1. TODAY’S COURT HEARING CONTINUED
The teen was scheduled to appear before Butler County Juvenile Judge Kathleen Romans today, but the pre-trial hearing has been moved to Aug. 29.
Prosecutors requested the continuance so the case could go through the grand jury process, said Assistant Butler County Prosecutor Michael Hon.
2. NO MOTIVE OFFERED
On Feb. 23, the girl, then a high school freshman, picked up a 9 mm handgun, loaded it and shot her 71-year-old father, James Ponder, in the head at their Millville Avenue home, according to police and prosecutors.
No motive for the shooting has been offered.
Defense attorney Matthew Fritsch and the girl’s family declined comment after today’s hearing.
MORE: 14 items seized from Hamilton home where teen said she shot father
3. GIRL MUST STAY BEHIND BARS
Romans told the teen she would have to remain in the Butler County Juvenile Detention Center due to the seriousness of the charges.
“I know you have been locked up a long time,” Romans told the girl. The judge encouraged her to continue the “stellar” behavior she has exhibited behind bars.
4. PROSECUTORS: MAKE TEEN SERIOUS YOUTH OFFENDER
The case will remain in the juvenile court system, Romans ruled earlier this year.
But the prosecution has filed a motion to have the teen declared a Serious Youth Offender. Because of that filing, the case must be heard by a grand jury.
MORE: Hamilton teen charged with father’s murder will not be tried as an adult
If indicted on the Serious Youth Offender status and found guilty in juvenile court of the charges, the teen would receive a blended sentence meaning she would receive a juvenile sentence, but an adult sentence could be imposed if she did not behave in the juvenile prison.
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