Criminal Justice
Fla. Teen Who Copied Movie Characters is Convicted of First-Degree Murder
Posted Sep 25, 2008, 05:13 pm CDT
By Martha Neil
Rejecting an insanity defense, a Florida jury last night convicted a teenager who was 14 at the time he admittedly stabbed a middle school classmate to death of first-degree murder.
Assuming that the conviction stands, Michael Hernandez, who is now 18, is expected to spend the rest of his life in prison for killing Jaime Gough, who was also 14, according to the Miami Herald.
The mothers of both teens cried when the verdict was announced. However, Michael Hernandez reportedly showed no emotion.
Gough apparently did nothing to provoke Hernandez, but simply was in the wrong place at the wrong time: Modeling himself on serial killers in the movies, Hernandez had decided to pursue a similar career when he lured Gough into a restroom and stabbed him to death, according to trial testimony.
"Hernandez faces a mandatory life sentence," the newspaper writes. "He was also convicted of trying to kill another friend the day before he killed Jaime."
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: "14-Year-Old Florida Killer Copied Movie Characters, Expert Says"
Related Stories
- Even Routine Law Practice is Difficult and Dangerous in Russia
-1 years, 12 months ago - Border Town Becomes Murder Capital, While Mexico Pushes for Rule-of-Law Changes
Jul 4, 2009, 10:00 am CDT - Google Books Settlement May Violate Antitrust Law, DOJ Contends
Jul 2, 2009, 04:33 pm CDT - Counsel for Accused Lawyer Must Be Given Control of Claimed Child Porn
Jul 2, 2009, 03:52 pm CDT
Add Comment
We welcome your comments, but please adhere to our comment policy.