Florida, New York, Georgia, Connecticut and Michigan have the highest numbers, according to the federal report.
In Idaho, juveniles charged with certain felonies are automatically tried as adults. But those found guilty often get blended sentences, serving time in a juvenile-detention center until they become of age and can be transferred to an adult prison.
During Samuel’s sentencing hearing, Kootenai County Public Defender John Adams urged the judge to allow the teen to stay in juvenile detention for now, moving him to a prison when he turns 19 or 21.
Adams cited Samuel’s traumatized upbringing. His father was abusive, both children were neglected and Samuel was in charge of caring for his autistic brother. His father also believed that a zombie apocalypse was imminent and tried to train Samuel to fight off the monsters in case of a doomsday event, according to court testimony.
However, the judge noted the seriousness of the crime. Samuel’s younger brother tried to hide under a bed, but Samuel found him and shot, stabbed and hacked the child with a machete more than 100 times.
The judge said he wasn’t comfortable having the teen housed with other juvenile offenders, opting instead to house him in adult prison for the entirety of his sentence.
Article Appeared @http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/idaho-prison-officials-hunt-for-place-to-put-16-year-old-killer/