On October 13, 2024, my 16-year-old son was brutally gunned down in Cordova, TN by another teenager - someone he regarded as his best friend. This tragic incident ripped my family apart and left us relentlessly seeking justice. Nobody, especially not a child, deserves such a cruel fate. Today, we stand together to call for a change in how our justice system responds to serious crimes committed by juveniles.

Although underage, juveniles who commit adult crimes such as 1st or 2nd degree murder carry the weight of their actions. We believe they should be held accountable, charged as adults, and serve deserving penalties, including life in prison without the possibility of parole. They have denied their victims a chance at life, and thus, in a fair world, should not be given leniency based on their age.

Moreover, we call for the introduction of laws holding accountable parents of underage perpetrators involved in violent crimes. This is not a punitive measure against parents but an action to emphasize the importance of responsible parenting and its significant role in preventing youth offenses.

Statistics indicate that juveniles committed around 8% of all murders in the U.S in recent years. It's a harrowing figure that needs to be addressed promptly and decisively (Source: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention). A study by the National Institute of Justice also revealed that parental monitoring can substantially reduce the likelihood of a child's involvement in crime.

Please help us push for this necessary change, honor the memory of my son and all other victims of juvenile violence, and create a safer and more responsible society. Sign this petition and advocate for justice.