New York, US:
More than five years after the tragic murder of Barnard College student Tessa Majors in Morningside Park, one of her teenage killers remains mired in legal trouble—this time under New York’s controversial “Raise the Age” law. The statute, meant to give troubled teens a second chance, continues to provoke debate over accountability and justice.
The law’s latest test case? One of Majors’ assailants, who initially faced minimal consequences for his role in the brutal 2019 killing, is once again in and out of trouble while under juvenile supervision—a scenario critics say exposes fatal flaws in the system.
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The 2019 Tragedy
Tessa Majors, an 18-year-old freshman at Barnard College, was fatally stabbed during an attempted robbery in Manhattan’s Morningside Park in December 2019. The attackers were just 13 and 14 years old at the time—too young to be tried as adults under current New York law for many offenses.
The youngest of the group, still a minor, was sentenced to fewer than two years in a juvenile facility. Advocates of the “Raise the Age” statute defended the light punishment as a step toward rehabilitation, but the decision sparked backlash from Majors’ family, law enforcement, and community members who viewed it as a miscarriage of justice.
The Promise and Pitfalls of “Raise the Age”
New York’s “Raise the Age” law, enacted in 2018, raised the threshold for adult criminal prosecution to 18. The goal was to prevent young offenders—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—from being hardened by the adult prison system. It promised rehabilitation over retribution, intending to steer youth offenders toward education, therapy, and reintegration.
However, critics argue the law has gone too far, shielding violent offenders from proper accountability. Police officers, prosecutors, and even some child welfare advocates claim the policy allows repeat offenders to cycle through family court with little deterrence.
In the case of Majors’ killer, this concern has materialized: despite his brief detention and mandated supervision, reports indicate that he continues to face discipline problems, violating curfews and avoiding court-ordered programs.
Repeat Trouble After Release
After his release from juvenile detention, the youth was placed under community supervision with strict conditions—school attendance, counseling, and curfews among them. But insiders familiar with his case say he has repeatedly violated those terms.
Because the law classifies him as a “juvenile delinquent,” he cannot be retried in adult court for these infractions. Instead, probationary measures and “behavioral interventions” have been the default response, frustrating police and community leaders who see a system unwilling to enforce its own standards.
A law enforcement source described the situation as “deeply discouraging,” noting that “the very law designed to give him another chance is the same one preventing real consequences for his continued defiance.”
Public Backlash Intensifies
The developments have reignited public anger, with questions emerging about whether New York’s reforms have inadvertently endangered communities and diminished justice for victims. For many New Yorkers, Tessa Majors’ name symbolizes both tragedy and the limits of criminal justice reform.
Parents in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights neighborhood have voiced unease about what they see as “loophole justice.” One parent stated, “We were told these laws would make things fairer, but all we see is the same kids cycling back through with no accountability.”
Meanwhile, victims’ advocates argue that while compassion for young offenders is necessary, violent crimes like Majors’ murder require a different approach. They call for stricter criteria that would allow prosecutors to move serious juvenile cases to adult court, especially when offenders display ongoing behavioral issues.
Officials Call for Reform
State lawmakers and New York City officials are again debating potential amendments to the “Raise the Age” framework. Some propose new measures allowing judges greater discretion in transferring violent juvenile cases to criminal court. Others insist that the problem lies in insufficient support and oversight—not the law itself.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s office has acknowledged “growing concern” over youth violence and is reportedly reviewing data on recidivism within the post-reform era. Yet activists warn that hasty rollbacks could undermine years of progress toward a more rehabilitative model.
New York Police Benevolent Association leaders, however, believe reform is overdue. “If you stab someone to death and end up back on the street before high school is done, something is wrong,” an NYPD representative said. “We can’t keep writing these tragedies off as learning experiences.”
A Life Remembered
Amid renewed debate about youth justice, the memory of Tessa Majors remains a painful reminder of what is at stake. Majors, a gifted musician and writer, had just begun her college journey when she was attacked near her dorm. Her death became a flashpoint in conversations about safety, crime, and policy reform across New York City.
Her family has largely stayed out of recent political discussions but has consistently urged policymakers to “protect the next Tessa,” emphasizing the need for laws that balance mercy with deterrence.
The Debate Ahead
As the young offender once again struggles with the terms of his release, the “Raise the Age” controversy shows no sign of fading. Supporters see a system still finding its balance after decades of punitive excess. Critics see a dangerous experiment with innocent lives as collateral damage.
The New York Legislature faces mounting pressure to resolve that tension—deciding whether to preserve the spirit of reform or amend it in the name of justice.
For now, the case of Tessa Majors’ killer stands as a powerful example of the law’s unintended consequences: a promise of redemption crashing headlong into the hard realities of violent crime.
FAQ
Who was Tessa Majors?
Tessa Majors was an 18-year-old Barnard College student who was murdered in Morningside Park, Manhattan, in December 2019 during a botched robbery.
What is the Raise the Age law?
It is a New York State law that prevents most offenders under age 18 from being tried in adult court, emphasizing rehabilitation and community-based supervision.
Why is the law controversial?
Critics claim it allows serious offenders to avoid real punishment, while supporters say it prevents young people from being permanently damaged by the adult prison system.
What happens next for the minors involved?
Due to juvenile confidentiality rules, details are limited. However, violations of supervision terms may result in temporary detention or extended probation—not adult incarceration.
