Motorcyclist in his 60s killed in stolen vehicle driven by 12-year-old boy 'Shock'
Baltimore and Montgomery County targets... Measures to address the legal loophole of 'no criminal punishment for children under 13'
As a series of fatal deaths occurred due to teenagers driving stolen vehicles in Maryland recently, Maryland Governor Wes Moore ordered the preparation of strong measures to eradicate juvenile car theft crimes.
On Tuesday the 13th, Governor Moore issued an executive order to the state Department of Juvenile Justice (DJS), Baltimore City and Montgomery County. It ordered the immediate establishment of a multi-agency joint early intervention pilot program, focusing on areas where vehicle thefts have increased rapidly.
This measure came just two weeks after a tragic accident occurred in Baltimore early this month, when a stolen car driven by a 12-year-old boy hit a motorcycle, killing a 69-year-old driver. Previously, in August of last year in Germantown, a 13-year-old boy was driving a stolen vehicle with his peers in an accident, resulting in the death of one person.
In guidance sent to Juvenile Justice Minister Betsy Fox Tolentino, Governor Moore said, "The safety of the residents of the province is our top priority, but we are deeply concerned by the recent significant increase in the frequency of vehicle crimes involving theft children and teenagers." He explained the background of the new establishment, saying, "Accidents have resulted in tragedies leading to serious injuries and deaths."
In particular, this pilot program focuses on establishing a 'Specialized Early Intervention Pathway' targeting children under the age of 13, who are excluded from criminal punishment under current Maryland law. The purpose is to preemptively identify children who commit crimes or display risky behavior and provide customized support and guidance services by linking the children, their families, social welfare agencies, and the police.
In addition, a plan is being considered to benchmark the 'Community-Based Youth Theft Intervention Project' model that Ramsey County, Minnesota has introduced and achieved success in 2021.
Local investigative and judicial authorities expressed their active welcome to the governor's action. Baltimore Chief Prosecutor Ivan Bates said, "Recent law amendments have led to a deep sense of helplessness among the victims' families as they have faced legal limitations that cannot even bring manslaughter charges to a 12-year-old boy." He added, "We will work with the Governor's Office and the Juvenile Justice Department to do our best to close legal loopholes and establish justice."
Baltimore Police Chief Richard Worley also said, "The habitual recidivism rate is high." Considering the characteristics of juvenile crime, a targeted correction program was urgent,” he said, expressing expectations that “it will be a practical opportunity to protect the safety of citizens and prevent juvenile recidivism.”