Lawrence Fobes King, also known as Larry King, was a 15-year-old student at E.O. Green Junior High School in Oxnard, California. On February 12, 2008, Larry was shot twice in the head by a fellow student, 14-year-old Brandon McInerney, while in a classroom. The attack was reportedly motivated by Larry's gender expression and sexual identity, as he was openly gay and often wore feminine clothing and makeup.
Larry was kept on life support for two days before being pronounced brain-dead on February 14, 2008.
The case drew significant media attention and was described as one of the most prominent hate crimes since the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard. The incident highlighted issues of gun violence, bullying, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth in schools. Following the shooting, Brandon McInerney was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, along with a hate crime enhancement and firearm use.
Brandon McInerney's trial faced numerous delays and a change of venue. The first trial began on July 5, 2011, in Chatsworth, Los Angeles. However, it ended in a mistrial on September 1, 2011, as the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict. Prosecutors decided to retry McInerney but dropped the hate crime charge. On November 21, 2011, McInerney avoided a retrial by pleading guilty to second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and use of a firearm. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison without the possibility of parole.
The murder of Larry King sparked discussions about the need for better protection and support for LGBTQ+ students in schools. It also led to calls for more comprehensive anti-bullying policies and increased awareness of the issues faced by gender-nonconforming youth. Larry's tragic death remains a poignant reminder of the consequences of intolerance and the importance of fostering inclusive and safe environments for all students.
