Many 8 year olds don't comprehend death. Many 8 year olds do things like spin in a chair when they are very nervous. This web site describes some of the psychological development that 8 year olds are experiencing.

http://childparenting.about.com/od/c...aroldhom_2.htm
http://childparenting.about.com/od/c...aroldhom_3.htm

As you can see, things like understanding right from wrong and feeling guilt are just developing at 8. I don't see how we can possibly try an 8 year old as an adult. It's just ludicrous. He needs psychological help. When he comes to understand that his dad will never come back and that it's his fault, he's probably going to be seriously traumatized.

^^ i agree.. most 8 year olds don't fully understand the concept of death so there is a great chance that he isn't aware of the severity of his actions. To try an 8 year old as an adult is ridiculous, the only way that I could see something like this plausible would be if there were evidence presented about sexual abuse which might give him a motive.

And as far as the 8 year old spinning in a chair being a sign of him being a sociopath I think is a little far-fetched..imagine if you're 8 and stuck in a room listening to "grown ups" talk and use big words that you're probably not able to understand.. maybe the kid was just bored and if that's the case can you blame him for spinning in a chair because afterall he's only a kid.