WEST POINT, Utah – A West Point teenager was arraigned Tuesday on charges of killing his two adopted brothers.
Prosecutors are trying to have the suspect charged as an adult, but the 15-year-old boy’s parents are fighting to keep him in the juvenile system.
The boy was arrested on murder charges in May after his adopted brothers, ages 4 and 10, were found stabbed to death inside their home.
The hearing was held in the Davis County Second District Juvenile Court, but whether the teen will be tried as an adult has yet to be determined.
The teen’s defense team said they will be ready for the preliminary hearing scheduled for next month. The boy’s father was at the suspect’s side as the judge asked him if he understood the charges, which defense attorney Todd Utzinger said is significant.
“His father was sitting next to him, and I think that speaks volumes,” Utzinger said.
Davis County Prosecutor Troy Rawlings said the teen should be tried as an adult.
“Based on the evidence as we know it, it’s our view that concern for public safety is paramount,” he said.
FOX 13 News has not published the name of the suspect, as he is a juvenile. If he is charged as an adult, his name would then be made public.
