Legal Charges and the Jena 6

The Story – Part Two

Later that fall, on November 30, 2006, a fire that was deemed to be arson destroyed the main academic building on the school campus. No connection was ever made to the original noose incident and no suspects have been charged with starting the fire. The failure to determine the culprits had to be an enormous frustration for school administrators as well as for the local police.

On December 4th, six black students, the so-called Jena 6, allegedly attacked a white student, Justin Barker. One student allegedly struck Barker in the back of the head knocking the seventeen-year-old to the ground unconscious. While Barker lay unable to respond, the six black students allegedly kicked him repeatedly.

Barker was taken to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries. He was later released the same day and attended a school based function that evening though he had vision issues with one eye for the better part of three weeks.

Students Arrested
Though the incident occurred on school grounds, the response came from the legal system and not the school district. District Attorney Reed Walters had the six students arrested. He had five of them charged with attempted second-degree murder while the sixth, a fourteen-year-old, was charged as a juvenile. Bail for the Jena 6 was set at varying amounts that ranged from $70,000 to $138,000.

The contrasting actions from the two incidents have resulted in an uproar that culminated with a march on Jena that was reminiscent of those during the 1960’s civil rights movement. One young man remained in jail until today, initially convicted on lesser charges, then unable to post bail when charges were overturned. The others continue to face future trials that could result in extensive jail time while a community is in upheaval.

The charge of attempted second-degree murder was clearly excessive. Assault, absolutely, but second-degree murder? Though the charges were eventually reduced, the damage had been done. And with one young man remaining in jail until today, it is easy to understand the outrage of the black community.

Two Wrongs
The old story is that two wrongs don’t make a right. The folks in Jena have learned that the hard way.

In this case, two wrongs have brought the community immense scrutiny and negative publicity. And a nation back to the long ago days of public lynchings and the subsequent civil rights movement.

Note: Adding to the incredible chain of events is the amazing aspect that Barker would be expelled in late spring from Jena for bringing a gun onto school premises. The legal charges against Barker for that behavior were listed as possessing a firearm in a firearm-free zone.