November 20, 2009
Boise, Idaho
Group rallies in support of teen accused of murdering father
A group of supporters stand outside the Canyon County prosecutor's office Thursday. By Nicole Navarro
CALDWELL - A group of supporters stood in front of the Canyon County Courthouse Thursday to show their support of the 14-year-old boy accused of murdering his father.
"Somebody needs to advocate for this child," said Teresa Bennett, rally organizer. Zachary Neagle is accused of shooting and killing his father as he slept inside their Caldwell home. The case has received national attention. When asked if prosecutors are doing their due diligence, Canyon County resident Douglas Davis, said 20 years ago it might be a different story. There's also speculation that the teen may have been the target of abuse. "He wouldn't have been prosecuted 20 years ago - times have changed and the prosecution is getting too aggressive," Davis said. "I understand that this is a very serious thing, but sometimes murder just isn't a crime." Several protesters say Neagle should not go unpunished but they believe being charged as an adult goes too far. "I think the emphasis should on helping a child who is driven, for some reason, and I don't pretend to know why, but I guess I do make the assumption that he lived in extraordinary circumstances," said Geoff Burns, another Canyon County resident. John Bujak, Canyon County prosecutor, says he respects the demonstration - and even came out of his office to talk to supporters. "I think the public needs to be patient and let the system work the way it needs to work in order to protect Zach Neagle's right to a fair trial," Bujak said. Neagle's attorney Chuck Peterson said the next step for Neagle is to appear in District court June 26 for an arraignment where he will plead not guilty. |
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