A 17-year-old California gang member, previously charged as a juvenile for a double murder five years ago, is now facing new charges in connection with another murder. Shanice Dyer, a member of the East Coast Crips, was convicted of murdering Alfredo Carrera and José Flores Velázquez in Los Angeles due to a territorial dispute.
Dyer was initially charged with premeditated murder by former Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey but was later charged as a juvenile under the administration of George Gascón. Despite her conviction for two murders, Dyer was released from custody after less than four years.
Recently, Dyer has been accused of aiding and abetting in the murder of 21-year-old Joshua Streeter. The district attorney's office stated that under the law, several factors were considered in determining whether Dyer should remain in the juvenile system or be transferred to adult court.
According to a spokesperson for Gascón's office, only one factor favored transferring Dyer to adult court, while the remaining factors supported her remaining in the juvenile system. These factors included Dyer's lack of criminal sophistication, absence of a serious criminal history, and the potential for rehabilitation within the juvenile system.
The Juvenile Alternative Charging Evaluation Committee (JACE) was established in March 2022 to review transfer requests. Since its formation, 23 transfer motions have been approved, with five cases proceeding to hearings before the juvenile court.
While four transfer motions were denied by the court, one was granted, and one is still pending. The case of Shanice Dyer highlights the complexities of juvenile justice and the considerations involved in determining the appropriate legal course for young offenders.
