Alleged “Child Assassin” To Be Tried As A Juvenile in Tabasco

The president of the High Court of Justice, Efraín Reséndez Bocanegra, confirmed that the teenager accused of serious crimes will be prosecuted in accordance with the law specialising in juvenile justice.

Following the arrest of a 15-year-old minor linked to crimes of kidnapping, murder, and drug trafficking, the president of the Superior Court of Justice of the State of Tabasco, Efraín Reséndez Bocanegra, stated that he will be tried as a juvenile.

Although he didn’t elaborate on the matter, he reiterated that the process is being conducted in accordance with the law and that the State Attorney General’s Office is in charge of the investigation, in accordance with the crimes committed by the minor.

“Out of respect for due process, he is being treated in accordance with the law, with all human rights respected and treated as a teenager. He will be tried and the investigation will proceed on the same terms as for any adult; however, the penalties are different and so is the way they are served,” he explained.

When asked whether there should be a reform of criminal law, Reséndez Bocanegra pointed out that such cases would not arise if previous governments had strengthened the social fabric, working with families at home and promoting values.

“Unfortunately, that is what has damaged the state so much: having stopped paying attention to social issues and the foundation of families. That is what we are trying to do and what we’re going to do. We are going to pacify Tabasco; it will take time, because the damage that was done for so long is now having consequences,” he said.

He added that the current government, through hearings and social programs, in addition to bringing services closer to the communities of the 17 municipalities, seeks to restore the social core.

Finally, he ruled out the possibility that the state isn’t prepared to administer justice in cases where the alleged offenders are minors, and specified that, although the sentences are lesser than those imposed on adults, the law is applied with the same rigor.

Sources: El Heraldo de Tabasco, Cartel Insider