...To research this story, The Seattle Times obtained police reports, 911 transcripts, hearing transcripts, medical and psychological reports, court records, judicial disciplinary records, school records, crime-lab and autopsy reports and state court data. Reporters interviewed the defendants and their parents, Craig Sorger's parents, attorneys in the case and others.

....The decision to try the boys as adults — a rare step for children that young — poses questions that go beyond evidence: Can children understand their rights? Aid in their defense? Know right from wrong? With its legal complexities and factual holes, this case would test the best criminal-justice system. But Grant County's is one of the state's worst.

The trial judge has been censured for incompetence, the prosecutor has been convicted of a drug felony, and the county's public-defense system is the subject of a class-action lawsuit.

Also check out Dr. Helen Smith's movie Six . It's a remarkable film that raises important issues society should be addressing with respect to violent juvenile crime.