12-Year-Old Murderer Set Free Age 19

Summary--

Convicted of murder at age 12, Jamarion Lawhorn was fed up with life after enduring horrific abuse from his mother and stepfather. He hoped police would kill him or “take him away” from the abuse. Now 19 years old, Jamarion was released from the juvenile facility he had called home for the past 7 years. Jamarion’s mother and stepfather were charged with child abuse but served just weeks each on the conviction.

Story--

On August 4, 2014, 12-year-old Jamarion Lawhorn took a handful of “little red pills” he found lying around his Kentwood, MI, home. He retrieved a knife from the kitchen and then walked to Pinebook Village, an apartment complex. 9-year-old Connor Verkerke and his 7-year-old brother played in the park. Jamarion joined them and the three boys played for about 20-minutes. Connor fell as he tried climbing up a slide. While lying on the ground, Jamarion came up from behind and stabbed him numerous times in the back and arm. The boys ran but Connor died from his injuries a short time later.

Jamarion left the park and asked a resident nearby who was standing outside if he could use his phone to call 911. Jamarion told the 911 operator that he had “taken many pills” because he hated his life. He then revealed that he stabbed someone. The boy said, “I want to die. I don't want to be on this earth anymore.”

Jamarion Wanted to Die

Jamarion later said he thought police would shoot and kill him if he killed someone else. Jamarion was the victim of abuse by his mother and stepfather. He was covered in bruises when police arrested him. His stepfather, Bernard Harrold, severely beat him prior to the incident. That was fairly common in the home. His mother, Anita Lawhorn, regularly beat Jamarion, using a belt or electrical cord to engage his punishment.

Jamarion Abused; Lived in Deplorable Conditions

Jamarion tested positive for Mirtazapine and Promethazine. Police found drug paraphernalia inside the home which tested positive for cocaine residue. The home was decrepit without utilities and clothes strewn throughout the home. The beds were without sheets and the kitchen pantry and refrigerator were nearly empty of food.

Anita had relinquished custody of two daughters in New York prior to this incident. DCF visited the home in May 2013. Jamarion revealed that his mother and stepdad abused him, and he was removed for a short time during an investigation but returned very quickly.

Parents Arrested on Child Abuse Charges

Anita and Bernard were both charged with third-degree child abuse. A judge sentenced them to one year in jail and five years probation, however, Anita was ordered to serve only 151 days; Harrold a total of five months. The three other children living in the home were placed in foster care.

Jamarion: The Aftermath

In March 2021, just two weeks shy of his 19th birthday, Jamarion was released from the Evart Youth Academy that he had called home since the murder. During his time at the facility, Connor’s grandmother forgave him for killing him and helped him earn overnight releases from the facility. He reconciled with his mother and has terrible regret for his actions as a 12-year-old boy. The judge raved over his remarkable progress during his time in the juvenile facility as well.

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