By The TimesLedger
In eulogies, political speeches and editorials, it has become an American tradition to call the taking of a life senseless. But how can one better describe the killing of Bryan Rivera? The 15-year-old boy was beaten to death with an aluminum baseball bat on the streets of Ridgewood. The boy charged with his death, Randy Rosario, is also 15.
We do not know with any certainty what led to this killing. We may never understand, if the police are right, how a boy only 15 years old could be filled with so much rage that he could take a bat and bash in the head of a fellow student. The attack took place in broad daylight, just one block from IS 77.
Although 15-year-olds are normally tried as juveniles, in cases of murder, rape and other designated felonies, the district attorney can elect to try a juvenile as an adult. Randy won't be old enough to buy a beer for six more years, but nevertheless the court will treat him as an adult.
Like the murder itself, this makes no sense. It’s just something that DAs do when the public demands that something be done. It won’t stop the next senseless murder, but it does help district attorneys get reelected.
