PAW PAW (WKZO AM/FM) — A 15-year-old who prosecutors say was ready to launch a deadly assault on Paw Paw High School but was talked into surrendering by his parents, will be tried as a juvenile.
Van Buren County Judge Jeffrey Dufon asked why someone hadn’t helped the boy before the situation got out of hand, citing programs that have been set up for this kind of issue.
His mother testified she now regretted taking the teen to the Sheriff’s Department never thinking that being tried as an adult was a possibility.
It’s the difference between getting therapy and being released at age 19, and facing up to 28-years in prison as an adult offender.
The Prosecutor looked at the boy and said he saw a potential serial killer, but a therapist said the boy suffers from depression, anxiety and feelings of social awkwardness, and could be a productive citizen if he gets the help he needs.
