Will sutt an 11-year-old girl behind bars for muder ? There must be an alternative

Someone shot and killed Kameran Bedsole in the 4700 block of Jasper Road in New Iberia on November 14. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Iberia Sheriff's Office arrested a suspect on November 29.

The victim was 36.

The accused is an 11-year-old girl.

She's been held in the Lafayette Parish Juvenile Detention Home for more than 70 days.

Though state law allows the detention of children as young as 10 in specific instances, I just can't wrap my head around a child so young being behind bars, especially without some serious justification. Most youths in detention facilities charged with murder are 15-to-17-year-old boys.

This is emotionally unsettling.

And there's more

Police arrested the 11-year-old girl's 15-year-old brother and 40-year-old mother, Sabrina Washington, on Dec. 6. Investigators say both children shot and killed Bedsole — and their mom helped cover it up.

The case has generated great interest in Acadiana. It's a situation that law enforcement should want to assure citizens they're on top of.

But that's not happening.

Judge Robert Hamilton, Jr. of the 16th Judicial District Court issued a gag order barring key figures in the case from discussing it in public.

Clearly, this is a very strange, emotionally riveting case.

A charge of first degree murder is serious business. For adults, it carries the death penalty or life in prison without benefit of pardon, probation or parole.

There are multiple situations that can lead to such a charge. In general, first-degree murder occurs when someone kills another with "specific intent to kill or to inflict great bodily harm" — and there are "aggravating circumstances" present. Louisiana law lists more than a dozen aggravating circumstances, including killing multiple victims, a very young or elderly victim, a police officer, fireman, or witness, or killing someone in the course of committing certain other violent crimes.

When the brother and mother were arrested, Iberia Parish Sheriff Thomas Romero put the situation in context: “It’s always disturbing to this office when we investigate a homicide such as this case," he said. "The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office makes every effort to bring closure to such cases by making arrests; however, when those arrests involve two juveniles and a parent, it’s extremely tragic for all involved. As this case moves forward, I ask for patience and prayers for all affected by this case. Patience and prayers, indeed.

Anyone who prays knows it's challenging to dig deep, draw upon faith and know that your prayers will be answered — just not on your time. I guess that's why the sheriff asked for patience. He knew lots of people want to know more.

A pair of local advocacy groups called Village 337 and Evolve Louisiana have sought answers about this case since November. Because of the gag order, they have been careful about what they do and what they say. Still, their pain can be felt as they continue to press for fairness, justice and answers. They've held demonstrations supporting the 11-year-old and seeking her release.

I've got a few questions of my own.

Why would a child be charged with murder? Why would her teen brother also be charged with murder? Why would their mother be charged as an accessory? Who do police think pulled the trigger? Was it one gun or two? Did any of the accused know the victim? Is there an allegation that the killing was planned? Is there evidence of an argument or fight before Bedsole was killed?

Also, are the school-age children getting an education while in jail, and what does that look like? Is the young girl housed with other girls? Are there boys in the same part of the facility? Who is responsible for supervising her and ensuring her safety?

Does she have a chance to talk with and get visits from family and friends?

Why can't the child be on home confinement with relatives?

The 11-year-old's trial date is scheduled for March 7.

The advocates started a petition asking others to support their cause. The petition asks for the child's immediate release, a review of the evidence and legal proceedings that led to her arrest, and comprehensive support services for her, including counseling and therapy to help her deal with the trauma she's experienced. The petition also asks that those responsible for detaining her be held accountable.

The advocates and the public might not like some or all the answers when those answers finally come, but getting the answers would calm some concerns.

There may be several good reasons for keeping an 11-year-old child in a detention center. If so, we should hear them.