Boy’s Accused Killer’s Past Not Violent

Stung by criticism from parents that a student with a discipline problem had been allowed to enroll in summer classes at Burbank High School, where he allegedly killed a fellow student, a school official said Wednesday the teenage suspect had been in trouble over marijuana, not for violence or for bringing weapons to school.

“It was not a weapons violation,” said a Burbank school official who did not want to be identified. “It was marijuana.”

The official would not say whether the youth was disciplined for possession of marijuana or trafficking in it.

The alleged killer was removed from Burroughs High School last year and sent to the county-run Brighton Community School for students with discipline problems, Burbank schools Supt. David Aponik said. School officials said the defendant was set to transfer in September to Monterey Continuation School--for students with problems--but was allowed to enroll at Burbank High School in June because it was the only campus that offered summer classes.

But police said they were not aware the boy had a criminal record.

“Our information thus far in the investigation shows absolutely no record of criminal conduct here in Burbank or in any jurisdiction that we are aware of,” Burbank Police Chief Dave Newsham said.

“If a crime is committed on school grounds, [the school district] policy and the law would require that they notify us.”

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The boy is accused of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Adam Smith last week.

According to other students, Smith had insulted the youth’s girlfriend.

The teen, who has not been identified because of his age, denied the charge of murder with the use of a knife when arraigned Wednesday before Pasadena Juvenile Court Judge Ray Mireles.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Michael Grossbard said he will ask the judge to order the teen to stand trial as an adult at a fitness hearing expected next month.

Defense attorney Barry O. Bernstein declined comment, citing privacy concerns.

“This is not something that warrants comment outside of a Juvenile Court proceeding,” Bernstein said. “During these tragic times, all of our hearts should be open to the anguish of all the families involved.”

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David Flores, director of alternative education for the Los Angeles County Office of Education, said Wednesday the youth “was enrolled in our program and went through it just like any other student.

“There was nothing of significance during his stay and he was returned back to the district, just like we have done with hundreds of our students that we have served throughout the years,” he said.