4/23/03 Mother Of Teen Accused Of Murder Speaks Out

The mother of a teenage murder suspect was among the people gathered to hear the governor speak, this morning.

She is fighting for her child and against the system that charged him as an adult. Cindy Carter was among the protesters at Jeb Bush's "Capital for a Day" event. She put up signs and passed out flyers about her son's case.

15-year-old Daniel Carter is charged with first degree murder.

"He can't vote. He can't buy cigarettes. He can't serve in the military. He can't drive, but he can be charged and tried and sentenced as an adult and I think, personally, that's unfair. Not only to Daniel, but to kids all over the State of Florida and the country," said Cindy Carter.

Daniel's accused of killing his uncle, 45-year-old Jack Carter, during an argument at the teen's home, last July.

Cindy Carter says her brother was in a steroid and alcohol induced rage.

"I believe Daniel was defending himself, that he was very frightened that he might not make it out of that room alive."

Others joined Carter in her fight.
They're hoping the governor will hear their message -- that prosecuting children as adults isn't fair.

Due to circumstances surrounding the case, the state offered Daniel a deal - no more than 12 years in prison in exchange for a guilty plea of manslaughter.

Carter would rather see Daniel go to trial than accept a plea that charges him as an adult.