Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced the state’s juvenile justice system after a teenage boy was caught on video slamming a girl in the head during a violent scuffle on a sidewalk near a high school last Friday. He called for reform of the system.
Bailey was interviewed on a local radio show midwake up missouri Monday morning to discuss the brutal assault that sent a teenage girl to the hospital in critical condition.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey attends a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Washington, DC, USA. (Graham Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“This is horrifying,” the Republican attorney general said, noting that two juveniles were also charged in last month’s shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs parade. We are seeing this happening more and more.” As a result, one woman died and nearly 20 others were injured.
Bailey said over the weekend that the suspect in Friday’s violent brawl should be tried as an adult and charged with murder if it escalates to murder.
Look at House Republicans’ crackdown on the disturbing spike in youth crime in the nation’s capital
“We need to reform the juvenile system to ensure that these types of issues are addressed,” Bailey said.
He pointed to a sharp decline in the number of juveniles being referred to the state’s Department of Youth Services for treatment as evidence that the justice system is not doing its job of prosecuting offenders.
Friday’s brawl occurred near the intersection of Norgate Drive and Claudine Drive near Hazelwood East High School. (Google Maps)
“I will be watching this case closely,” Bailey said. “I think there needs to be some accountability in the juvenile system. People are starting to realize that, and it’s causing problems throughout the state of Missouri.”
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Fox News Digital has reached out to St. Louis County Police and Hazelwood East High School for updates on the incident.
