Justin Carter is a 19-year-old kid who made a joke on Facebook, just like most 19-year-old kids in the country.
After a Facebook friend with whom he played video games described him as “crazy” and “messed up in the head,” Carter replied — sarcastically, one imagines — “Oh yeah, I’m real messed up in the head, I’m going to go shoot up a school full of kids and eat their still, beating hearts.” He added “lol” and “jk” for good measure.
He’s lampooning the nutcases who actually go into schools and shoot people up. It’s a joke.
But this is not:
For this he was arrested by Austin police, charged with making a “terroristic threat,” and thrown into prison.
This happened in March. It’s now July and he still hasn’t had a trial.
His home was searched. No weapons were found. His computer was taken in. There is zero evidence he had the means, motive, or opportunity to shoot up a school full of kids.
Every day he remains in jail is an injustice. A joke is not a reason to be imprisoned.
