Jordan Brown Case Moves To Juvenile Court
NEW CASTLE (KDKA) -- The case of a Lawrence County boy accused of killing his father's pregnant fiancée has been moved to juvenile court.
Brown allegedly shot and killed 26-year-old Kenzie Houk in 2009 at their home in New Beaver Township in February of 2009.
He was 11 when he was arrested. Brown was charged with criminal homicide.
He's alleged to have killed her with a shotgun blast to the head while she slept at the house they shared.
A judge originally ruled he should be tried as an adult, but a Superior Court overturned that ruling.
If convicted as an adult, he'd spend life in prison. If convicted as a juvenile, he can only be held until he's 21.
The boy's attorney says they've heard from people all over the world who were shocked at the initial ruling.
He says the case belongs in a juvenile court.
"People are surprised all around the world that an 11-year old could face the possibility of being tried as an adult and face the possibility of life in prison without the possibility of parole," David Acker, a defense attorney, said.
KDKA's Jon Greiner was unable to get a response from members of the Houk family. They have always vehemently opposed moving the case to juvenile court.
It will be months at least before this gets to trial.
The attorney general's office says it's not decided yet whether to appeal today's ruling.
Stay with KDKA for the latest details.
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