BUFFALO, N.Y. — There are 10 states with laws where parents can be criminally responsible for the actions of their children.
That is not the case in New York.
New York State Senator Patrick Gallivan said “There is no criminal statute to charge someone with a crime of being a bad parent."
A 14-year-old and 16-year-old are charged with the shooting death of 3-year-old Ramone Carter and wounding his 7-year-old sister.
Gallivan said, “It's mind-boggling how a 14-year-old and 16-year-old get hands on weapons and have thought process to shoot and kill somebody."
Erie County Acting District Attorney Michael Keane said he’s heard from people about the issue of parental responsibility.
For parents to be charged in a case like this, Keane said “they would have to be involved and they would have to know, they would have to provide some sort of assistance. Or that they have to aid in the commission of the crime.” That means providing the weapon or some sort of assistance, like driving them to the crime.”
Senator Gallivan believes there will be future discussion on parental responsibility.