This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

On April 8, 1978, the body of Rick Alan McGuire was found in a remote area. He was shot in the head by a shotgun. A delinquency petition was filed against Dahl (D) for the first-degree murder of Ricky Alan McGuire. D admitted to the killing and was 17 at the time of the murder. D's parents describe him as respectful and obedient. D had never been in serious trouble with the law prior to this murder and D had maintained a B average in high school while holding down a part-time job and participating in athletics. He was a steady and industrious worker. The trial court observed that the D was not a typical delinquent and that he had no prior history that could have predicted this outcome. D was then referred for adult prosecution because it was determined that the juvenile court could not successfully treat D in the time remaining before its jurisdiction would expire. The other reason for the referral was based on the serious nature of the crime and D's alleged threat to public safety. D appeals the referral for adult prosecution.

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