednesday, Quest called the prosecution's evidence "vague" and said it was a "stretch" to portray his client as a white supremacist.
"His best friends at school were blacks. His best friends at school were Hispanics. We have character references of teachers who are Jewish who will say that it is a stretch to say that very small amounts of drawings and scribbling of a 13- or 14-year-old, to say this guy is a white supremacist." Last month, Quest filed a motion to gather information on what the prosecution's legal theory is on the hate crime allegation. He said this isn't a hate crime.
"There are certain drawings and scribbles that I think are attributed to my client, a very impressionable young man who was studying Hitler and was writing a paper. He made some drawings of war-time Nazi Germany," said Quest.
He said his client had a "fascination with war-time Germany of the Hitler youth in a historical context that -without any evidence that he is in any gang, without any (gang) tattoos, without any other evidence -that all of a sudden makes this guy a white supremacist." Quest accused the prosecution of being "very vague and just general in throwing accusations" against his 14-year-old client with very little proof.
According to Quest, McInerney never made any racist comments nor was involved in white supremacist activities.
"It's a way for them to justify prosecuting a 14-year-old in this manner without any evidence that he was in a gang, any evidence that he had (gang) tattoos or had racial animus or any activity," said Quest. "It's just a stretch. It's just a large stretch." Another issue in the case is who will represent McInerney.
On Sept. 23, a judge appointed another attorney --William Wiksell of Ventura --as "guardian ad litem" to look out for McInerney's best interests after the boy's family fired attorneys from the county Public Defender's Office, including Quest, and moved to hire lawyers from a national law firm.
Quest said he has talked to McInerney since the Sept. 23 hearing, and declined to say whether he will continue to be McInerney's lawyer.
Posted by JeannetteMedrano on October 1, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
God Bless Both of these families. Rest in Peace Larry. May you continue to reign in HEAVEN, sweet child.
Posted by 805grl on October 1, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
so McInerney was on his way to become a full fleged white supremacist! Now he can become one in prison.
Posted by prd2beamrkn on October 1, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What does this have to do with the case? It was not a mystery he did not like Larry.
Posted by FedUp on October 1, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
this would be relevant if the victim was black or hispanic. since he was not, this still should not be considered a hate crime.
and I do agree with 805grl on her comments.
Posted by Thinkbeforeyoupost on October 1, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What other evidence are they holding out with? If this is the best the prosecutor can do then it looks as if they may lose this case. This is a hate crime though. Everyone knew that Brandon hated Larry, and yet no one did anything about it!
Posted by hotwildflower on October 1, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What really bothers me is the message behind this stuff is so hateful yet it's almost glorified for it's shock value.
I don't think kids now a days truly know the level of hate that these symbols represent. I know I was never taught what it meant and thought a swaskitka was just an "interesting" (for lack of better word) design. As I became an adult, since it wasn't taught in school, I began to really understand it and this stuff is completely unacceptable.
I am not defending him having this stuff and it's completely appauling, but I do wonder if he even really understood it.
Posted by hotwildflower on October 1, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I honestly didn't...although, I was raised by a single dad who worked alot of hours. Obviously, I have made sure my children know and hopefully understand...but I wasn't told that.
Posted by sunnbear on October 1, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Didn't anyone study WWII in school? Hitler, Nazis, etc. To a Nazi, anyone different is a target. Doesn't even matter if you are white, if you are gay, you are a target. If you are a sympathizer (white, yet respectful of all others), you are a target. This stuff is not to be played with. I hope Brandon McInerney gets the maximum penalty. Hate crime or not.
Posted by sunnbear on October 1, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
McCantDB8, The terrorists are HERE! In our schools, on our streets, next door. They call themselves "Gangstas" or something like that. They are actually lonesome, cowardly losers! Terrorists, none the less!
Posted by zoezoe on October 1, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And the shooting victim had homosexual material.
Posted by sunnbear on October 1, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
zoezoe, Not the same as Nazi material.
Posted by FedUp on October 1, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
njnnp -
I have seen him. he looks like a dark skinned 8 year old. I have several friends who have darker skin than me, and they are not hispanic.
just for the record, I like an "eye for an eye" in this case.
