Teen Ordered to Stand Trial in Slaying of 14-Year-Old

Teenager Antwaine Devon Butler was ordered Tuesday to stand trial for murder in the killing of Clive Jackson in South Los Angeles last fall.

Butler, 17, has pleaded not guilty in the slaying of the promising 14-year-old basketball player whose death Nov. 21 sparked outrage against gang violence and was deemed “a call to action” by Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn. Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton also held up the killing as an example of “urban terrorism” in seeking support for measures against street violence.

Jackson was standing with his two friends in front of Magee’s Donut Shop on South Western Avenue near Vernon Avenue when he was approached by another youth, who police allege was a member of a local street gang. There was an argument and a scuffle, then gunshots, police said.

Butler’s attorney, Mark J. Werksman, has said his client is innocent. Butler is a soft-spoken youth, Werksman said, and had been a good student at a continuation school.

One witness testified Tuesday that Butler hit Jackson, then reached for what appeared to be a gun in his waistband. Others testified that they had heard a witness identify Butler, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Sandi Roth.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Dale Fischer on Tuesday rejected defense efforts to have Butler, who was 16 when the crime occurred, tried as a juvenile, defense and prosecuting attorneys said.

If convicted, Butler could face a sentence of 50 years to life, Roth said.