"At issue is the law surrounding lengthy sentences for young offenders. The law changed several years ago to allow anyone sentenced to life without parole for a crime committed as a juvenile to be resentenced. Williams' attorney argued that case law indicates that handing a 15-year-old a sentence of 50 years to life is essentially sentencing them to life in prison without parole."
"Part of the criteria included making a showing of rehabilitation, or the potential for it. Rodriguez noted that the law at the center of the battle doesn't permit her to consider the seriousness of the offense nor the impact on the victims. If it did, the judge said, this analysis would be different. This court, irrespective of the impact on the victims and their families, must apply the framework of the statute and determine whether Mr. Williams is eligible to have his sentence recalled, Rodriguez said."
Charles Andrew "Andy" Williams was 15 in March 2001 when he brought a gun and 40 rounds of ammunition to Santana High School, killed two students and injured 13 others. He was charged as an adult, pleaded guilty to murder and related charges, and received a 50-years-to-life sentence. A change in law allows those sentenced to life without parole for juvenile offenses to be resentenced. After a daylong hearing and review of filings, San Diego Superior Court Judge Lisa Rodriguez found Williams met the legal criteria for recall based on rehabilitation considerations. The district attorney has appealed.
Read at www.sandiegouniontribune.com
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