Judge: Teen accused of raping, killing 12-year-old competent to proceed

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SALT LAKE CITY — A teenage boy accused of raping and killing his 12-year-old neighbor in 2015 was found competent Friday to face the allegations against him in court.

The boy, who turns 18 next week, was brought into the courtroom unshackled to await the judge's decision. Evidence about the boy's progress and three evaluations regarding his competency had been presented over two days of closed hearings.

Though the boy suffers from more than one mental disorder and intellectual disability, 3rd District Juvenile Judge James Michie ruled that "despite these limitations," months of work have prepared the boy to work with his attorneys, comprehend the allegations against him and understand the consequences that could follow.

"I have made an important decision today," Michie told the boy, calling him by name. "In general, I have found that you understand enough about what is going on to progress to the next step."

Michie had declared in December of last year that the teen was incapable of understanding the allegations against him, assertions his attorneys have made since his initial court appearance.

The boy is charged in juvenile court with first-degree felony counts of aggravated murder and rape of a child in the case of Kailey Vijil, his 12-year-old neighbor. He was 15 years old at the time.

Police say the boy went to Kailey's door late at night July 17, 2015, and asked her to help him look for a lost cat. Her body was discovered by searchers about three hours later in a horse pasture near her home.

The young girl was found naked, her Batman pajamas strewn on the ground near her body, and a shirt wrapped around her neck. Evidence on her body, including blood and fresh scratches, signaled a possible sexual assault, police said.

A medical examiner determined Kailey died of strangulation.

Michie explained to the teen Friday that he will next face a preliminary hearing, where prosecutors will present evidence about the allegations and the judge will determine whether to advance the case to trial.

A hearing to schedule that proceeding — and possibly an additional hearing where prosecutors would seek to move the case to the adult system — was set for Dec. 5.

This story will be updated throughout the day.