A Tale of Different 14-Year Olds

We've all been moved by the story of the tornado that hit the Boy Scout camp in Iowa killing 2 13-year old and 2 14-year olds, all four exemplary Boy Scouts who were involved in a week long leadership camp. They wer obviously outstanding kids and their hometowns will be worse off for their loss.

There's another story about 14-year olds taking place right here in Southern Orange County. Same age kids, but very different outcomes. One is dead and three are on their way to prison:

SANTA ANA – Before a Friday night gang fight they were four troubled 14-year-old kids. Today family members will bury one child, while three face murder charges - adult consequences for kids who were drawn into local gangs and veered off track.

Meanwhile, residents and family members ask themselves, why are 14-year-old kids are killing each other?

It was a long-running rivalry between two South County gangs that drew middle school teenagers into the old clash.

Three 14-year-old boys, suspected members of a San Clemente gang, were charged as adults in the death of 14-year-old Jonathan Mendez of San Juan Capistrano, who was dumped out of a car and into the pavement outside a hospital with a hard blow to the head.

What a waste of lives.