“There’s going to be another shooting at michigan state.” Duncan wrote in a Snapchat post. “I’m so glad, this school definitely deserves it and everyone should die.”

The resolution of the criminal case will not be publicly disclosed because Duncan was granted protection under Michigan’s Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA), according to Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane. "We are unable to comment on that resolution, as it is a nonpublic record," he said in an email to The State News.

Caitlin Cavanagh, a Michigan State University criminal justice professor that specializes in juvenile justice believes that the law can help rehabilitate youth in the system.

“The HYTA is a Michigan statute that allows certain criminal defendants ages 17-26 to avoid a permanent criminal conviction if they successfully complete a court-supervised program" Cavanagh said.

“Instead of a formal conviction, the young person participates in court-specified probationary conditions. If all of these conditions are completed, the charge is ultimately dismissed,” Cavanagh said. 

Cavanagh, an expert on juvenile justice, said the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act can serve as a valuable resource for juvenile defendants, as it “offers young people a second chance to avoid the damaging long-term consequences of a criminal record, such as barriers to employment, housing and education.”

When asked how effective the law is, Cavanagh said, “Broader research on diversionary and deferred adjudication programs for young adults suggests they reduce recidivism by focusing on rehabilitation rather than incarceration.” 

Duncan’s attorney, Mike Nichols, had previously stated that rehabilitation was needed for his client, adding, “We still have a completely inept approach to mental health in the United States, and a lot of people refuse to acknowledge it."

The Holmes Youthful Committee Act is much more forgiving, as it gives a second chance for young defendants by avoiding the long-term consequences of having a criminal record. “By focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment, HYTA provides young people the opportunity to demonstrate accountability while still preserving their ability to build stable and productive adult lives," Cavanagh said. 

“The Supreme Court has recognized this science in many of its decisions, such as Roper v. Simmons and Miller v. Alabama, and many states are moving toward research-aligned best practices for tailored rehabilitative approaches to crime committed by young adults," Cavanagh said.

Nichols previously argued that Duncan's charges were unconstitutional, due to a Court of Appeals decision that was issued the month before. However, his arguments were unsuccessful, and Duncan still had to go through her trial. 

The law must have approval from the judge, and many factors are considered when granting it. “Judges may weigh factors such as the seriousness of the offense, the defendant’s prior criminal history, the circumstances of the case, the case notes and the likelihood that the person can be successfully rehabilitated," Cavanagh said.