It does seem ridiculous to expect a 12 yr old to understand the consequences of his actions which I think is required for a 1st degree murder charge. A prosecutor can overcharge to force a plea deal but I think they need at least a shred of credibility on the greater charge which I think is totally absent re Zimmerman. I’m not a lawyer so it’s JMO.
When you hear the full extent of what is alleged, it doesn’t seem to make much sense. The 12 year old was in an impossible home situation. His own mother was `12 when he was born? The father was abusive. Sounds like he did injure his brother, but whether the two year old would have died is unclear from this piece. The mom neglected take the injured 2 year old to the hospital/dr for hours. What a mess of a home. The child does need punishment/help...but life without the possibility of parole? This prosecutor doesn’t sound too bright.