By Ahsan Ali
In a chilling incident that has left the community in shock, a 14-year-old boy fatally shot his classmate, 15-year-old Lawrence Fobes King, also known as Leticia or Larry King. The shooting occurred at Green Middle School in Oxnard, California, on February 12, 2008.
This horrific event, considered the most significant gay bias crime since the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, has sparked discussions about gun violence and adolescent gender and sexual identities.
The Incident
On that fateful day, a class of eighth graders was moving into the computer lab to work on an assignment about World War II. Larry King sat at a computer in the middle of the classroom, while Brandon McInerney, 14, sat behind him.
Suddenly, Brandon pulled out a .22 caliber pistol from his backpack, walked up to Larry, and shot him twice in the back of the head. The classroom descended into chaos as Larry fell to the floor. Brandon fled the scene but was arrested by police five blocks away within minutes.
Larry King’s Background
Larry King, born on January 13, 1993, in Ventura, California, had a challenging childhood. His mother, struggling with cocaine and alcohol addiction, worked as a prostitute to support her children. Larry and his younger brother, Rocky, were eventually adopted by Gregory and Dawn King after allegations of neglect and abuse by their biological mother. Despite receiving treatment for psychological issues, Larry faced bullying at school due to his openness about being gay and his preference for wearing feminine clothing and makeup.
Brandon McInerney’s Background
Brandon McInerney, born on January 24, 1994, also grew up in a troubled family. His mother, Kendra, struggled with drug addiction, and his father, William, had a history of domestic violence. Brandon lived with his abusive father after being removed from his mother’s care. At school, Brandon was part of a group that bullied Larry. The tension between the two boys escalated, culminating in the tragic shooting.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Larry was declared brain dead on February 13, 2008, and kept on life support for two days to facilitate organ donation. The incident prompted widespread grief and calls for increased diversity education. Larry’s family filed a lawsuit against the school, alleging that allowing Larry to wear feminine clothing contributed to his death. Meanwhile, Brandon was tried as an adult and eventually pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and use of a firearm, receiving a 21-year prison sentence.
Legacy and Reflection
Larry’s death led to the establishment of an alliance named Prism at EO Green Junior High School, providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth. The tragedy has been documented in various forms, including the HBO documentary “Valentine Road” and books exploring the contributing factors of bullying, homophobia, and transphobia.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of intolerance and the importance of creating inclusive environments for all individuals. As the community continues to heal, Larry King’s story remains a poignant example of the need for empathy, acceptance, and understanding.
