I think that this line of thinking leads down a slippery slope where no one is responsible for their actions. I'm sure if you look in the past of most murderers you will find a hard life that probably left them with some mental conditions, after all it is not normal to commit murder. Should we grant clemency to every gang member in jail for murder because they grew up poor and around violence?

At some point we need to hold people responsible for their actions; and I do not see why Cyntoia should not be held responsible for hers. It would be one thing if she showed remorse or the ability to control her violent tendencies, but neither of have happened.