Dancing With The Stars

Incoming DA Can't Try 12-year-old in Killing

Images

Related Links

Print Story

Published: 12/22/2009 9:11 am

Updated: 12/22/2009 9:19 am

A newly elected district attorney can't try a 12-year-old western Pennsylvania boy accused of killing his father's pregnant fiancee.

Attorney Joshua Lamancusa is recusing himself because he gave the boy's father legal advice shortly after the boy allegedly shot 26-year-old Kenzie Marie Houk in February, killing her and her unborn son as she lay in bed.

Lamancusa was elected Lawrence County District Attorney in November and takes office on Jan. 4.

The state attorney general will now prosecute Jordan Brown, of New Galilee. A Jan. 29 hearing will determine whether the boy will be tried as a juvenile or an adult.

If he's tried as an adult, Brown faces up to life in prison. Juvenile court jurisdiction would end when he turns 21.

Print Story

2 Comment(s)

Comments: Show | Hide

Here are the most recent story comments.View All

quitbitchin - 12/23/2009 7:49 AM

0 Votes

Report User

11 years old is clearly old enough to understand right from wrong and to understand death. Unless of course his parents locked him in a closet and taught him no morals in which case they should be tried also. The problem with kids today is that they are not given consequences for their actions or if they are they are so little that kids believe "what's the big deal". What is talking with a phychatrist really going to accomplish? If the ability to kill with no regard to anyones feelings is there at 11yrs it will be there at 21yrs. The only difference will be that at 21 he will have much more molibilty, opportunity to obtain better weapons, and all the "knowledge" he has obtained from other junior criminals!

parrotslove - 12/22/2009 11:00 AM

1 Vote

Report User

I dont think he should be tried as an adult But as a Juvinile I think he should be put in a mental Hospital till 21 yrs old. He should be seen by a psychatrist everyday to see whats going on in his head. A 11 yr old killing two people is not just right. then once he reaches 21 then up to see if he should go to prison. Children without a conscience is a danger to sociailty and should never be turned loose to kill again.

Click Here to Add Your Comments View All

Most Popular

	UPDATE: Threat Prompts Extra Security at Fitch A threatening note was found on a desk at the high school last week.
	Tip of Woman's Finger Bitten Off During Scuffle in Warren A woman said four other females surrounded her car, dragged her out and assaulted her early Monday.
	Police: Man Assaults Mom with Fly Swatter The woman tried to defend herself with the fly swatter, but her son took it away and hit her with it, according to police.