Narrative: Gangs Scenario 1, Scene 3, Decision B: Consequences
Legal
All three boys are 16 and older, so they are all directly filed into Adult Court. All three boys are charged with Attempted Murder (Class B2 felony, 94 – over 400 months in prison) or Murder (Class A felony, life or death in prison) depending on whether the homeowner dies, Felony Breaking or Entering of a Building (Class H felony, 4 – 30 months in prison, plus, since the B&E was committed with a gun, an additional 60 months will be added to the sentence. It is a firearm enhancement, Felony Larceny (Class H felony, 4 – 30 months in prison), Felony Possession of Stolen Goods (Class H felony, 4 – 30 months in prison) and Assault With a Deadly Weapon With Intent to Kill (Class E felony, 15 – 85 months in prison). Even though Jamari did not go into the house and only acted as the lookout, he is charged with the same crimes for being an accomplice (“If you run with the pack, you must take credit for the kill.”).
School
Be aware of what your school’s policy is on this issue, because some schools have a zero-tolerance stance on such behaviors. These charges could result in suspension or expulsion for a full year.
Medical
The home owner was shot in the chest. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Once there, doctors inserted a chest tube to drain the blood from his chest cavity.
Emotional
Imagine how this experience might affect each of the people involved, including the victims, the perpetrators, as well as their family and friends. Different people are affected differently.
If you or a friend are being pressured to be in a gang, make sure you tell someone you trust (such as a teacher, family member, friend, police officer). Gangs are not the only way to “fit in.”
Resources