10-Year-Old Texas Boy Confesses to Killing Man in 2022 But Cannot Be Charged

A 10-year-old boy in South Texas has confessed to fatally shooting a 32-year-old man, Brandon O'Quinn Rasberry, in January 2022 when the boy was just 7 years old. The admission came while the child was being questioned by authorities for allegedly threatening to kill a classmate.

According to investigators, the boy described in detail how he obtained a 9mm pistol from his grandfather's truck, entered Rasberry's RV at the Lazy J Recreational Vehicle Park and Ranch in Nixon, Texas, and shot him once in the head while he was sleeping. The child also claimed to have fired another round into the couch before leaving the scene and returning the gun to his grandfather's vehicle.

The Gonzales County Sheriff's Office was able to recover the firearm used in the killing after it had been sold to a pawn shop. Forensic analysis confirmed that shell casings found at the crime scene matched the weapon. "The case is exceptionally clear. We were able to corroborate everything the child told us," Sheriff Keith Schmidt stated.

However, due to the boy's young age at the time of the murder, he cannot be charged with the crime under Texas law. The Texas Penal Code states that a child under the age of 10 does not have criminal culpability. "We're talking about a 7-year-old child. We're not going to file charges on a 7-year-old child," District Attorney Keri Miller explained.

The child, who is now 10 years old, was initially placed on a 72-hour emergency detention and transported to a psychiatric hospital in San Antonio for evaluation and treatment. He was later admitted to a detention facility in Gonzales County on charges related to making a terroristic threat for the school bus incident, where he allegedly threatened to assault and kill another student.

Why this matters: This shocking case highlights the complexities and limitations of the criminal justice system when dealing with extremely young offenders. It raises questions about how to address serious crimes committed by children who are deemed too young to face legal consequences, and the necessity for interventions to prevent future violence.

Rasberry's family expressed disbelief and heartache over his senseless death. His girlfriend, Karley Lemell, described him as a thoughtful, intelligent, and hardworking man who would help anyone in need. As the case is now considered closed, with no charges being filed against the young suspect, Rasberry's loved ones are left grappling with the lack of justice and closure. The Nixon-Smiley Consolidated Independent School District has assured parents that the child will not be allowed back on the elementary school campus,

Key Takeaways

• 7-year-old boy confessed to fatally shooting a 32-year-old man in Texas.
• Forensic evidence corroborated the child's account, but he cannot be charged.
• Child later threatened to assault and kill a classmate, leading to detention.
• Case highlights challenges in addressing serious crimes by young offenders.
• Victim's family left without justice or closure due to the child's young age.