I suppose...but there are some additional factors to consider here, IMHO. For starters, these are former students from this kid’s high school - so its likely a few of them knew the kid. So, they laid in wait in a very premeditated way, to attack a child (he was 17) who they had specifically targeted...they had time to form a plan, and the plan they developed included hitting his skull with a gun. And after breaking his skull in three places, they leave him for dead in a parking lot. And isn’t using a gun when committing a crime an aggravating factor or a separate gun charge?
I’d be scouring their social media posts for boasts and claims that they wanted to kill the kid.
I grew up in Alabama, and I too predict bad things for these men in prison. However, I’d wager the 3 with lesser charges spend less than 3 years behind bars...and they’ll drag out the trial, so much of that time is spent in a county jail.
I checked and as of mid-day yesterday (Wed), and the one kid, because he did use a weapon in the event....will be first-degree. So, that’s a two year to twenty year deal. I doubt seriously that he gets anything less than ten years and if there’s some permanent damage to the other kid....they might go all the way to twenty years on him.
But if you notice, even the prosecutor said that the charges aren’t finished. I’m guessing he’s got several more to throw up there. You can hire some fine lawyers but there’s some serious jail-time coming up. I just can’t see how you’d go and be this stupid...begging for jail and all the things that come with it.