Previous Story
Camacho should be tried as an adult, court says
|
Posted on May 10 2000
The Supreme Court has upheld the decision of the juvenile court which ruled that convicted murderer Jesse James Camacho should be tried as an adult.
In a decision issued by Associate Justice Alex Castro, Justice Pro Tem John A. Manglona and Justice Pro Tem Marty W. K. Taylor, the court said “treatment as a juvenile is not an inherent right but a right created by the legislature which can be restricted in any way that is not arbitrary or discriminatory.”
Mr. Camacho cited a Commonwealth statute which mandates that a juvenile 16 years or older accused of murder, rape or a traffic offense be automatically tried as an adult, is unconstitutional.
In his appeal, he cited Article I Section 4 of the Commonwealth Constitution, which requires protection under 18 years of age in criminal proceedings, prohibits him from being tried as an adult.
Mr. Camacho is serving a 45-year sentence for masterminding the killing of 13-year-old Antonio Sablan Jr. The victim was stabbed 37 times in their house in Dandan as part of the initiation rites for the so-called Red Rum gang.
