California boy charged with murdering neo-Nazi dad

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

California boy charged with murdering neo-Nazi dad
(philstar.com) Updated May 05, 2011 09:53 AM

RIVERSIDE, California (AP) - A 10-year-old boy was charged Wednesday with murdering his neo-Nazi father in the family's California home and his attorney said he might pursue an insanity defense.

County prosecutors charged the boy with murder involving the use of a gun after reviewing the facts surrounding the early Sunday morning shooting of Jeff Hall, a 32-year-old plumber who had carried a swastika flag and led rallies outside a local synagogue and day labor site.

Prosecutors declined to provide additional details until the boy enters a plea but said the case is highly unusual because of the boy's age.

"To say it's unheard of is not hyberbole in this case," said Ambrosio E. Rodriguez, senior deputy district attorney. "This is extremely rare. It is almost unheard of — until today."



Read more: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=682838&publicationSubCategoryId=200

[kenichol]

1. We need a national conversation: where's the line btwn abuse

Where's the line between mental, emotional abuse of his/her child by a 'hater' and the 'hater's' right to self-expression? I am probably jumping to all kinds of conclusions, but the need for a discussion is still there, I think.

[Le Taz Hot]

2. This child's father was awarded custody

which means, for whatever reason, the courts deemed his mother unfit. Social Services had been called on suspicion of child endangerment and neglect. Further down the article it says how the boy had trouble in school because of angry outbursts. Ya think???? Honest to goddess, it sounds like this kid didn't have a chance. He's 10. He can be saved, but not by the criminal justice system. Let's hope he and his 4 siblings can get the PROTECTION and LOVE all children need.

[WatsonT]

3. What must the mother have been like for the neo-nazi to look like the responsible parent?