Justices hear arguments in juvenile LWOP case of teen who killed brother
After hearing oral arguments in a juvenile life in prison without parole case, justices of the Indiana Supreme Court seemed to leave with more questions than answers.
Juvenile justice
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Ramping up for reform: Hoosier juvenile justice system gets hard look from working groups, outside data
A report from the Council of State Governments Justice Center has identified six areas for reform in Indiana’s juvenile justice system as well as six recommendations for improving that system.
Corrections and Criminal Code committee to convene Thursday, study criminal justice reform
Topics including appointed counsel at initial hearings and juvenile justice issues are on the agenda for this fall’s meetings of the Interim Study Committee on Corrections and Criminal Code.
Juvenile Justice Reform Task Force launched
A new taskforce designed to analyze Indiana’s youth justice system and pinpoint places for comprehensive juvenile justice reform was launched Monday by the Commission on Improving the Status of Children in Indiana.
Indiana teen’s competency hearing moved again
A court hearing has been delayed until November to determine if a 14-year-old boy accused in the strangulation death of a northern Indiana girl is competent to stand trial in her killing.
Young women appointed to Children’s Commission to serve as voice for youth
Two young women have been selected to serve as the voice of Indiana’s youth in foster care and social services and will be the newest — and youngest — members of the Commission on Improving the Status of Children Indiana.
Knox Co. teen who sent threatening social media message loses appeal of delinquency adjudication
A Knox County teenager who sent a threatening social media message to numerous middle school students involving guns will retain a delinquency adjudication for felony intimidation, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday, though a misdemeanor adjudication was vacated on double jeopardy grounds. The appellate court declined to dismiss the message as a “juvenile antic” in light of the numerous American school shootings in recent years.
2 teenage boys charged in fatal shooting of Terre Haute girl
Two teenage boys have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old girl in Terre Haute, authorities say.
Indiana teen faces August competency hearing in girl’s death
A northern Indiana court will hear testimony next month to determine whether a 14-year-old boy accused in the strangulation death of a 6-year-old girl is competent to stand trial in her killing.
Marion County Prosecutor, Boys & Girls Club team up to keep kids out of juvie
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday announced a new program that hopes to keep kids out of the criminal justice system by giving them a second chance through a partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis.
Greenwood boy, 16, sentenced in fatal shooting of another teen
A 16-year-old suburban Indianapolis boy charged as an adult in another teen’s fatal shooting has been sentenced to more than two years in prison after pleading guilty to criminal recklessness and a weapons charge.
Man, teen face attempted murder charges after Terre Haute police chase
An armed robbery suspect now also faces a preliminary attempted murder charge following a pursuit early Friday in which shots were fired at officers, Terre Haute police said.
Legislative Council sets topics for 2021 interim committees
Ten interim study committees were assigned topics by the Legislative Council. The committees will meet during the summer and fall months in preparation for the 2022 session of the Indiana General Assembly.
SCOTUS denies juvenile LWOP sentence appeal in 1994 Ball State murder
The United States Supreme Court waited exactly three years to reject the appeal petition of a defendant sentenced to life without parole for a murder he committed near Ball State University 27 years ago when he was 17.
Kids’ Voice formalizes $5.4 million CASA/GAL contract with Indianapolis
Kids’ Voice of Indiana has signed a contract with the city of Indianapolis to provide guardian ad litem and court appointed special advocate services to Marion Superior Courts through the end of 2023, with the nonprofit set to receive $5.4 million for the remainder of 2021.
Juvenile lifer who set precedent sentenced to life again
In reviewing Evan Miller’s case, the U.S. Supreme Court banned mandatory life without parole sentences for juveniles — saying judges and juries should consider the special factors of youth — a decision that eventually led to inmates across the country getting a chance at release. But Miller will not get that chance.
Teen told police ‘shadowy man’ led him to kill 6-year-old
A 14-year-old boy charged in the strangulation death of a 6-year-old northern Indiana girl told police a “shadowy man” led him to kill the girl, according to an investigative report released Friday.
High court moves away from leniency for minors who murder
After more than a decade in which the Supreme Court moved gradually toward more leniency for minors convicted of murder, the justices on Thursday moved the other way.
Kids’ Voice hopes to finalize contract with Child Advocates this week
Kids’ Voice of Indiana and Child Advocates are close to inking a deal after the city of Indianapolis announced it would be switching providers of the Guardian Ad Litem and CASA services for the Marion County juvenile court May 1.
‘Landmark’ juvenile justice bill awaiting governor’s signature
Indiana’s juvenile justice bill, which will implement key reforms and enable the state to retain federal funding, is headed to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s desk after the Senate unanimously concurred on the amended legislation earlier this week.