PORT NECHES -- A manslaughter charge filed against a 16-year-old girl accused of smothering her newborn baby was changed Friday to capital murder, an investigator with the Jefferson County district attorney's office said.
Prosecutors filed the new charge because they believe she intentionally killed the infant after giving birth at home, investigator Steve Thrower said. Police found the deceased infant on Thanksgiving night in a zippered duffel bag in the girl's bedroom.
Prosecutors plan to ask a family court judge for permission to try the girl as an adult, Thrower said. Because of her age, the girl would face a mandatory life sentence if she were convicted as an adult of capital murder.
The girl's 19-year-old brother fathered the baby and was charged Friday with prohibited sexual conduct, Thrower said. He was free on $8,000 bond and has not yet received a court-appointed attorney.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2470013
Prosecutors filed the new charge because they believe she intentionally killed the infant after giving birth at home, investigator Steve Thrower said. Police found the deceased infant on Thanksgiving night in a zippered duffel bag in the girl's bedroom.
Prosecutors plan to ask a family court judge for permission to try the girl as an adult, Thrower said. Because of her age, the girl would face a mandatory life sentence if she were convicted as an adult of capital murder.
The girl's 19-year-old brother fathered the baby and was charged Friday with prohibited sexual conduct, Thrower said. He was free on $8,000 bond and has not yet received a court-appointed attorney.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2470013