I think you're right that minors tried as adults is not necessary as they can go through rehabilitation. However, the scenario you gave is a different matter. You would be the perpetrator where they would be the victim. You would be exploiting them whereas in this case, they are the perp. They were charged as adults for the severity of their case, not for their mental age/maturity. I feel, as perhaps you do, that they certainly didn't comprehend the severity of their choice given their age, but they would know that it is morally, socially, and ethically not okay. Everyone does. Now, I personally do not believe media leads to violent behavior, as plenty of people enjoy these things and never bring harm to others. Sure, it can desensitize us, but it cannot drive us to commit acts we don't already believe in. Instead, I look to their upbringing and who around them would set these negative thinking patterns. I look to their own inner beliefs about themselves, their peers, and their personal social goals. They wanted fame. They wanted to shock people. They came from a small town in the middle of nowhere and felt like no bodies. They wanted to punish the girl who "had everything"—a loving family that supported her, good grades, kindness. They took advantage of her to give themselves a leg up in the world. Even if a movie influenced them, it's not an excuse to murder someone. It does not take away the power of their choice.