Man may get life term for probation violation

Lionel Tate, convicted of murder at age 13, faces accusations that he robbed a pizza delivery man.
By Associated Press
Published December 5, 2005

FORT LAUDERDALE - Lionel Tate became the youngest person sentenced to life in prison in modern U.S. history when he was convicted in 2001 at age 13 of murdering a young girl, but he got out on probation after his first conviction was thrown out in 2004.

Now, despite that fresh start, he could be going back behind bars for life after he was charged with robbing a pizza delivery man at gunpoint of four pizzas worth $33.60.

Full story:
http://www.sptimes.com/2005/12/05/State/Man_may_get_life_term.shtml


Tate competency hearing set after he threatens suicide

By CURT ANDERSON
AP Legal Affairs Writer
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Facing a possible life prison sentence, convicted child killer Lionel Tate won postponement of a Monday probation violation hearing after writing a letter to the presiding judge claiming that he is "hearing voices" and has contemplated suicide.

Full story: http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051205/APN/512050568

so sad, this is what sending a young child to prison did. i feel for him, he is a victimof the criminal unjustice system. we did this to him
stormie

Sad story. I caught a bit of it on the news. They have ordered a competency hearing for him. He should have never been sent to a "prison" enviornment from the beginning. I will add his name to prayer list.

Im not sure what will happen to Lionel.
John was 15 when he got his life without parole sentence, and I know he would give anything to be able to get out.

These stories are always so sad. I have a hard time believing there were no signs that this child was in serious trouble, prior to all this happening. Makes you wonder, was no one paying attention? Didn't anyone care? How did we(society, his parents, the system) fail this child. It's just awful - that it had to get to this place.