The Southampton County Commonwealth Attorney’s office did the right thing by asking the court to try a 17-year-old murder suspect as an adult.

The teenager, who has not been named because he is a minor, is from Emporia.

He and Sol “Dukey” Damacus Burke, 25, of Suffolk are accused in the shooting death of Eric “E.T.” Smith outside the victim’s mother’s Franklin home on Nov. 8. Smith allegedly answered the door after hearing a knock and was shot.

The 30-year-old father of four was taken to Southampton Memorial Hospital and transferred to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

We were shocked to learn that a teenager was allegedly involved with this murder. How did this kid allegedly get involved with something like this?

The motive for the murder is rumored to be revenge. Smith allegedly assaulted Burke in late September.

If this 17-year-old is allegedly committing serious, violent crimes at his age, what does his future hold?

Commit adult crimes, expect to do adult time.

The outcome will be interesting.