West Valley City Girl’s Alleged Killer Appears Confused In Court
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – July 22, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – The 15-year-old West Valley City boy accused of killing a 12-year-old neighbor girl made his first appearance in a Salt Lake City courtroom Wednesday.
The preliminary hearing was held in Third District Juvenile Court where Judge James Michie explained to the teenager that a “very serious charge” had been filed against him. When asked if he understood the charges, the teen responded, “Yes,” in a muffled voice.
The teenager was officially charged with first-degree aggravated murder Tuesday, for allegedly killing his 12-year-old neighbor, Kailey Vijil, early last Friday morning. Prosecutors have also filed a motion he be tried as an adult.
According to a probable cause statement, the 15-year-old lured the 12-year-old from her home under the guise of looking for his lost cat. Roughly three hours later the girl’s body was found in a horse pasture less than a quarter mile from her family’s home. Autopsy results confirmed she’d been strangled.
Judge Michie explained to the teen defendant there was a motion pending to have him tried as an adult. The judge told the courtroom he would wait to make that decision.
Michie also told the teen cases involving juvenile homicides were extremely complex. “When there are allegations that a child has killed another child, those challenges become extreme.”
After a brief recess, defense attorneys told the court their client seemed confused by the proceedings and did not appear to understand what was going on.
The judge ordered the teen back to court on August 27 for a scheduling conference.
Bail in the case has been set at more than $1 million.
