Child psychology is different from adult. I think it is important to try to separate true sociopaths from kids who did something extremely dumb.
http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/05/31/gi...d.ap/index.htmlRead that. The state of New York is apparently charging a 9-year-old girl as an adult over the stabbing. How young before you assume they are too young to appreciate fully the consequences of their actions?
Now, if it can be determined that the children in question are full-blown violent criminal sociopaths who can kill with no remorse, then i have no problem locking them up for life. If you let them go, they'll do it again.
But, if it's a matter of somebody very young making a horrible and stupid decision, then I think the youth criminal system, which frees them at 18 may be more appropriate.
The question for me is whether that kid very likely poses an enduring risk to society if left free.
I don't believe it should HAVE to cost another life, if we can determine the kid, no matter how young, is truly a violent criminal sociopath!