8:59 AM Wed, Jun 03, 2009 | Permalink
Maggie O'Mara
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Neagle in Juvenile Detention
Zachary Neagle, the 14-year-old Caldwell boy accused of shooting and killing his father while he was sleeping - has been moved out of the Canyon County Jail and into a juvenile detention center.
A Canyon county judge signed the order to transfer him - he had been in the adult jail for two weeks. At the detention center, Neagle will get counseling and be with kids his own age.
Zachary Neagle, 14
"I just think in the best interest of everyone involved, it is helpful to have a professional counselor get put into the mix. He will have easier access and they will be able facilitate better access to counselors in the juvenile detention center - and that is the reason we made the request to the court together." - John Bujak, Prosecutor.
John Bujak
Canyon County Prosecutor John Bujak tells us the 8th grader is still charged with first degree murder, and his bond is still set at 300k. He was supposed to be in court today for his preliminary hearing, but that hearing has been moved to June 11.
As we've reported, according to police investigators - some family members believe Zachary and two younger siblings may have been sexually and physically abused by their father. Investigators say that could have been the motive, but nothing has been proven. More information is set to come out as the court proceedings continue.
Both sides in the case say they hope to resolve this without going to trial, but that will all depend on the evidence.
Support for Neagle
Zachary Neagle's supporters had planned a RALLY for him today at the Canyon County Courthouse, but the rally has been moved to the new court date - June 11. The organizer tells me they expect a BIG turnout.
Everyone seems to have an opinion on this case, so how do you feel about the latest developments?
*Do you think it was fair to move him to juvenile detention?
OR...
*Do you think he should have stayed in jail since he is charged as an adult?
Of course he should have been moved to the juvy center. He may be charged as an adult but he is far from being an adult.
I do not believe he should have been put in the adult Jail to begin with, I also believe that innocent until proven guilty is still the federal law of the land and that being said, I believe that a child should not be charged as an adult until all of the facts are in. The privacy a minor should have should remain out of the media and closed up in the books private until all of the facts are in. If the child should then be tried as an adult, in a given situation, fine. But this is outrageous because what is done to this child, cannot be undone. The child's case could be moved to a be tried as a juvenile, but the privacy is already violated. If the children are victims of sexual abuse their privacy is violated by making this an adult matter. It is wrong on all counts. This is a child and he should be treated as a child, until the facts prove otherwise. period! This case is so internationaly blogged about and really makes the US stink worse than our people and politics have already stunk to the world. Then, what if Zachary did not really shoot his dad, what if he said he did to cover for a sibling who was being raped?
This is such a sad story for a young life just starting. It is further disheartening that to Zachary, tragically taking his father's life was the only way to save himself or his siblings from what ever was going on between them. It is good to heart that he is being moved to juvenile detention. Professional counseling should have been available first and foremost to ascertain the truth and motive before adult laws were applied.
I absolutely agree with the transfer. He needs counseling, if in fact there was ANY form of abuse; however, being a juvenille he should never be kept in an adult facility. My prayers are with the entire family. I hope the truth does come to light! I would expect some kind of "physical" and psychological exam to be administered to all the children involved. I hope the defense attorney is looking into that as proof of abuse. It is truly sad a child had to take such measures to protect himself and siblings. Wish I could be there for the rally!
There is a Defense Fund Set up now :
"Zachary Neagle Defense Fund"
money can be deposited at any D.L. Evans Bank. GET THE WORD OUT!
I tried to put money towards Zachary's commissary fund today. Knowing he had been moved to the juvenile center, I called first to make sure the donation spot had not changed. I was told by the man on the other end, I could no longer do that. And not to waste my time sending mail either. So no snacks or encouragement. So this morning upon further investigation, Found out that while the county has endless funds to prosecute Zachary. The funds For Zachary are dwindling. Not only can you donate at D.L. Evans, You can also send encouraging words to Zachary through "Charles Craft %Zachary Neagle 410 S.Orchard suit 120 Boise Id. 83705" Also was able to find out the rally in Caldwell the 11th. Is at 9:30a.m. The preliminary is scheduled for 10:00a.m. It will be at the courthouse unless they postpone the hearing again. I feel that canyon county made a horrific blunder by charging this child as an adult, but it has allowed for a groundswell of support for him.
WHO IS ORGANIZING THIS RALLY? Please get me in touch: shaunnalt@yahoo.com
Thanks!
I was told that books & puzzles (stuff like that) can be dropped off for him (they don't have commasary) during visiting hours Wed & Sun.
It is popular opinion that; come hail, sleet , rain, shine, or postponement. We feel support for Zachary and his family outweigh mere circumstance. Therefor we encourage EVERYONE to participate who share our interest in making a positive difference. June 11, 9:30a.m. Calwell Courthouse. Hope to see you there.
I am a mother of an 8th grade middle school student from Vallivue School. Please, we must, insist that Mr. Bujak hears that these children are just that, CHILDREN! I do not suppose to know the circumstances involved in the case, but one thing I do know: he is not an Adult, and should not be tried as an adult! What must we do to make this clear? Please Maggie, help us get the word out! You have the power of the media. . .we are just mom's who care.
The child should be with those who love him and can comfort him - his family and friends. He is innocent until proven guilty and indicators are that he is the real victim in this case.
What's up with the legal system - is the use of logic a lost art? And why such a hefty bond?
I personally do not feal this child should be subject to any further public trial,,,he needs to be sent to a child psychologist,and givin the considderation,that any victim should receive,for their harrowing experaince,,,yet not martyred.
Our system needs to have a middle ground,for special consideration cases.
It should be the responsibility of all of us,as the community to speak out for this child in advocasy, to get his life considdered,because of what he's been through,and then proceed from there.