Source: Ventura County Star
The defense lawyer representing 14-year-old Brandon McInerney was given records Thursday that could shed light on the behavior of the 15-year-old classmate that McInerney is accused of killing,
Ventura County Star reports.
Larry King, an eighth-grader, was killed in a classroom shooting at E.O. Green School on Feb. 12.
McInerney, who has pleaded not-guilty, faces a sentence of 51 years to life if convicted on murder and hate crime charges in the shooting of King, who dressed in a feminine manner and told friends he was gay.
The records are expected to disclose information about King's behavior during the time he was living at Casa Pacifica, a center for troubled and abused children located near Camarillo, and attending E.O. Green School.
McInerney's attorney, William "Willy" Quest, told the judge that he wanted unedited records, including the names of students, so he can talk "to other people," including students, about the case.
The judge told Quest to first examine the records to determine what's in them and return to court, if necessary, on the issue of whether the names of other students should be deleted or redacted.
Outside the courtroom, Quest said the documents are "very important" to his legal defense.
Quest's declaration outlining why he needed the records is under court seal, but the attorney has said previously that his client felt King was harassing his client.
After Thursday's hearing Quest told the Ventura County Star there was "a lot of stuff going on" before the shooting.
"There were warnings of trouble," he said. "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 defense on behalf of Brandon."
Quest declined to comment on whether McInerney had reported any incidents between himself and King to school officials.
Quest has contended previously that school staff ignored complaints about King's behavior, allowing the tension to escalate.
"As I said before, Brandon is not a sociopath. This is not some crazy kid," the attorney told the Star in Thursday's interview, adding that this shooting was unlike others that have occurred in schools across the nation.
Quest will sift through the records to determine which documents he plans to use to defend McInerney if the case should go to trial. Quest has said he plans to mount a "vigorous" defense of his client.
Ultimately, the judge who will preside over the murder trial, if it is held, will determine which records Quest or prosecutors will be allowed to use as evidence.
"Preparing a defense is broader than what actually comes to trial," Quest said in the Thursday interview with Ventura County Star.
At the hearing, attorney Terrence Bonham, representing the school district that oversees E.O. Green, requested a protective order to make sure the records aren't released to anyone who is not involved with the defense or prosecution of the case.
The judge issued the protection order, specifying that only those who are directly involved with the prosecution or defense of the case will have access to the records.
The case has drawn national attention, leading to fears that confidential information might be leaked. Quest also indicated concern about how his client is being portrayed.
Source: Defendant's lawyer receives King papers | Ventura County Star