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He's being charged with communicating a threat, which he did - they aren't even denying that. Even though he probably did not realize that his 'joke' constituted a threat to the welfare of others, as the courts are fond of saying: ignorance of the law is no excuse.

Should he have his life irreparably changed due to his poor judgement? No. However, the courts obviously need to send a message that any sort of communicated threat, even in jest, is grounds for arrest. Saying "just kidding" afterward does not negate the wrong doing.

The article says this took place in February. I searched online but could not find a more exact date, but bear in mind that the Sandy Hook shooting had occurred on Dec 14th, approximately two months before. Hardly the emotional nor political climate to be making 'jokes' about killing innocent children.

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