NEW CASTLE, Pa.,None — A panel of judges is set to decide if a Lawrence County boy accused of murdering his father's fiancée will be tried as an adult.
Prosecutors allege that Jordan Brown of New Galilee shot Kenzie Houk, 26, with a 20-gauge shotgun as she slept in their New Beaver farmhouse in February 2009. Her unborn son, who was nearly full-term, also died.
Brown, who is now 13, was 11 years old at the time of the slaying.
A common pleas judge has already ruled that Brown will be tried as an adult, but the boy's lawyers have appealed that ruling.
Channel 11 spoke with Houk's mother Debbie on Tuesday.
"I cry every day. I cry every night. Why her? Why her? I know you're not supposed to ask why, but how can you help but not?" said Debbie Houk. "When I was over there yesterday, I said 'I'll go fight again for you baby.' It's a dirty shame that they think they should clothe and fed him while my daughter and grandson lay in the ground that's frozen."
The court panel is expected to take weeks or months to rule.
If Brown is tried as an adult he faces the possibility of life in prison. If he is tried as a juvenile, the state cannot keep him in prison past his 21st birthday.
Previous Stories: July 28, 2010: Court To Mull Adult Murder Trial For New Castle Boy May 13, 2010: Judge: New Castle Slaying Suspect, 12, Can Appeal Ruling On 'Adult' Status March 30, 2010: Boy, 12, Faces Adult Trial In Death Of Woman, Fetus March 12, 2010: Judge To Rule Later On 'Adult' Hearing For New Castle Boy February 4, 2010: 'Adult' Hearing Set For March In Slaying Case For Boy, 12 January 29, 2010: Judge Weighs 'Adult' Status Of Slaying Suspect, 12
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