Scott Weinberger

Let's face a hard reality. Many adolescents today still cling to that dangerous belief that youth alone shields them from facing serious consequences. Historically, our juvenile justice system has leaned towards rehabilitation, believing deeply in the potential for change in young lives.

Let's face a hard reality. Many adolescents today still cling to that dangerous belief that youth alone shields them from facing serious consequences. Historically, our juvenile justice system has leaned towards rehabilitation, believing deeply in the potential for change in young lives.

But when we talk about murder, when a deadly weapon is in youthful hands, convinced they'll face a softer system, there is a troubling shift. As we mentioned at the top of the show, recent data paints a chilly picture. From 2016 to 2022, juvenile perpetrated homicides surged dramatically by 65%.

But when we talk about murder, when a deadly weapon is in youthful hands, convinced they'll face a softer system, there is a troubling shift. As we mentioned at the top of the show, recent data paints a chilly picture. From 2016 to 2022, juvenile perpetrated homicides surged dramatically by 65%.

It's time to rethink our assumptions to acknowledge this stark trend and to consider, are we ready as a society to effectively address the rising tide? All you have to do is ask yourself a question. Was that conversation, sitting in a Miramar police car, captured on audio, was it theater or was it just pure cold-bloodedness? What do you think?

It's time to rethink our assumptions to acknowledge this stark trend and to consider, are we ready as a society to effectively address the rising tide? All you have to do is ask yourself a question. Was that conversation, sitting in a Miramar police car, captured on audio, was it theater or was it just pure cold-bloodedness? What do you think?

I'm Scott Weinberger, investigative journalist and former deputy sheriff.

I'm Scott Weinberger, investigative journalist and former deputy sheriff.

And this is Anatomy of Murph.

And this is Anatomy of Murph.

The fact is that a child's most treasured instinct, their curiosity, can also prove to be the most dangerous. Kids want to explore, meet new people, and obviously experience new things.

The fact is that a child's most treasured instinct, their curiosity, can also prove to be the most dangerous. Kids want to explore, meet new people, and obviously experience new things.

And recognizing that line is not always easy, especially for teenagers who are often the ones most drawn to new people and new experiences, but do not always have the tools to protect themselves if those same people and experiences become threats to their safety.

And recognizing that line is not always easy, especially for teenagers who are often the ones most drawn to new people and new experiences, but do not always have the tools to protect themselves if those same people and experiences become threats to their safety.

But as everyone listening already knows, danger often lurks just under the surface of most idyllic towns. And in May of 2022, that community was shaken to its core when that danger came for one of its own, a 13-year-old girl named Milana Lee.

But as everyone listening already knows, danger often lurks just under the surface of most idyllic towns. And in May of 2022, that community was shaken to its core when that danger came for one of its own, a 13-year-old girl named Milana Lee.

Like many prosecutors, Senior Deputy Attorney John Gerard had always felt a strong sense of duty, which is why before settling in Oregon, he served in the Army as a judge advocate and prosecutor.

Like many prosecutors, Senior Deputy Attorney John Gerard had always felt a strong sense of duty, which is why before settling in Oregon, he served in the Army as a judge advocate and prosecutor.

And all the traits that John would deploy in his mission to seek justice for the most innocent of victims.

And all the traits that John would deploy in his mission to seek justice for the most innocent of victims.