Results: Kids take a stolen car on a joyride, resulting in a cyclist's death—should they be charged with murder?
Published on 03/22/2025
Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/03/21/kids-charged-murder-new-mexico-bicyclist/82538962007/?tbref=hp
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1.
1.
Three boys, ages 11, 13, and 16, were charged with murder after a viral Instagram video showed them fatally hitting a cyclist during a stolen car joyride, with one boy waving a handgun. The case raises questions about holding children accountable for violent crimes, as New Mexico allows anyone under 18 to be prosecuted for any crime. Do you agree with New Mexico's policy of allowing anyone under 18 to be prosecuted for any crime? Yes
63%
1711 votes
No
10%
269 votes
Undecided
27%
720 votes
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Twenty-six states have established a minimum age for prosecution, which from age 7 in Florida to age 13 in Maryland, though some states also make exceptions for certain types of violent crimes. In Canada, individuals under 18 can be charged with murder, but they are typically tried in youth court and may face rehabilitation-focused sentences. At what age do you believe children should be able to face murder charges? Under 12 years old
22%
582 votes
12-14 years old
33%
886 votes
15-17 years old
25%
679 votes
Only as adults (18+)
15%
406 votes
Other (please specify)
5%
147 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.30% | 62 | |
| na | 0.33% | 9 |
| not sure | 0.19% | 5 |
| N/A | 0.19% | 5 |
| undecided | 0.15% | 4 |
| depends | 0.11% | 3 |
| No opinion | 0.07% | 2 |
| unsure | 0.07% | 2 |
| It would depend on many reasons and each case is different | 0.04% | 1 |
| all depends on the severity of the crime commited | 0.04% | 1 |
| Once they realize the difference between a lie and the truth | 0.04% | 1 |
| At the age of accountability | 0.04% | 1 |
| When they can tell what s right from wrong | 0.04% | 1 |
| circumstances always matter | 0.04% | 1 |
| depends on the circumstances . | 0.04% | 1 |
| They should be judged in an individual basis. | 0.04% | 1 |
| Research shows the ability to know right from wrong develops between 8-12 yrs old, so over 12 should apply | 0.04% | 1 |
| 14 and up | 0.04% | 1 |
| Depends on the maturity of the child | 0.04% | 1 |
| depends on the crime | 0.04% | 1 |
| As per case | 0.04% | 1 |
| All ages | 0.04% | 1 |
| Aucune id e | 0.04% | 1 |
| All | 0.04% | 1 |
| All- no exceptions | 0.04% | 1 |
| Would have to know the reason | 0.04% | 1 |
| When committed, though young children should be held in youth centers for violent criminals of similar ages, not with adults. | 0.04% | 1 |
| don't know | 0.04% | 1 |
| peut importe l' ge jug comme adulte pour le crime qu'ils ont commis | 0.04% | 1 |
| other factors besides age need to be included | 0.04% | 1 |
| whatever age they are when they get arrested fir murder | 0.04% | 1 |
| Any age | 0.04% | 1 |
| Anyone | 0.04% | 1 |
| If your old enough to commit a crime you are old enough to do the time I think | 0.04% | 1 |
| Je ne sais pas | 0.04% | 1 |
| all of the above | 0.04% | 1 |
| Depends on the kid | 0.04% | 1 |
| At whatever age they murder someone | 0.04% | 1 |
| At whatever age they are when they commit the crime. | 0.04% | 1 |
| 21 | 0.04% | 1 |
| I believe, no matter what the age, that if you murder someone just because you want revenge, should be punished by prison but if it is in self defense then no, they need to be released of all crimes | 0.04% | 1 |
| I don't know | 0.04% | 1 |
| Depends on continuing circumstances | 0.04% | 1 |
| Very hard to answer | 0.04% | 1 |
| Depends on the crime, mental capacity and mitigating factors - this is why we have judges | 0.04% | 1 |
| Maybe 10 years old if the kid has average intelligence or above | 0.04% | 1 |
| The age they are charged isn't as important as the treatment after conviction. | 0.04% | 1 |
| do not know | 0.04% | 1 |
| 13 | 0.04% | 1 |
| Depends on circumstances | 0.04% | 1 |
| depnds on case and circumstance | 0.04% | 1 |
| Any time, if the crime warrants it such as the one shown in the video above. | 0.04% | 1 |
| IDK | 0.04% | 1 |
| it depends on the crime | 0.04% | 1 |
| any age IF GUILTY | 0.04% | 1 |
| If they committed murder, they should be able to be charged, no matter the age | 0.04% | 1 |
| If you are old enough to commit a crime you are old enough to be prosecuted | 0.04% | 1 |
| It depends on if they were defending their life or if it was because of nefarious circumstances. | 0.04% | 1 |
| need more facts | 0.04% | 1 |
| I believe under 18 yrs old age can get murder charges | 0.04% | 1 |
| However old they are when they commit an offense | 0.04% | 1 |
| uncertain | 0.04% | 1 |
| Age doesn't matter. Murder is taking another's life. Punishment to the fullest extent of the law. JMO | 0.04% | 1 |
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