The brains of young humans aren't fully developed. That shouldn't be a get out of jail free card. Though it must be considered when deciding the fate of a person's entire life.
It doesn't help that even just be charged with a crime is now a permanent scarlet letter, even if the person is clearly innocent and charges are dropped.
I find it hard to believe they don't know what they are doing when they brutally murder someone. They know they are protected in society and the repercussions are always minor.
I don't know what the solution is, but forming a gang to steal cars, kill people, just doesn't sit right with me without severe punishment.
Young brains may have trouble in nuanced situations but stabbing someone or whatever can be unacceptable regardless of their stage of biological maturity
It doesn't help that even just be charged with a crime is now a permanent scarlet letter, even if the person is clearly innocent and charges are dropped.