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SALT LAKE CITY -- A hearing on whether a teen accused of murder should be tried as an adult continued on Tuesday. Witnesses for the defense testified that the teen would do better in the juvenile system. Dr. Sam Goldstein, who evaluated the teenage suspect, said with the proper resources, the teen had the ability to transition into a normal, adult life.
The teen, who is now 15 years old, is accused of shooting JoJo Brandstatt on a West Valley City golf course on Feb. 5. Prosecutors said he shot Brandstatt because he was wearing the color of a rival gang. In court Tuesday, the defense presented its witnesses. Two workers at the Salt Lake Valley Detention Center said the teen, who was 14 when the shooting happened, was doing well in the juvenile system. One of them described the boy as well-behaved, very respectful and very compliant.
A doctor also testified that what happens to the teen in the next six years will determine his destiny for the rest of his life.
But Brandstatt's mother wants the teen to go to prison. She said he shows no remorse and will only commit more crimes.
"He is intentionally hurting people and liking it. Those are the kinds of people we need to get off the streets," Elka Fernandez said.
She also said, "He shot him, not once, not twice, three times and then laughed about it while my son on that hill choking on his own blood."
The hearing began on Dec. 4. Prosecutors have argued that the teen knows the difference from right and wrong. They also said the teen has a lengthy criminal history. The hearing is expected to wrap up Wednesday afternoon. The juvenile court judge hearing the case is also expected to rule from the bench.
Three adults have also been charged in the case. Jeremiah Williamson, Spencer Cater and Shardise Malaga are scheduled to go to trial in February.
E-mail: syi@ksl.com
