Hate Crime in Oxnard, California Shocks Nation

Oxnard, California known as the strawberry and lima bean capital of the world and home to more than 200,000 residents was shocked this past Tuesday when news of a brutal hate crime was circulated throughout the nation.

Lawrence King, 15 years-young was a student at EO Green Junior High School in Oxnard, California. According to numerous reports, friends of the murdered child say that Lawrence King had recently come out to everyone that he was in fact gay. Lifetime friends also stated that Lawrence just began to be flamboyant while attending school. Wearing make-up and heels what brought teasing and rude remarks, however instead of hanging his head in shame, Lawrence would retaliate by flirting with those who tried to tease him.

Is this a reason to kill for?

In the year 2008 are we still so close minded that a child of 14 has to bring a gun to school to kill a fellow classmate all because of his sexuality preference?

Can being gay bother someone so much that they must take the life of someone because of it?

Unfortunately in Oxnard, California one 14 year-old boy obviously thought that it was necessary to take the life of Lawrence King by shooting him in the head two times while he was inside of the classroom full of his classmates. Lawrence was immediately brought to the hospital where all hope was lost after doctors confirmed the child was brain dead on Thursday, March 27th. Lawrence King was then taken off the ventilator so doctors could salvage his organs for donations.

The accused shooter, 14 year-old Brandon McInerney is being charged as an adult. County prosecutors are stating and charging McInerney with premeditated murder with the use of a firearm as well as a hate crime. Since McInerney is a minor, he will be held in juvenile hall until his court appearance. If convicted, McInerney will face between 50 years to a life sentence.