PADUCAH, Ky., Dec. 10 -- More than a week after three high school students were gunned down during a morning prayer meeting, the 14-year-old accused of the shooting appeared in court to determine whether he will be tried as an adult. Michael Carneal is charged with murder and assault in the Dec. 1 rampage at Heath High School in West Paducah, which left five other students wounded.
After the 10-minute, closed-door hearing this afternoon, Prosecutor Dan Boaz said District Judge Donna Dixon made the only decision she could under Kentucky law, which provides that adult charges be lodged against anyone 14 years or older who commits a crime with a gun. The charges carry a maximum term of life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years. Because of his age, Carneal is not eligible for the death penalty. After making his brief statement, Boaz told reporters, 'We ask for your prayers and we give you ours.' Earlier this week, Sheriff Frank Augustus said although his 'gut' tells him others may have been involved in planning the shooting, the investigation was winding down and that no further arrests were expected. Carneal told investigators last week that he had seen a movie called 'Basketball Diaries,' which contained a dream sequence in which the main character opens fire on fellow students. Carneal was armed with a .22-caliber Ruger and also had two shotguns and two rifles in his possession. The guns had been stolen Thanksgiving Day from a neighbor's home. ---
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