By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, Mo. – Cole County Circuit Judge Pat Joyce today
says it's possible that a six-year-old boy suspected of killing his grandfather could be charged as an adult.
Joyce says the state's minimum age for adult certification is 12, but that there are exceptions to the law in cases of
first-degree murder, second-degree murder and first-degree assault.
The six-year-old allegedly shot and killed his grandfather Friday. Police say 59-year-old James Zbinden was shot near the armpit at his home. No charges have been brought against the boy.
Winston Rutledge is director of the Prenger Family Center. He says it's possible the boy could be charged as an adult. But he says it's only a remote possibility.
The boy is being held at a mental health facility, where he's being evaluated.