Teen Freed by Judge Allegedly Attacks 14-Year-Old in Everett, WA.

A 17-year-old with a violent history, recently released from custody despite prosecutors’ warnings, is accused of a horrifying attack on a 14-year-old boy in Everett, Washington. Millorz Canales, allegedly tied the victim to a tree, stabbed him repeatedly, and disemboweled him, leaving him for dead in Lions Park on December 17.

This brutal incident occurred just two weeks after King County Juvenile Court Judge Veronica Galvan released Canales from custody, overruling prosecutors who sought his detention. The case has ignited a fierce debate over judicial leniency amid rising juvenile crime rates in Washington State.

Prosecutors claim Canales and his alleged accomplice, Hayden Lusebrink, lured the 14-year-old to the park. The pair, both 17, are accused of torturing the boy, carving a gang symbol into his chest, and abandoning him in critical condition. Miraculously, the victim freed himself and sought help from a nearby homeowner, who called 911.

The teen has been charged with first-degree assault, first-degree kidnapping, and robbery. Both suspects will be tried as adults.

Canales has a lengthy criminal history, raising questions about why he was released in the first place. Just weeks before the attack, he was detained for a November 15 robbery in Seattle. Prosecutors had urged the court to hold him in secured detention, citing the potential threat he posed to the public. Instead, Judge Galvan ordered his release on electronic home monitoring.

Prosecutors argue this decision enabled Canales to reoffend almost immediately, escalating his violence to shocking new levels.

The probable cause affidavit paints a grim picture of Canales’ escalating danger. It describes him as a “significant risk” to the community, emphasizing the heinous nature of his alleged crime and the danger he poses to witnesses, rival gang members, and the public.

Canales is alleged to have ties to local gangs, a factor that prosecutors say influenced his actions. During the Everett attack, he reportedly carved an “N” into the victim’s chest, marking gang territory.

His criminal history includes multiple arrests for robbery, burglary, and obstruction. Court records show:

• In June 2022, he was arrested for burglary and later convicted of theft and trespass.
• In May 2023, he was arrested for obstruction and sentenced to probation after pleading guilty.
• He violated his probation in July 2024 and served a brief detention.

Despite these offenses, Canales was repeatedly given leniency by the courts, culminating in his release in early December 2024, weeks before the alleged Everett attack.

Critics have zeroed in on Judge Galvan’s decision to release Canales despite warnings from prosecutors. Casey McNerthney, spokesperson for the King County Prosecutor’s Office, said his office strongly advocated for secured detention, arguing that Canales posed a clear threat. “This is why prosecutors push for detention in cases like these,” McNerthney said.

The case has reignited debate over juvenile justice policies, with many questioning whether leniency is appropriate for individuals with a history of violent behavior.

The attack also highlights a broader issue: a surge in juvenile crime across Washington State. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs reported 7,730 juvenile arrests in 2023, up 67% from 2021.

“It’s a complex issue,” McNerthney said, acknowledging the challenges of addressing youth violence while balancing rehabilitation efforts.

The Everett case has prompted calls for stricter judicial oversight and reforms in how violent juvenile offenders are handled. Snohomish County prosecutors have requested $1 million bail for Canales, citing his escalating violence and gang affiliations.

For the victim and his family, the attack is a harrowing reminder of the real-world consequences of policy decisions. As the boy recovers, many are left questioning whether this tragedy could have been prevented.

The outcome of this case could shape future approaches to juvenile crime and public safety in Washington State, as the community grapples with the aftermath of a crime that has shaken it to its core.

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