I spent a few years here in Iowa representing juvenile delinquents, so I'm going to go ahead and chime in here. I represented a ton of kids in this age range who committed similar crimes. The vast majority of them were not bad kids by any means. They were dumb kids. They were influenced by other dumb kids and often time adults who knew their juvenile status would keep them out of "big trouble". They lacked the guidance and structure needed to keep them from doing something dumb like this. Capable kids that need a firm push in the right direction.
The other thing I know is that if you commit a crime like this, even if you are adjudicated as a delinquent rather than an adult, you are going to have to walk the complete straight-and-narrow for sometime after. The restrictions the Court placed on many of my clients were too much for them to handle. Going to school, getting good grades, community service, etc. It really does take a commitment to doing things the right way in the school and in the community to avoid further discipline from the Court. So if this kid has stayed off the Court's radar since December 2017 that says something about him learning from this.
The entire point of juvenile court is to rehabilitate. It is not meant to be punitive. So hopefully the Court served its purpose and gave this kid what he needs to be a successful student and member of society. With this past he does he warrant extra supervision? Sure. But if he's made it this far with the Court's oversight I think he must be on a good path.
