Teenager sentenced to 50 years

15-Year Old Sentenced To 50 Years:

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Ernie Perez, 15, who pleaded guilty to murdering a Marion County couple, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison without parole.

Because of his age he was not eligible for the death penalty.

Perez admitted shooting Gale Goode, 48, and Becky Goode, 47, a year ago in the town of Donald.

Earlier testimony indicated that Perez and another teenager invaded the Goodes' house intending to rob them but also to seek revenge because the Goodes tried to prevent a burglary next door.

Perez had been expelled from school and on one occasion planned an attack on a fellow student in class when the teacher was out of the room, prosecutors said.

He had been suspected of at least two burglaries.

He will begin his sentence at a state youth detention center and move to an adult prison.

Two accomplices were sentenced in February, one to 40 years to life and another to a minimum of 30 years.

Marion County Deputy District Attorney Matt Kemmy says Perez "is a sociopath who doesn't have a conscience."

What a waste. What takes place in the life of a 15 year old to turn them into someone who could do this?