| November
26, 2001, 1:30AM -
A fire breaks out at the home of Terry King. Terry
King is later found inside the house, killed by the result of blunt
force trauma to the head. His sons, 13 year old Derek King and 12
year old Alex King, are nowhere to be found.
November
27, 2001 -
Alex
and Derek King are taken to the Escambia County Sheriff's Office,
where they turn themselves in. Both boys first claim self defense,
but when pressured by police, admit to killing their father while
he slept. Both boys had no legal counsel present, nor any adult
present save deputy sheriffs. The man responsible for bringing the
boys in, Rick Chavis, is not allowed to be present, as the police
at this time believe he may be involved in the crime.
November
28, 2001 -
Alex
and Derek King are charged with an open count of murder in the death
of their father. They are detained in a juvenile detention facility.
December
11, 2001 -
A
Grand Jury indicts both brothers with 1st Degree Premeditated Murder.
This charge mandates a sentence of life without the possibility
of parole. By Florida statute, any defendant, regardless of age,
facing live without parole or the death penalty must be tried as
adults. Derek, age 13, and Alex, age 12, are transferred to the
Escambia County Jail, where they are ordered held without bond.
Rick Chavis is charged with accessory after the fact, and jailed.
So
begins the confusing tale of two brothers, caught up in an adult
world, facing adult punishments, and cast as monsters.
Decide
for yourself.
|
Derek King, 14,
and brother Alex, 13, testifying at the trial of Rick Chavis. During
the Chavis trial, both boys were dressed in prison garb and handcuffs.
photo © Pensacola News Journal
Derek King, 14
photo © Pensacola News Journal
Alex King, 13
photo © Pensacola News Journal
|
