Back in February 1993, a deeply distressing incident shook Merseyside, England, and left the entire community stunned.
Two 10-year-old boys, Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, led away a two-year-old named James Bulger from a shopping center, forever changing the course of their lives. But what happened to these young boys after that fateful day?
The Kidnapping that Sent Shockwaves
On that unfortunate day, James’ mother, Denise, briefly lost sight of her son at the Strand shopping center.
Security cameras recorded Venables and Thompson guiding the toddler away, embarking on a journey of over two miles across Liverpool.
Astonishingly, they managed to convince people that James was either their little brother or a lost child in need of assistance.
Their disturbing path led them to an abandoned railway station near the Walton Lane police station, where a horrifying tragedy unfolded.
A pathologist later revealed that James had suffered 42 injuries, making it impossible to pinpoint a single fatal wound.
Seeking Justice
In the aftermath of the chilling abduction, an intense search for James began. Blurry video footage showing the two unidentified boys leading James away was discovered. A woman who recognized Venables contacted the authorities.
This crucial tip led to the arrest of Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, setting the stage for one of the most debated trials in British legal history.
What happened to James Bulger killers?
James Bulger’s killers, Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, were released on life licenses after just serving for eight years. They were banned from returning to Liverpool and were given new identities. Their fate changed in 2001.
Following a six-month review by the parole board, it was determined that they no longer posed a threat to public safety.
After serving just eight years, the boys were released with life licenses. This decision sparked controversy and raised public concerns.
The Trial’s Controversy
Despite their young age, the decision to try Jon Venables and Robert Thompson as adults sent shockwaves across the nation.
This choice was made because they were both over the age of 10, the legally defined age for criminal responsibility.
It ignited a passionate debate, and in 2010, the Children’s Commissioner for England advocated raising the age of criminal responsibility to 12.
The argument was that children their age may need to fully grasp the consequences of their actions. Typically, children of their age are tried in youth courts.
However, the gravity of their crime led to their trial in an adult court. This decision continued to stir discussion for years.