Articles

Washington vs. Whala Veridict In

The long awaited conclusion to the juvinle wrestling murder trial�

by Kevin Mercer TheProWrestler

Friday, February 7, 2003

In 1999, you may remember hearing about a 12 year old boy who wrestled his 19 month old cousin to death. The trial is over and the verdict is in.

The case bought against Jason Whala by the State of Washington included the charges of 1st degree murder, 2nd degree murder, and 2nd degree felony murder. 1st degree murder is pre-meditated, 2nd degree murder is regular murder, and 2nd degree felony murder is intentional assault in which death occurs to the victim.

Judge Susan Hahn ruled that Jason Whala, now 13, was not guilty in 1st and 2nd degree murder. However, Judge Hahn ruled that Whala is guilty of 2nd degree felony murder for the death of 19 month old William Sweet. Judge Hahn felt that Whala knew that there was severe risk of injury. Whala was babysitting his cousin, like he did most any day, when Whala slammed Sweet onto the couch several times to try to get him to stop crying, which resulted in some head trauma. When that didn't work, Whala jack knife powerbombed the baby onto the floor, killing him.

Judge Susan Hahn sentenced Jason Whala to 180 weeks in a juvenile detention facility. When his term is up, he could be paroled, or could be required to serve more time. The state of Washington can keep Whala there until he turns 21.