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(KSL News) -- A 17-year-old boy was in court today for a preliminary hearing and could get life in prison without parole if convicted on charges of aggravated murder.
Police say 17-year old Robert Cameron Houston raped and murdered Raechale Elton, a counselor at a group home, in February.
A male co-worker testified in court today that he saw Elton agree to give Houston a ride to another facility. The co-worker felt uneasy about it and went to check on Elton. Instead he found her body. He also says he saw Houston running away from the crime scene, his clothing soaked in blood.
Police say Elton had been brutually raped and her throat slit.
After today's hearing, the death penalty is off the table. A recent US Supreme Court ruling forbids the execution of minors.
Defense attorneys say they plan to seek a mental health evaluation for Houston.
