Texas Teen Back In Court For Facebook 'Threat'
Updated: Monday, August 12 2013, 07:52 PM CDT
The Texas teen jailed for making a Facebook threat is back in court. Justin Carter is accused of threatening to shoot up a kindergarten. The teen says they were just sarcastic remarks made during a heated exchange on Facebook. On Monday the 19 year old went before a Comal County judge in New Braunfels. Carter is preparing to go to trial on a charge that could get him eight to 10 years behind bars. "When you say comments that are offensive people are going to take a look and now law enforcement is going to take a look," said attorney Donald Flanary. Carter's troubles started while playing the online video game League of Legends. The angry exchange that started there continued on Facebook and that's when Carter posted a comment he now regrets. Today his attorney revealed the actual conversation that led to Carter's arrest.
Justin writes, "I'm fucked in the head alright. I think I'ma shoot up a kindergarten. And watch the blood of the innocent rain down." The girl he's arguing with online responds, "I hope you fucking bring in hell you ###### !!!!!!." Justin writes, "And eat the beating heart out of one of them."
Attorney Donald Flanary says Justin's use of the words "I think" indicate it's not a true threat. He also maintains the use of the indefinite article in "a kindergarten" shows no actual threat to harm a specific person or group. "You have to actually have to threaten somebody to be charged with the statute and be convicted and he didn't threaten anybody," said Flanary. It is likely to be several months before Justin Carter stands trial for making what he calls "a joke". The teen is free on a $500,000 bond that was paid by an anonymous donor.
By Bettie Cross
Read More at: http://www.keyetv.com/news/features/...at-11082.shtml
Comment