DEATH PENALTY WON’T BE SOUGHT IN BLINN STUDENT MURDER
The death penalty will not be sought for any of the four defendants accused of killing a Blinn College student in 2014.
(KBTX-TV 3)
Four people have been charged with the murder of 20-year-old Trey Kurtz.
Only one of the men accused was 18 years old at the time of the crime. Several years ago, the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional to seek death against anyone that was under 18 at the time of the offense
Kurtz’ body was discovered lying in the intersection of Seelhorst and Dark Streets near downtown Brenham just before midnight on October 30, 2014. He was pronounced dead at the scene from a single gunshot wound to the head.
19-year old Michael Charles Dixon Jr., 18-year old J.B. Wright, 18-year old Deperrion Lott, and 20-year old Jordan Alexander Graves, all of Brenham, have been charged with murder.
Only Graves, who was 18 at the time of Kurtz’s death, would be subject to being sentenced to be executed. However, District Attorney Julie Renken says they do not plan on seeking capital punishment on him under the facts they have about his involvement.
A trial date has not been set.
If you are old enough to take a life then you should be punished with your life! If it had been reversed roles people would see it differently!! Funny how views are different because of race
It’s just a shame that so many family’s are effected by this, these young men should have been doing something positive with there lives, right about now. You would think that the young people in this community would take heed for what has happen here, but we still have young people in this community continuing to get into trouble, parents talk with your kids especially if they are living in your home, have a relationship with them, you brought them into this world and you should continue to be there for you children. The law is the law and luckily this young men wouldn’t be getting the death penalty but they will be spending quiet a bit of time behind bar. When they get out so much would have change in this world and in this community.
Ms. Renken’s response is well warranted because a lot of people don’t take the time to understand how the justice system works when we have juveniles that commit adult crimes. I am thankful that Washington County will not seek the death penalty for Michael, J.B., Jordan and Deperrion because that decision would definitely not bring Trey back and it would only cause more conflict and division in the community. Honestly, in the end no one wins, five young men made a decision that night in which one lost his life, which changed five families forever. I will continue to pray for healing and forgiveness for all involved.
If “children” or anyone under 18 can commit an “adult” crime(s) they need to be punished like an “adult”.
Since KWHI did not interview me, I would like to add a comment. Several years ago, the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional to seek death against anyone that was under 18 at the time of the offense. Two of the defendants were 16 and one was 17. The law does not allow the death penalty against any of them. It was not a decision by myself but the state of the law. The 16 year olds can not even receive life without parole. Again a ruling by the United States Supreme Court. Only one defendant was 18 and I can’t get into the facts ethically but his involvement was different than some of the others. Seeking death on him when the more culpable ones can not receive it by law did not seem like justice.
So they will be incarcerated for how long till they get out possibly on parole? My gawd they killed a young man….they need to be put to death. An eye for a eye.