EVERETT — One teenage boy is dead and another a felon, all because of a fight in the Marysville woods, apparently over a girl.
Robert L. Myrick Jr., 16, was killed in August. Prosecutors alleged that the other boy, 15, kicked Myrick in the head after he fell to the ground.
The 15-year-old pleaded guilty Friday in Snohomish County juvenile court to second-degree manslaughter.
“He is here to take responsibility,” said his attorney, Angela Griffin.
The boy admitted that his negligence was a factor in the homicide. He remains on house arrest pending sentencing on April 13.
The boy was told to prepare to be taken into detention at that time. Prosecutors are seeking 30 days behind bars, which is the higher end of what’s allowed by law for minors. The newspaper generally does not name underage defendants in juvenile court.
Myrick’s family opposed the plea to manslaughter, which carries less potential time than a murder conviction. The victim’s father, Robert Lee Myrick Sr., was warned by court staff to be quiet after he cried out during the proceeding.
“He murdered my son seven, eight months ago, and he still gets to (expletive) go home,” he said, calling it “ridiculous.”
After the hearing, an uncle spoke on behalf of the family. He declined to give his name.
“I want to expose exactly what (the defendant) is getting away with,” he said. “He made a decision. That boy in there made a decision.”
Myrick attended Marysville Getchell High School and dreamed of professional basketball, according to his obituary in The Daily Herald. He was excited to start his junior year and to learn to drive a car.
He “was a great kid, loved by many and did not deserve this,” the uncle said.
The sentencing was moved to another courtroom to accommodate a large group of Myrick’s family and friends who are expected to attend.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @rikkiking.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
