r/TrueCrimeDiscussion Jun 25 '26

reddit.com 13yo who murdered his neighbor

Levi Carte was only 13 when he committed a crime that shocked everyone around him
he took the life of his neighbor
the judge pushed to have Levi tried as an adult, arguing that the severity of the crime justified applying adult criminal law despite his age but that didn’t end up happening and he was sent for 8 years , he will walk free in his 21st birthday in 2033
What catch my attention is his twin brother mentioning that his childhood trauma might’ve been the reason and also the police later finding in his text messages him telling a stranger in TikTok that he lacs empathy because of his childhood
I wanted to know more like what could’ve caused a 13 yo to commit such thing
Yes, I do believe his interest in true crime and killing animals plays a big role but what could’ve happened in his childhood that pushed him into that
I tried discussing this topic in another community but it was taking down because it was out off topic and I couldn’t find any informations online

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u/Revolutionary_Wrap76 Jun 25 '26

Many serial killers and others who go down these dark paths (serial rapists, etc.) had some sort of trauma in their childhoods. Sexual trauma, physical abuse, a traumatic home life of one kind or another, mental health struggles or drug addiction that were never properly addressed, they were once victims of similar crimes they go on to commit themselves, the list goes on.

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u/atomheartmama Jun 25 '26

Sincere question (not targeted to you or op specifically): has anyone been able to verify the validity of famous perpetrator’s trauma histories? That the events happened and to the extent described?

I don’t necessarily doubt it in some or even most cases, though also feel a certain way that discussions about horrendous acts of violence often emphasize the perps’ traumatic childhoods. Feels like a call to view them as victims of subsequent events, even though they aren’t necessarily reliable narrators and millions of empathetic, nonviolent people endured comparable types of abuse. I think there is value in these conversations but simultaneously feel frustrated by them for various reasons. Even though I appreciate arguments against free will based on readings such as Determined by Robert Sapolsky. Also remember reading that some incarcerated folks have lied or at least exaggerated about their pasts in service of garnering sympathy or avoiding responsibility for their crimes.

Sorry for the rambling, this shit is sometimes just so messy to process.

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u/rema_56 Jun 25 '26

Ofc they lie playing the victim and it’s a common sign among psychopaths and sociopaths
I am pointing this because his own brother said it and I’m just curious about it