Cuyamaca College English John Odgrens Case Review Paper

I’m working on a english discussion question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

Review the case of John Odgren from the video from the link below:

VictimJames Alenson

Review the additional case information noted below then answer the corresponding questions at the end.

James Alenson pictured above was a freshman at Lincoln-Sudbury High School. The defendant was a student at Lincoln-Sudbury HS,  who had a special interest in a class on forensic evidence.  The defendant had never met the victim, did not know his name, and had not been bullied, teased, taunted, or in any way confronted by him.  On January 19, the defendant brought a 13-inch straight-edged meat-carving knife to school in his coat.  In a boys’ bathroom, the defendant went up to the victim and with that knife inflicted slash marks to his throat, then stabbed him three times in the abdomen: once through the rib case into his lung; a second wound in the stomach thrusting into his liver; and a third wound 5- inches deep into his heart and esophagus.  During the attack the victim said, “What are you doing?” and “You’re hurting me,” then struggled out of the bathroom and collapsed.  The attack was overheard by another student who was inside a bathroom stall. 

The defendant told that student to come out, he would not be hurt, and to get help. The student came out, saw the bloody knife on the floor, and kicked it away from the defendant.  While the other student went to get help, the defendant started to leave the area, then returned and knelt by the victim, taking his pulse as he gasped for air. The victim was later taken to the hospital and pronounced dead at 8:12 a.m.

When school officials arrived, the defendant, still – 10 – crouched over the victim, said, “I did it, I don’t know why I just snapped.”  After police arrived, he repeated “I did it” several times.  When police began informing him of his Miranda rights, he produced his own Miranda card from his wallet; when forensic technicians began processing the scene for evidence, he tried to help them.  There was visible blood on his hands and clothing, which he pointed out to them.  At the scene and at booking he made statements including, “if the media says it’s video games or the books it wasn’t I don’t know what it was”; “if you get any information on that kid’s status I would like to know”; and asked if the penalty for manslaughter was 10 to 15 years.  In his notebook he had written, “If it looks like murder it was” and “If it looks like an accident it wasn’t.”

Following his arrest by police, Odgren was ordered to a state hospital for a 20-day evaluation. In the meantime, it was learned that Odgren was prone to explosive episodes; was verbally abusive; and at a time became physically aggressive against his parents, teachers, and specialists. He had been formerly placed in an alternative school.  

At age 12, Odgren had been diagnosed as a highly intelligent but troubled preadolescent with poor social skills. He had a hyperactivity disorder and Asperger’s disorder, a mild form of autism. Several specialists familiar with Asperger’s disorder claim that those with such a condition are no more prone toward violence than others. While at the alternative school, Odgren was suspended three times for undisclosed explosives episodes including physical aggression. Officials refused to elaborate, citing student confidentiality. Odgren’s parents told the media that their son needed training in social skills but never received such training. Prosecutors tried Odgren on first-degree murder as an adult. He was subsequently found guilty as charged and sentenced to life in prison.

Defendant (John Odgren)

Respond to the following questions:

1. Should the juvenile court have jurisdiction over this case?

Who is to blame for Allanson’s death?

Are Massachusetts authorities at fault for placing a disturbed youth such as Odgren in a regular high school environment where he could pose a threat to others?