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SALT LAKE CITY — A 15-year-old boy accused of killing 12-year-old Kailey Vijil was ordered Monday to remain in juvenile detention for investigation of murder and "possible sexual assault."
The revelation of the possible sexual assault came from a judge Monday as the boy made his first appearance in court since his arrest on Friday. A brief hearing was held in 3rd District Juvenile Court to determine whether the teen should continue to be held pending the filing of official criminal charges. The teen appeared via a video feed from Salt Lake Juvenile Detention.
The boy sat at a table next to a public defender as a judge explained why he was being held.
"I do need to keep you in detention," Judge Kim Hornak told the boy after reading the allegations.
The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office intends to review the evidence Tuesday and determine whether to file charges. The boy will likely be charged in juvenile court, but prosecutors could then seek to have him certified to stand trial in adult court.
KSL News has chosen not to name the teen at this time.
The boy is accused of luring Kailey out of her home about midnight Friday morning by telling her something that enticed her to go with him. Three hours later, her body was found in a heavily wooded area about three blocks from her home near 5200 West and 3600 South.
West Valley police said there was evidence of a struggle at the scene. They said Kailey suffered some sort of trauma, but was not shot or stabbed. Police have declined to comment on whether there was evidence of a sexual assault.
Neighbors said the boy had asked other girls in previous days if they wanted to come outside with him. They also contended he had recently been released from juvenile detention.
A spokeswoman for the Utah State Courts said Monday there are no records concerning the boy to be released. Under state law, a person's juvenile court records can be publicly released if a person is at least 14 years old and has been charged with at least one of several listed violent felony crimes.
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Kailey Vijil and her family are from the Goshute Nation and traditionally are very private when mourning.In court on Monday, the teen — who still has a very boyish face — appeared to be nervous as he sat mostly stone-faced during the brief hearing. A large number of family members attended the hearing, including the boy's mother. The judge asked her if she had any questions while reminding her that the purpose of Monday's hearing was only to determine whether her son should remain in detention. The woman said she had no questions.
The teen's Facebook page, which included pictures of him enjoying typical boyish activities and a profile banner of a Sponge Bob character, was taken offline mid-morning Monday.
A candlelight vigil for Kailey was held at West Valley City Park Sunday night. A private funeral is expected to be held this week on the Goshute Reservation.
A pre-trial hearing for the 15-year-old is scheduled for Wednesday.
Contributing: Sandra Yi
