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Zachary Neagle’s mother and younger siblings stood in front of the detention center where he’s being held, joined by about 40 others protesting the 14-year-old’s prosecution as an adult.
The candlelight vigil, held before nightfall Thursday, focused on the Neagle case and on Idaho laws that require trying juveniles as adults if they are charges with certain severe crimes.
The Caldwell teen faces an adult charge of first-degree murder, accused of fatally shooting his father, Jason Neagle, May 16 while the man slept on his couch.
Thursday’s vigil was by far the largest of a series of rallies area residents have held since the adult charge was announced. Organizer Teresa Bennett of Nampa said she was thrilled by the turnout.
Zachary’s mother, Cindy Neagle, declined to speak at the vigil but her younger children, 9-year-old Korsha and Dawson, 6 – held a banner that read, “Support Zachary Neagle, 14 years old and charged as an adult. Idaho law is morally reprehensible.”
Maggie Malacara of Parma led the gathered residents in prayer that the laws allowing adult prosecution of young teens be changed.
“We are few, but we will be more,” Malacara said.
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