THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

NEW YORK, Sept. 1, 2011 -- The following is a statement from GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard about the mistrial declared today in the trial against Brandon McInerney, who was 14 when he murdered 15-year-old Lawrence "Larry" King at E.O. Green Junior High School in Oxnard, Calif., on Feb. 12, 2008.

The jury could not reach an agreement on whether to find McInerney guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree murder or manslaughter. The prosecution and defense could reach a plea deal, or the prosecution could pursue a new trial.

"The mistrial declared today is hardly a surprise," GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard said. "This was always destined to be a case with little resolution and no winners, whatever the verdict. The central facts remain the same: homophobia killed Larry King and destroyed Brandon McInerney's life, and adults failed both young men because of their own inability to deal forthrightly and compassionately with the multiple challenges they each faced. The jury's indecision is a sad reflection of our collective inability to find common ground and invest in a better future for all youth and a culture of respect for all."

About GLSEN

GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For information on GLSEN's research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org .

Human Rights Campaign

WASHINGTON —Yesterday, a California Superior Court judge confirmed that a jury was unable to reach a verdict in the murder trial of Brandon McInerney, who is accused of shooting his gay classmate, Lawrence King, in 2008. Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, issued the following statement:

"It is disappointing that the criminal justice system has failed to bring closure to the family, friends and community that loved Lawrence. In the wake of the mistrial, and in honor of Lawrence, we will continue our efforts to prevent these types of tragedies by working with school districts across our nation to stamp out the ignorance and prejudice that led to Lawrence's death. It's up to the adults around children to call out that early behavior and prejudice, and to explain that the differences among us are part of what makes us strong: that being different is not something to attack, but to appreciate. If Lawrence or Brandon had lived in that world, their lives might not have collided in tragedy and death."