Judge Won't Give Teen, Then 11, New Trial In Slaying Of Father's Pregnant Fiancée
NEW CASTLE, Pa. (AP) - A judge in western Pennsylvania says he won't grant a new juvenile court trial to a teenager who was 11 when he was charged with fatally shooting his father's pregnant fiancée.
Jordan Brown had asked Lawrence County Judge John Hodge to dismiss the charges or grant him a new hearing. The judge denied the request on Tuesday. Brown's lawyer says he will appeal.
Brown was charged and convicted as a juvenile in the February 2009 shotgun slaying of 26-year-old Kenzie Houk and her unborn son.
State police and prosecutors have repeatedly said none of the evidence points to anyone but Brown.
The defense contends the investigation amounted to a rush to judgment against the boy.
Under Pennsylvania law, juvenile offenders can be held only until age 21. Brown is 17.
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