Not every juvenile should be tried as a minor

Currently there's an open criminal case with the Ventura County District Attorney's Office.

This case concerns a youth killing another child based upon sexual orientation.

There are also civil rights' groups seeking to have the perpetrator tried as a juvenile.

As a former peace officer, I've seen teens prosecuted for crimes ranging from purse snatching to homicide.

The majority of these youths knew the difference between right and wrong, and for these rights' groups to imply this particular juvenile lacks the maturity and age is very disturbing.

The district attorney is an elected official and elected by the residents of this county to serve the residents, not rights' groups. The DA's office should prosecute this case, not in the name of groups who seek to tell an elected official how to do their job.

The case should be decided upon the totality of the facts and circumstances which gave rise to this despicable and senseless act in concert with the application of the rules of criminal law and procedure.
Ramaul Rush
Thousand Oaks