Should he be charged? - AfroChat - African American

RaInEdomThoughtz · January 31st, 2007, 11:24 AM

TACOMA, Wash. - A judge set a court hearing for next month to determine whether a 9-year-old boy who ran away from home and talked his way onto two flights on his way to Texas may be charged in a car theft and police chase.

Semaj Booker, whose determined effort to get to his grandfather in Dallas made national headlines earlier this month, appeared briefly Monday before Superior Court Judge John A. McCarthy, who ruled there was probable cause to set a hearing in the car theft case.

Under state law, a child 8 to 11 years old is presumed to be incapable of committing a crime unless prosecutors prove he understood what he did and knew it was wrong. Finding probable cause, McCarthy scheduled a "capacity hearing" to answer those questions for Feb. 12.

The boy, who authorities say has a history of stealing cars and running away, is accused of taking a neighbor's car on Jan. 14 in Lakewood and leading police on a chase at speeds up to 80 mph before the engine blew.

Unable to find a juvenile detention center to accept the boy because of his youth, police returned him to his mother, Sakinah Booker.

She reported him missing the next morning, Jan. 15. That night, he was detained in San Antonio, where he had managed to fly from Seattle after giving Southwest Airlines agents a false name and claiming to be 12 years old. He had even changed planes in Phoenix before flying on to the Texas city.

The court case concerns charges of second-degree car theft and attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle, both felonies, and driving without a valid driver's license.

The boy remained in the custody of his mother but the judge also ordered that he remain under constant adult supervision, be kept home except for attending school and not drive any motor vehicles.

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When I first read about this, my first thought was, "How did a 9 year old out run the police?" I dont know if he should be put in juvenile detention, but its obvious that he needs a hobby.

urfan2c · January 31st, 2007, 11:59 AM

He needs counseling and what not, did they get to the bottom of why he was trying to get to his grandfather. He doesn't need to go to jail. He didn't kill anybody, but he does need something. Hopefully they can think of a more constructive way to punish and enlighten a 9 year old.

Sumyr · January 31st, 2007, 12:14 PM

I don't think he should get by with just a tap on the wrist. It said he has a history of stealing cars. If this was a first offense, sure tap him on the wrist. I don't feel he should go to jail, but should serve one year in a very structured and intense boot camp for troubled youths and go through extensive rehibilitation.

It also said that the motor blew in the car which now leaves the neighbor without a vehicle. If something isn't done, and now, we will be reading a post five years from now that reads "14 Year Old with Criminal History to Be Arraigned Today on Robbery and Murder Charges"..... by lines will read....."Youth Will Be Tried as an Adult Due to Past Run Ins With the Law."

Don't believe me - ask my stepbrother....oh, that's right......you can't because he's now serving a life sentence for Murder/Robbery because the law let him skate by 25 times on prior minor charges such as stealing. :frown:

Proudbrothaman · January 31st, 2007, 01:25 PM

Something isn't right about the young man. being able to jack a car and swindle your way on to a plane isn't a normal thing for a 9 year old... I don't think it is anyway

ImaJon · January 31st, 2007, 01:35 PM

Stealing cars could lead to other things especially if actions to curb it doesn't start now. Perhaps there are family issues that need addressing.

poeticasylum1 · January 31st, 2007, 03:06 PM

Hold up...

Homie was wrong for what he did. No question. Yet, if anybody should be charged with stupidity it should be airport security. The cops were probably stupified at seeing an 8 year old at the wheel of a car and didn't want to hurt the lil fella. Now had he been 16, well they would have stopped homeboy, beat the crap out of him and it would just be a footnote on the local news. Yes, he may need counseling but it seems to me, that the brother just needs a big brother to talk to and be around. He's 8. He doesn't really understand things. I think he's just acting out because things at home are not right. Im not saying he should not be let go scott free. But come on......

January 31st, 2007, 05:12 PM

No, he shouldn't be charged. But he does need to be dealt with. He's already got a history for jackin' cars n' led police on an 80mph chase, someone and/or himself could have easily been killed. For starters he needs his *** whooped a few times over. Then let 'em sit in jail for about a week n' off to boot camp for about a year as Sumyr suggested. He keeps down this road n' he'll either end up dead or in prison. Since it's not possible to show the lil' one how it is to be dead you give 'em a taste of prison and then some.

In addition to that every person at both airports who dealt with the boy should be terminated. Parents or guardians should have their asses whooped also but I highly doubt that can be arranged.

JamieC · January 31st, 2007, 07:29 PM

I think he needs help. Because once he goes to court he'll probably talk his way out of doing juvie time. Kids are smarter then we give them credit for but he does need to realize that this type of behavior isn't CUTE.

RaInEdomThoughtz · January 31st, 2007, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urfan2c

He needs counseling and what not, did they get to the bottom of why he was trying to get to his grandfather. He doesn't need to go to jail. He didn't kill anybody, but he does need something. Hopefully they can think of a more constructive way to punish and enlighten a 9 year old.

No, they never did say why it was so important for him to get to his grandfathers house. I was wondering the same thing.

I agree he does need something, and like PBM said, this was not his first time stealing a car. Im wondering whats going on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamieC

Kids are smarter then we give them credit for but he does need to realize that this type of behavior isn't CUTE.

Exactly. I think that his mother should also realize that his behavior isnt cute. Her statement really has me perplexed--she states that she is "proud of him"

What type of ish is that to say?

black_phoenix · February 2nd, 2007, 12:20 PM

i think he needs counciling, but a 9 year old boy who can do all that before middle school, he's really smart, if he can get his priorities straight, theres our next genius,lol, maybe even president...hmmm.....???