Murder victims' families speak out against the juvenile death penalty

Regina Hockett was shocked when she learned the murderers of her daughter were only 16 and 17 years old. Instead of seeking revenge through the death penalty, she realized that those teenagers were the sons of other parents just like her, and that these juvenile offenders shouldn't be killed like her daughter. Juveniles, anyone under the age of 18, are legally defined that way because they don't have the judgment or ability of an adult, and shouldn't be treated as an adult. Research has discovered that brain development, especially with respect to decision-making, is not finished until the age of 18-22. Public opinion polls show a majority of Americans opposed to the execution of juveniles. Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation's new report, ""I Don't Want Another Kid to Die,"" focuses on the stories of family members of murder victims whose killers were juveniles. It highlights these family members' success in finding peace, both for themselves, and the convicted individuals through reconciliation rather than execution. Their vivid stories and advocacy are especially important now as the U.S. Supreme Court is re-examining the constitutionality of executing juvenile offenders.