No rationale for murder

Re “Defense: No trial as adult for teen,” Jan. 19

I was troubled by this article, which mentions that Lawrence King’s killer, Brandon McInerney, was taunted because King “was reportedly brazen in his efforts to gain McInerney’s romantic interest.”

Not mentioned was that Lawrence was the victim of years of teasing over his short lifetime and, as reported by The Times last year, was fighting back the only way he knew how. To posit this as anything but senseless murder is beyond comprehension.

To state that Lawrence “had declared himself gay and sometimes wore makeup and girls’ accessories to school” as some sort of rationale as to why he might be executed by another student is irresponsible at the very least. This case should bring about conversation, at home and in school, about acceptance and tolerance for differences.

Michael Svoboda

Los Angeles