Death Penalty Urged for Killers of Children

In the wake of the slashing death of a 9-year-old boy in an Oceanside restroom, state legislators Wednesday vowed to push for a “Matthew’s Law” that would make killing a child under age 14 a special circumstance that could merit the death penalty.

Assemblyman Roy Ashburn (R-Bakersfield) said he will resubmit a bill to add killing a child under 14 to the list of special circumstances that can be used to invoke either the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Ashburn first introduced the bill in 1997, but it stalled in committee.

“Unfortunately it sometimes takes a tragedy to focus our attention that we need extra protection in this society against criminals,” Ashburn said of the Nov. 14 slaying of Matthew Cecchi.

If adopted by the Legislature, the law would have to be submitted for approval by state voters. Ashburn noted that state law already includes additional penalties for killing an officeholder, a judge or a juror, and for slaying someone during a drive-by shooting.

“It only makes sense that we provide our children with the highest degree of protection we can,” said Ashburn, who submitted the bill after a rash of child murders in his Kern County district.

Brandon Wilson, 20, who is accused of killing Matthew, is already charged with two special circumstances that could lead to the death penalty: murder by ambush and murder by torture.

Several lawmakers, police officials and victims support group officials plan a news conference today outside the restroom where Matthew was killed to express their support for a “Matthew’s Law.” The San Diego County Board of Supervisors will be asked Tuesday to support the idea.