I think protecting minors identity who committed petty, non-violent crimes is probably a good thing as they are likely to shape up and become contributing members of society. I do not feel minors who commit violent crimes should be extended the same protection. A 15 year old is physically grown enough to be a threat to a community. I'm glad the word is getting out, people need to know when theres a threat. I also hope in addition to a harsh punishment for such a senseless crime, there is MANDATORY psychological treatment for this kid.
There was a neighborhood kid (a few years older than me and my friends) when I was growing up who used to catch little animals (lizards and such) then pop their heads or squish out their guts to make the girls cry. I don't think any adults took notice because these were wild critters, not pets anyone would miss. I'm pretty sure this kid never had 'tuned in' parents either. Last I heard (several years ago now), he was on trial facing the death penalty for brutally beating then murdering a guy. I can't say I was shocked. I don't remember where I heard it, but it's a very true statement- "the best indicator of future behavior is past behavior".
Kids and teens who torture and senselessly kill animals don't have a far way to go before they do the same to people. Violent antisocial behaviors don't start in adulthood, it starts as a child or adolescent and evolves. I hope the word gets this kid named, shamed and kept an extra close eye on. The parent(s) should be thoroughly investigated as well as to how and why their 15 years old son behaves in this way. There are truly 'bad apples' out there, even from very good families, but 99.9% of the time that is not the case. There's either abuse/neglect in the home and/or no parental supervision/boundaries/discipline to speak of so the child runs feral then grows up with 0 sense of right or wrong and no concept of consequences for their actions.
Sorry for the rant, but this deeply disturbs me on so many levels and touches on the subject of how so many judicial systems are FAILING at providing those in need (i.e. displaying signs of being well on their way to becoming a danger) mental health care BEFORE they hurt themselves or others- which I am personally quite passionate about.