I have been watching courttv, there is a 15 yo up for murder for killing his grandparents as they slept when he was 12. If convicted he will get 30 years to life. The defense is saying that Zoloft was the reason the kid went homicidal. My question is is why is he being tried as an adult? At 12 I would think that you would have diminished responsiblility for your actions. Also this kid obviously had serious problems before the murders. So am I out there thinking he shouldn't be tried as an adult? I have an 11 yo and I cant even get him to take personal responsibility to make sure he has his lunch for school. Your opinions?

By Palmbchprincess on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 01:14 pm:

Murder is murder, and I really think that even at 12 you fully recognize that. I've taken Zoloft as a teen, and I don't buy into the "it made him homicidal" excuse. Honestly, I don't know much about the case, but I don't feel that a 12 year old should get away with murder. I knew better at that age, no matter how irresponsible I was in other areas.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 10:28 pm:

I don't think that irresponsibility of his youth is the issue. I think it is the effects of the medication. His is not the only case of Zoloft causing Psychotic episodes, not everyone has committed murder of course. But there are marked cases of Psychosis brought on by the medication. From someone that can attest the the positive and negative effects of medication. How one medication can cause one person to experience some normalcy and cause another person to fall into a living hell..

I would want to know more about this child prior to the murders before I pass a judgment. Because I believe that some 12 year olds are much more mature mentally than others and I also think that other issues have to be at play. And in a "typical" case I think a 30 to life sentence might be to harsh... Although I do believe that murder is murder, I think all asspects need to be taken into account.

By Feona on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 05:12 am:

12 years old?

Gosh, I don't want him on the street.... Glad I am not responsible for what happens to him....

So gruesome.

By Karen~moderator on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 08:55 am:

I'd have to agree that the anti depressant might be a contributing factor.

I remember years ago when Prozac was blamed for causing suicidal tendancies in some people. My X and my Mom worked with a man who was put on Prozac and several months later, he murdered his DW, DSS and committed suicide. (Strangely enough, there was a Hospice nurse where my Mom was who knew this family!)

I'm don't think the ENTIRE blame goes to the medication, but I don't doubt it could be a factor. I agree with Bobbie in that the child's past should be taken into consideration - it should be thoroughly investigated, including his history of aggression, violence, etc.

And all that being said, he DID murder 2 people, so there have to be consequences. I really couldn't make a judgement until I had more facts about him and his past.

By Kim on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 10:34 am:

I have taken Zoloft and I totally agree that it could very well have been a big factor. It made me hallucinate, no joke. I was on it for three days and told my doctor to forget it. I really felt like I was losing my mind. I had auditory and visual hallucination. It was a horrible experience.

By Palmbchprincess on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 03:26 pm:

I guess I should clarify, I had adverse reactions to it, I always felt "off" when taking it, but I think it's too easy of a cop out. JMHO, of course, and the whole situation is very sad.

By Breann on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 07:26 pm:

If "we" start letting people blame things that they do on one medication or another....or anything else for that matter, then too many people are going to commit crimes. There will always be an easy way for them to get off the hook. Just blame it on one prescription, or another, or another, or whatever.
Murder is murder. He murdered 2 people. I wouldn't want my kids going to school with him. I wouldn't want him living in my neighborhood.

By Palmbchprincess on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 09:29 pm:

He was convicted today, though I don't know what they sentenced him to. It was between 30 and life.

By Jann on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 07:58 am:

He got 30 years. I am actually very torn on this particular case. But I do believe if not monitored correctly, Zoloft can be a dangerous drug. I think it's important to note that the FDA just came out recently saying that Zoloft should not be given to children under the age of 12. The warnings on the packages have also been changed to reflect the increased possibility of suicide or dangerous acts while taking this medication.
In this particular case, I find it ironic that as a 12 year old, he could have none of the priviledges of an adult (drink, drive, vote, own property) but could be tried as adult for his crime. I also wonder why a 12 year old was allowed to waive his miranda rights and confess without an attorney present.
It is also important to note that the prosecution's witness testified that these type of drugs can cause psychotic episodes if not monitored correctly. As a side note, this same witness testified in another case that the defendant (an adult) should not be held liable for his violent actions due to Zoloft.
It's not so black and white.