Posted by missmary on October 1, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Once again, R U KIDDING ? He is just a child, my son and nephew are the same age and they draw/sketch warriors, ladies, different types of weapons etc but they are not considered threatening. They are expressing what is inside themselves - it is healthy. None-the-less, someone has to take responsibility for the shooting and I say it is whoever was "the responsible party for this young human". My sincerelest condolences to both families and our children, the future of us all - it is up to us as Parents to teach Respect, Integrity and Honesty - above all, Love each other.
Posted by sunnbear on October 1, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry McCantDB8, Couldn't hear the sarcasm in the post. By the way...like your screen name!
Posted by ebrockway on October 1, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jay Dubya:
Only you could squeeze Iraq into a story like this.
Pay attention!
Posted by Comments on October 1, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, I don't know what school you went to hotwildflower or how old you are, but I do know that I was absolutely taught about the holocaust in school. I vividly remember the films they used to show us of malnourished bodies piled on top of each other in mass graves. We were taught about concentration camps, we learned about Hitler and we definitely knew that what a swastika was and what it signified. I am 44 yrs old and attended public school in NYC. I'd be stunned to hear that the public schools here in CA don't teach about the holocaust.
I go back and forth as to how I feel about this case, especially in terms of whether or not to try a 14 yr old as an adult. My initial reaction was an emotional one and that was that he did an adult crime (clearly premeditated murder) and should therefore be tried as an adult. However, when I think about it rationally I know I don't really believe that. He's only 14 and the male brain doesn't fully mature until 25. Yes, I'm sure he knew it was wrong to murder Larry and I'm also certain he knew it was permanent. However, I don't think he really understood the consequences. They were both very troubled young boys who were clearly let down by most of the adults in the adults in their lives - especially their parents. I have no idea what I think about the material the prosecutor says was found in Brandon's house. I despise racism in any form. However, I really don't think that this crime was a hate crime. I truly believe that Brandon was being harrassed by Larry (even Larry's father admits that) and that he wanted to put an end to the behavior. The materials found in his home are just more proof to me that this kid was troubled and that he was getting zero guidance at home. This is one instance in which I have no problem blaming the parents. From everything that's been reported to date it's clear that Brandon's parents seriously dropped the ball. I believe that they're nearly as culpable as their son.
Posted by 805grl on October 1, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hotwildflower I have to disagree with you. I think most kids today understand swastikas, Nazi material, gang signs etc. I think he knew exactly what these symbols represented and he had then in his possession. He had Hitler related articles, Im sorry thats enough for me! At 14- even as young as 12 I knew what such articles represented. My own 11 year old today understands that what a swastika means.
Posted by schmiddl on October 1, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If the kings didnt have Larry when he was shot the dont deserve a dime If anyone deserves anything for damages it is Rocky and i hope theyre treating him like gold now because those people are just money hungry scum... If you knew what some of us familys know here in Port Hueneme you would be apauled at those people theyve already started talking about what they plan to do with that money before they even filed the lawsuit. I hope they read this and I wonder how they sleep at night the should be sad , sad they didnt treat him the way they should have before he left this earth. Rocky is a sweet young man I hope he is treated well as for the kings I dont know what it's like to lose a child but I just can't feel in my heart that you two are sincere. As for Brandon may he some day understand the huge mistake he made that day as a CHILD and be able to forgive himself and find peace. I wish the Kings could find peace the right way not the greedy way...What a terrible thing that has happened and how long will it be dragged along?
Posted by 805grl on October 1, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I truly believe had McInerney not murdered King today in cold blood, he would have developed more hatred as a full fleged skin-head and would have committed this crime on someone else- even you or I! Unfortunate for King he was his early target. At least theres a chance he will be removed from society for good. Im pretty sure he understood what the consequences would be.
Posted by timbri27 on October 1, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The point is, Brandon killed another person no matter what the reason is he is a murderer. I know that if anybody ever took the life of my kids or a loved one, I would want justice and by justice I mean death penalty or life in prison. I'm tired of hearing people excusing his action by saying he is a little kid therefore he did not know what he was doing. Wasn't Larry a little kid also therefore he didn't know what he was doing? Let's say Larry did harrass, bullied, intimidated Brandon, did he deserve to die?
