John Carey last saw Zachary Neagle on Monday, the day before the 14-year-old was arrested on a first-degree murder charge.

The boy's father, Jason Neagle, had been shot to death Saturday, and Zachary seemed withdrawn and "not quite there," Carey said.

"When I heard it might have been Zachary who did it, I was pretty shocked," he said.

Carey was married to Zachary's mother a few years ago, when the boy was 11. The oldest of three kids, Zachary seemed to have skipped over his childhood, taking on considerable responsibility for his siblings and his mother, who often was sick, Carey said.

"This boy took on a lot of burden for his mother and put up with a lot from his father," he said. "He had a lot on his shoulders."

The burdens likely increased after Zachary's mother was hospitalized a couple of weeks ago, he said.

Investigators described the boy as a loner who lacked friends at school. Carey said Zachary didn't have much time or opportunity to socialize, but he was communicative and friendly when he felt comfortable.

"He liked to go shovel walkways for people," Carey said. "He'd get a couple of bucks and give them to his mother."

Zachary also enjoyed playing video games and riding his scooter, he said.

Police and prosecutors are investigating allegations that Zachary may have been sexually abused by his father, but Carey said he had no inkling of anything like that.

What he did observe, he said, was "little-man syndrome - (Jason) pushing down on his son to be a tougher individual."

Zachary is charged as an adult with first-degree murder, punishable by up to life in prison or death. Canyon County Prosecutor John Bujak has said the death penalty is off the table in this case, and he's waiting for further information about motive and mitigating factors before he'll decide what sentence he'll seek for the eighth-grader.

"I hope the boy gets a fair shake," Carey said. "I think he's already paid his dues."

Kristin Rodine: 377-6447