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PROVO -- A 13-year-old boy accused of shooting a Provo teenager in the face has struck a plea deal with prosecutors.
During an appearance in 4th District Juvenile Court on Tuesday, the boy admitted to stealing a pair of handguns from a relative more than a year ago. The Utah County Attorney's Office said in a statement the boy also admitted to manslaughter in the death of 16-year-old Katelyn Mikolasy, who was shot in the face with one of the guns back in March.
Prosecutors said that in exchange for the plea, the manslaughter charge may be reduced to negligent homicide if the boy complies with the judge's orders and has no further offenses. The charges are second-degree felonies in adult court.
The teen underwent a six week assessment in a Juvenile Justice Services facility before Tuesday's hearing. According to the Utah County Attorney's Office today's developments are only a partial disposition or sentencing because Juvenile Justice Services asked the court for more time to work with the boy.
The judge agreed and returned the boy to temporary custody of Juvenile Justice Services.
A final decision of disposition will be made later this year.
"Today's resolution of this case provides an appropriate moment to remind Utah youth not to play with guns," the Utah County Attorney's Office said in its statement. "Guns are not toys. Never point a gun at a friend, even if you think the gun is unloaded."
E-mail: bwinslow@ksl.com
