Lawrence King’s school records obtained for accused teen’s defence case - from Pink News - all the latest gay news from the gay community

Lawrence King's school records obtained for accused teen's defence case

By Rachel Charman • August 22, 2008 - 16:13

Mr McInerney will face a minimum of 51 years imprisonment if convicted of murder and committing a hate crime

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The school records of murdered gay teenager Lawrence King have been released to the lawyer defending the student accused of killing him.

Mr King, 15, who self-identified as gay and wore feminine clothing to school, was shot in the head on 12th February during a lesson, allegedly by Brandon McInerney, 14, his classmate at E.O. Green Junior High School in Oxnard, California.

Mr McIlerney's lawyer, William Quest, was provided with the records on Thursday after an order given by Superior Court Judge James Cloninger.

Only those who are directly involved with the court case will be allowed to see the records.

Mr Quest asked for the records in order to put Mr King's death into context and aid his defence.

He told the Ventura County Star:

"Brandon is not a sociopath. This is not some crazy kid.

"There were warnings of trouble. What I am trying to establish, given the mandatory harsh sentencing that goes with trying a 14-year-old as an adult, is explaining what was going on.

"How this tragedy happened, not trying to minimize it or take anything away from the tragedy.

"But at least, provide it in the context which we think would provide a partial defence on behalf of Brandon."

Mr McInerney will face a minimum of 51 years imprisonment if convicted of murder and committing a hate crime.

Mr King's family have also partially blamed his death on the school district for not enforcing the school dress code.

His parents, Dawn and Gregory King, say that the school allowing him to wear makeup and feminine clothing was a factor leading to his death.

The family filed a claim against the school at the beginning of the month at Ventura County Superior Court.

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