By Kim on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 08:11 am:

I am really upset at the attitude toward this. I heard several reports that this boy had never had tendencies towards violence before this happened. I alse heard that he complained of the side effects before it happened and the doctor INCREASED his dose. I KNOW what I experienced. It was extremely evil and scary. I truly thought I was losing my mind. I think its easy for you to judge if you have not experienced an adverse reaction to this medicine. Luckily for me, I am an adult and I told the doctor NO WAY. He was TWELVE. He was told to take the meds and took it. When dr increased meds after kid complained, he was told to take the meds! Yes, some people would totally use this defense if he had gotten off. What a mess. I think thirty years is too extreme. I know he made horrible statements after the crime, but they kept him on the dang drug for how long after?

I guess all I am trying to say is, if you haven't experienced it yourself you can't really truly judge the situation!

JMHO

By Feona on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 08:16 am:

I didn't think a 12 year old could put away for 30 years be prosecuted for murder. I thought you had to be 15 or 14 at least.

By Feona on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 08:17 am:

http://www.courttv.com/trials/pittman/020705pm_ctv.html

By Feona on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 08:17 am:

http://www.courttv.com/trials/pittman/020705pm_ctv.html

By Jann on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 08:49 am:

Nope, he got 30 years for the crime he committed as a 12 year old. He is 15 now.

By Missmudd on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 10:01 am:

Well that is the pinch isnt it? He was 12. Regardless of whether you think that the sentance is fair, this is an slam dunk appeal because of his age. Which makes this trial a big tax drain, and a drain on the jurors whos opinion will probably be overruled. I dont know what the prosecutors were thinking of, I dont know what the defense was thinking of. 12 seems awfully young to be tried as an adult. I think the defense has a good chance to appeal and retry.

By Cat on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 01:24 pm:

They did say on the news that 30 years is the most leinant sentance the judge could give for being found guilty. Personally, I think the system failed this kid, and do hope it's appealed. Zoloft can have very bad side effects, especially if there are other underlying undiagnosed problems. I do think he should be held accountable for his actions, but there's so much more to this. I feel horrible for the whole family.

By John on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 04:12 pm:

Regarding Miranda rights...
The police only have to read someone their Miranda rights AFTER they are arrested OR restrained by the police (told they cannot leave).

If he was questioned and agreed to answer voluntarily before being arrested then Miranda doesn't apply.

This is a common tactic used by police:

"We just want to talk to you. Is that OK?"

Evidence gathered in this way is almost NEVER thrown out (in spite of what you see on Law and Order)

Something similar happened to someone I know.

By Jann on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 10:04 am:

The key point is that this CHILD was allowed to be questioned, confess, all without an attorney present.

By John on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 12:20 pm:

The case with the person I know also involved a minor who was arrested after police questioning because of information he provided (without being read his Miranda rights).

Unfortunately, as far as I know, there is NO law that REQUIRES that an attorney (or parent) be present when a minor answers police questions UNLESS they are detained or arrested AND request the attorney.

I believe that NO minor (no matter how young) is entitled to have a parent present during police questioning.

This helps clarify the issue :

http://www.expertlaw.com/library/pubarticles/Criminal/Rights.html

"The police are very aware of when they have to read suspects their "Miranda Rights." The police will frequently question a suspect, specifically telling the suspect, "You are not under arrest, and are free to go. However, we would like you to answer some questions." After the suspect voluntarily answers questions, and sometimes if he refuses, he is arrested. The questioning, being voluntary and non-custodial, is usually admissible. After arrest, the police may have no interest in further questioning, and thus may not ever read the suspect his "Miranda Rights."




IMHO, these sorts of things are a case of police pushing the limits of what is legal and ignoring what is "the right thing to do".