Court considers new trial for teen convicted in Carson murder

Elvik killed William Gibson, 63, at the local shooting range in August 1995. He claimed he shot in self defense after Gibson raised his weapon to fire. The victim died from four shotgun blasts.

Elvik's lawyer, Matt Kurilich Jr., argued Wednesday that Nevada law provides juveniles 14 or younger can't be convicted unless prosecutors can prove "they have knowledge of the wrongfulness of their act."

But Kurilich said Elvik was "off on some mental jag. This boy was going crazy."

Prosecutor Anne Langer argued that a jury instruction for special consideration wasn't mandatory, adding that jurors were well aware of Elvik's age and had ample time to observe him during his trial.

Elvik, of Tustin, Calif., was sentenced to two consecutive life terms for murder and two robbery sentences for a total of at least 40 years.

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