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While 16-year-old Kaylee Gaines has made little progress, according to her family, there will be a hearing next month to determine whether the 15-year-old girl seen beating Gaines in the viral video will be tried as an adult.
Gaines is hospitalized with brain injuries and a fractured skull after repeatedly slamming his head on concrete, his family said, KPLR-TV reported. Is demanding prosecution.
The girl, who authorities have not named because of her age, has been identified by Change.org as Maurnice Declu.
Declu is still in juvenile detention. A hearing is scheduled for May 10 to determine whether he should be certified to stand trial as an adult, KPLR reports.
“Our position is that he should not be certified,” said DeClue's defense attorney, Greg Smith.
“We understand that the law says there should be a certification hearing based on what he's been charged with,” Smith said. “It is non-negotiable, but our position is that he should not be certified.
“Everything about her being an honors student is front and center. She was taking an AP course. He has no history with juvenile court. nobody. She has been a victim of bullying. But there are other facts that we're going to save for the court,'' according to Smith.
Missouri Lawyer Basic Andrew Bailey has stated that juveniles ought to know higher and that juveniles who commit grownup crimes must be punished as adults.
However Smith instructed St. Louis KDSK that the choice must be based mostly on the person – corresponding to their training and lack of prison report – and never on their actions.
“One of many normal guidelines about certification hearings is – the main target must be on the juvenile, not on the alleged conduct.”
Declu has been portrayed as a sufferer by her household as she was reportedly the sufferer of bullying.
In line with her household, Gane apparently is aware of she is within the hospital, however she doesn't know why.
The household stated his capacity to stroll has improved, however he nonetheless wants assist.
“Nevertheless, the household is inspired by public statements from individuals related to the accused saying the accused needs to apologize to Kayleigh for what occurred,” he stated in an announcement, in response to KPLR.
The household's assertion learn, “Whereas these statements don’t change the household's place that it’s acceptable for the accused to be tried as an grownup, it’s encouraging that the accused is remorseful for what occurred throughout these unlucky occasions “
This text initially appeared on The Western Journal.