Boy appeals judge’s new trial refusal in killings
PITTSBURGH (AP) – The Pennsylvania Superior Court is set to hear the appeal of a judge’s refusal to grant a new juvenile court trial for a boy who was 11 when he was charged with killing his father’s pregnant fiancee and her unborn child.
The appeals court previously allowed Jordan Brown to ask Lawrence County Judge John Hodge to dismiss the charges or grant him a new juvenile court trial. Hodge refused to do either last year. The appeals court, sitting in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, will hear arguments on the matter.
Brown was charged and convicted as a juvenile in the February 2009 shotgun slaying of 26-year-old Kenzie Houk, who was eight months pregnant.
Authorities say none of the evidence points to anyone but Brown, who is now 17.
The defense contends police rushed to judgment.