Porterville may be ‘outraged,’ DA says. But 13-year-olds can’t be tried as adults
Noting that members of the Porterville community may be outraged at the fate of two 13-year-olds accused of starting a fatal blaze, Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward released a statement Wednesday saying the boys are too young to be tried as adults.
Authorities confirmed Wednesday that two 13-year-olds were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and arson following the Porterville Library fire that killed Porterville Fire Department Capt. Ramon “Ray” Figueroa, 35, and firefighter Patrick Jones, 25.
Ward stressed in his Wednesday video statement that his office has not received any investigation reports and has not yet made any decision on what charges the teens will face, but said California law prevents what some members of the community are calling for.
“I know it may be frustrating, but 13-year-olds cannot be tried as adults in California even for cases such as murder,” he said.
Ward went on to say even if the teens are charged and ultimately sentenced, they cannot be held past the age of 25 in California. “I’m certain this information may be met with outrage,” he said.
Ward said his office is restricted under new laws like Senate Bill 1391, among others, from seeking punishment similar to that sought in adult cases.
The bill eliminates the ability to try a defendant under the age of 16 as an adult, thereby sending them to prison. Previously, prosecutors could request to transfer 14- and 15-year-olds to adult court if they were charged with a serious offense, such as murder, arson, robbery, rape or kidnapping. Those convicted under the new law are to be held in locked juvenile facilities instead of adult prisons.
Ward went on to say he is limited on what he can tell the public during court cases and even more so during juvenile cases. He asked for patience from the public.
Porterville and Tulare County firefighters began trying to fight flames around 4:15 p.m. Tuesday at the two-story Porterville Library.
The building near Hockett Street and Thurman Avenue — next to the Porterville Fire Department — was open to the public when the fire started. The occupants got out without injuries.
Porterville police said they believe the fire was intentionally set by the teenagers, who were seen running from the area after the fire began. They were later taken into custody and booked into the Juvenile Detention facility.
