When the Accused Is a Child

When the Accused Is a Child: Why These Cases Demand Care, Clarity, and Courage

Today I spoke with FOX 26’s @Kenna_Earnhart about a case that has shaken Harris County: a 10‑year‑old now charged with the murder of a 13‑year‑old. It is a heartbreaking situation from every angle — for a young life lost, for the families, and for a child now thrust into the criminal justice system at an age when most kids are still learning who they are.

As a criminal defense attorney, I see firsthand how complex these cases truly are. They aren’t just legal puzzles. They are developmental, emotional, and societal challenges that force us to confront uncomfortable truths about childhood, accountability, and justice.

When the accused is this young, there are no easy answers. Instead, there are hard questions:

• What does “intent” mean for a 10‑year‑old?
• Are there justifications for alleged actions, including self defense?
• What does justice look like when both the decedent and the accused are children?
• How do we ensure due process in a case already charged with public emotion?

These are not questions that can be resolved through outrage or assumptions. They require careful legal analysis, developmental understanding, and a commitment to fairness — even when emotions run high.

One principle must remain at the center: the presumption of innocence. No matter how tragic the circumstances, every person accused of a crime — including a child — is entitled to due process and a justice system that works methodically, not reactively.

I appreciate FOX 26’s Mekenna Earnhart for inviting me to help bring legal clarity to a situation that has left so many searching for answers. These conversations are difficult, but they are necessary if we want to understand what justice truly requires.

You can watch the full segment on Fox 26 here: https://www.fox26houston.com/video/fmc-tb10yhvbmwxhqqhp