Nebraska Boy, 12, Arrested for Murder Denies Charges During Court Appearance
Two other teens are charged in the crime but they are being tried as adults.
— -- The 12-year-old Nebraska boy charged with murder appeared in juvenile court today, denying the charges and being ordered to remain in custody.
The boy, whose name is not being published due to his age, will have to undergo a full psychological evaluation as ordered by the judge, according to Jim Masteller, the deputy county attorney for Douglas County.
The boy is one of three youngsters charged with allegedly killing a 31-year-old man, but since the two other suspects are 15 and 17, they are facing murder and weapons charges as adults while the 12-year-old will be tried as a juvenile.
The boy wore the standard navy jumpsuit issued to juveniles in Douglas County as opposed to the orange jumpsuits that his counterparts will wear in criminal court.
"He was relatively emotionless and his responses to the judge were very soft-spoken," Masteller told ABC News.
Judge Doug Johnson ruled that the boy will be held in Douglas County Youth Center until his pretrial hearing which is scheduled for July 21, according to Masteller.
The boy entered a denial of the charges: first degree murder and using a firearm to commit a felony.
The boy's attorney, Matt Kahler, told ABC News a denial is the equivalent in juvenile court of a not guilty plea.
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