Posted by schmiddl on October 1, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
njnnp thats great that you were so educated at such a young age you probably think your god's gift also , half of you people blog everyday on here and stretch this stuff out Do any of you know these familys or are any of you the familys? So easy to form an opinion thats the great thing about freedom of speech but just remember these were children and probably not ones who knew about the Holocaust in the first grade I have to see the kings all the time im nice but fake nice. This whole thing has been taken out of context and mostly by people that didn't even know these kids the gay and lesbian alliance etc. Im all for the rights of others I dont believe in racism and the whole nine, i even think the school is somewhat to blame. Sad Sad Sad this whole situation and for all those doing anything to fight for larry out of the bottom of there hearts great, but to those just trying to make a point or a buck, how dare you, and karmas a son of a gun...
Posted by 805grl on October 1, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good point timbri27
Posted by hotwildflower on October 1, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
wow, what did I open up here:
1) Sorry I hadn't learned it until I was older. Slap the back of my hands with a dang ruler!
2) I didn't say Brandon didn't know, I said I wondered if he understood. I was wondering, not stating a FACT.
Posted by 805grl on October 1, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
schmiddl I think you are VERY confused, you just admitted you are fake!
..." I have to see the kings all the time im nice but fake nice" why be fake??
Posted by Comments on October 1, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
805grl - I suspect he's being "fake" in order to be civil. We often greet folks we don't necessarily like in a civil manner. I don't really consider that being fake. I'm sure that there are many people who'd like to tell the Kings what they really think of them and their parenting skills, but most of us would keep our thoughts to ourselves and not cause anymore grief.
Posted by schmiddl on October 1, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Because my child is friends with their living son, and they should not be effected by my opinion of his parents. I am not fake but yes fake and cordial to them.
Posted by schmiddl on October 1, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you Comments, I appriciate your being an understanding human being to bad 805grl is not but with a screen name like 805grl i'm sure i'm not dealing with anyone very sophisticated...
Posted by Thinkbeforeyoupost on October 1, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
schmiddle; I understand what you said , and I agree with you, but don't be surprised if others don't understand. I had to read your post three time first. It's a little muddled. No offense! Brandon and Larry are both victims of this screwed up society!
Posted by schmiddl on October 1, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Unlike 805grl as I said before I and many others in the small town of Port Hueneme Know or Know of this family, my comments are true and from the heart they are based on facts not fiction, it is partly my opinion(of the kings) but it is factual. I think it's sad all around you just keep talking about Brandon the natzi,murder,or had he not committed the crime he would have in the future. Maybe but those are your opinions not facts... Get a life 805grl...
Posted by schmiddl on October 1, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sorry thinkbeforeyoupost, you'll be glad to know i'm thinking before I post but typing my thought's fast,"I should be working" but i'd rather be arguing my opinion in here.
Posted by Hueneme1961 on October 1, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agrree with fedup eye for and eye. :) Not sure what this story has to do with anything.Pretty sure he will get what's comming without this stuff.
Posted by SoSad on October 1, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Brandon should have just used his fists.
Instead, he resorted to using a gun. And not just one bullet, he had to make sure with two.
By the way, who was the gun registered to?
Posted by 805grl on October 1, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
schmiddl... I have a great life thank you! He is a murderer, deal with it. I dont have to know either family to know that...
Posted by 805grl on October 1, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And what kind of sophistication comes with the screen name schmiddl... ??
Posted by lawabider on October 1, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
good point, soSad -- the truth is, Brandon was taught by his idiotic parents that you settle disputes with bullets when one parent shot the other -- both of these CHILDREN were failed on SO MANY levels by all responsible for them... Yes, Brandon hated Larry for Larry's homosexual advances toward Brandon -- Brandon reacted in the only way he knew how... To pin a white supremist label on this baby is quite ridiculous...
