The 16-year-old half brother accused in the killing of an 11-year-old boy whose body was found near his Riverside County home is expected to appear in court on Monday when a judge could rule whether he should be tried as an adult.
Prosecutors have filed a murder charge against Skylor Atilano, 16, in the death of his 11-year-old half brother, Terry Dewayne Smith Jr., who was the subject of an intense search after he was reported missing on Sunday.
TERRY SMITH CASE: Complete Coverage | Timeline | Map | Images
Riverside County District Attorney spokesman John Hall said Friday the charge against the 16-year-old suspect was filed in juvenile court.
But he says prosecutors will ask a judge at a Monday hearing to determine if the case should be transferred to adult court.
Terry's body was found Wednesday in a shallow grave under a tree behind the house he shared with his mother, half brother and other family.
His mother reported him missing Sunday. The search lasted four days.
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