The story of a 15-year-old boy killed at a Southern California high school campus because of his high heels, lipstick and effeminate sexuality was playing out in court in L.A. this week.

Brandon McInerney was 14 when he shot Larry King a day after the 15-year-old walked around in high heels and makeup in 2008 at E.O. Green School in Oxnard. That much even McInerney's defense appears to be admitting.

What's in question here is whether King's actions ignited a troubled kid, prompting him to commit a murder that otherwise might have been out of character:

That, at least, is the contention of the defense, according to MSNBC — that “sexual advances” by King sent a kid with issues over the edge.

McInerney's sister said her brother was abused by their drug-using father. A teacher testified that King's actions might have constituted “sexual harassment:” “I saw a lot of anger and rage” in McInerney, teacher Arthur Saenz said.

So is sexual teasing an excuse to kill?

Read more here.

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