<p>jack,
First degree murder does not always “require” premeditation. If a person is killed during the course of the commission of another crime, such as robbery or arson, they may be charged with first degree murder, even if they did not “plan” for that to happen. It is clear that these two young men set out to get money by robbing a number of people that evening. They had a loaded gun. 16 year olds can certainly be expected to understand the consequences of their actions. Over the past 20 years or so, more and more states have lowered the age for which people can be charged as adults and held to serve “adult time.” “Incredibly vindictive?” If they are convicted, should they be sent to a juvenile lockup and released when they turn 21? Have you read the stories about the young man who was killed? They snuffed out a life which might well have made a major difference in his home country. For what? So they could get some cash to buy a pair of jeans? Some electronics?</p>