Posted by AnnaWhaat on October 1, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Comments,I am over 40 and I do not ever remember seeing movies in school about the halocaust. I did when I was out of school watch things on the History Channel about it. And my spouse who is a History buff. I totally am with you on your comment. I do not believe in my heart this was a hate crime. I honestly think he just lost it mentally and didn't know how to stop the harrassment. Had it been pre-meditated I would think he would have hid in the bushes and shot him as he was walking home from school. The way he killed him, I think he just wasn't thinking as an adult. I do believe also that he should be punished (BUT as a Minor) not an adult.
Seems like alot of people failed these two young boys.
hotwildflower , Don't feel bad I wasn't taught in School about it either. And I am a few years older then you are.
805grl ,Your correct he is a murder'er. BUT what we are discussing is should he be tried as an adult or child. And was this a hate crime.
lawabider , I agree !
Posted by sparks240 on October 1, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Brandon may come from a family that is no stranger to swastikas.
Posted by Hueneme1961 on October 1, 2008 at 6 p.m. (Suggest removal)
just two?
Posted by ironwoman on October 1, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Now he can join the white gangs in prison.
For those of you that say Brandon was a victim, you are wrong. Brandon is a killer. Many kids come from bad homes, negative role models, abused, etc...and don't turn around and kill people. There are many kids who do choose to do right because it is in their heart.
Brandon Mcinerney is far from a victim.
Posted by smithjc on October 1, 2008 at 6:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
of course his liar, uh, lawyer tries to put the old "he's studying about hitler and ww2 in school" spin on it, but fact is, "88", the "14 words*" and the like are creations of the neo-nazis, white supremacists, "aryan" religions and the like. it's one thing to have a couple of swastikas around if you're "studying about hitler", but the other things show something else to me.
sorry, mr quest, not buying your bovine excrement.
*for those interested, the 14 words refer to this: "we must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children". this slogan was coined by a member of a neo-nazi organization called "the order". the concept was inspired by a phrase in a little book called "mein kampf" by some old dead guy named adolf hitler.
the materials in the preceeding paragraph do not represent the views of the poster and are displayed merely for educational value.
Posted by 805Banker on October 1, 2008 at 7:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Please just give him the max and help keep the streets a little bit safer....
Posted by chumash1962 on October 1, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
techuser whats wrong the truth hurts
Posted by grammadee on October 1, 2008 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VOR....you out there? I'm still waiting for my coffee and donut, but you have given me new eyes on this issue, and I wonder what your thoughts are? I miss our debates!
Posted by keepin_it_real on October 1, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
slkrchck,
Whooo hoo !!!!! Go get em ICE !!!!!!
I have mixed feelings about this case too. There is no doubt he is guilty and that he should be punished. My feelings flip flop about this case as well. I just can't conceive of anything so horrific. And to think so many children witnessed the whole thing. Terrible.
Posted by Twslv05 on October 1, 2008 at 9:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The kid murdered his classmate and as far as I am concerned he should spend the rest of his life in prison.
The hate crime of murder should always be focal point and prosecuted to the maximum but it seem we are stuck on the likely fact he was a racist at the time he murdered Larry King rather than the fact he was a cold blooded murderer which to me is the worse of the two evils.
Enough with making the act of being a racist worse than being someone who would commit the act of cold blooded murder because to me that is the ultimate hate crime.
Posted by VOR on October 1, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hi Grammadee, Sorry my doctor told me not to get too intense or I could pop a vein and the stupidity and ignorance here makes me get intense. People like schmiddl show their ignorance. Like he/she really knows the kings. Yeah right. schmiddl knows nothing of the facts and once the facts are brought out will look like a fool.
As far as Brandon and the Nazi white supremacist stuff, well what can you say? That to me is a failure of the parents to instill proper moral values and what it means when you follow that road. But then again he murdered Larry in cold blood so I do not think he had any moral values at all to begin with.
Time will tell if this case ever gets to trial. He may be an old man before the case is heard at this rate and I will be long gone. I can only hope that the King's will endure and that the ignorance shown on this message board does not effect them or their son.
Yes I owe you a cup of coffee and a donut, have not forgotten. :)
When this thing finally goes to trial, I will be up there to watch. Maybe we can meet up then. Until then you take care.
VOR
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