13-year old boy has been convicted of first degree murder in the stabbing death of a 9-year old boy on a playground in Michigan

By Thomas Madison

Thirteen-year old Jamarion Lawhorn, who was twelve at the time of the tragedy, has been convicted of first degree murder in the stabbing death of nine-year old Connor Verkerke on a public playground in Kentwood, Michigan in 2014. Lawhorn stabbed Verkerke repeatedly in the back.

I am not suggesting any racial overtones in this case, as I believe they likely do not exist. The tragic point of the story is the age of the two children involved. This is what America has become, a cesspool of misery where life has little value. To a large extent I blame the state-sanctioned horrors of abortion and capital punishment.

From Detroit Free Press

GRAND RAPIDS — Jurors have found Jamarion Lawhorn, 13, guilty of first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of a younger boy at a Kentwood playground last August.

The verdict was delivered Friday afternoon in Kent County Circuit Court.

Lawhorn was charged as an adult. He’s been held at Kent County’s juvenile detention facility since his arrest last August.

A Kent County judge this summer ruled that Lawhorn was competent to assist in his own defense for the slaying of Connor Verkerke at the Pinewood Village mobile home park.

■ Related: Playground stabbing horrifies Kentwood: How could a child kill a child?

■ Related: Playground stabbing victim, 9, told brother: ‘I’ll love you forever’

In December, a state psychiatrist determined that Lawhorn understands the charges against him and can assist in his defense. That prompted defense attorney Charles Boekeloo to ask for a second, independent evaluation.

That evaluation came back in February, concluding Lawhorn is unable to assist in his own defense.

Judge Paul Denenfeld in May ruled Lawhorn was competent to stand trial.