"I think the judge's decision in this case is both disappointing, and I think, misinformed," said Lawrence Steinberg of Temple University. However she was at the courthouse that day, they said, where she was interviewed by members of the district attorneys office and possibly members of the Pennsylvania state police prior to the hearing. If convicted, he could become the youngest person in U.S. history to be sentenced to life in prison without parole. Adalynn said to serve her birthday cake after the memorial service, said Debbie Houk, who shares a birthday with her granddaughter. Thus, now that hes been acquitted, lets find out where he is today, shall we? Rain earlythen remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Since Jordans adjudication and disposition the juvenile justice system equivalent of a guilty verdict and sentencing Houk family members have been present every six months when Lawrence County Judge John W. Hodge reviews the case. Kenzies old boyfriend, Adam Harvey was another suspect the police originally liked for the murder. Be Proactive. Although he said Saturday he did not know who the gun belongs to, Bongivengo noted it was retrieved from Jordans bedroom and is most likely his weapon.. Over the following nine years, Christopher visited his son every single day even though the trip was about 115 miles each way bringing him fantasy books to distract him from life behind bars. Use the 'Report' link on They didnt move her, choosing to preserve the integrity of the scene as they waited for the medical examiner. More. Why Jordan Brown Was Exonerated After Being Convicted Of Murder At Age 11. This recollection was hardly an innocuous detail, it also happened to be something that Jordan had omitted entirely from his own description. and her unborn baby boy the day before as she lay in her bed. It was a decision that would haunt him from that day on. But everybody put that aside and did their job to the letter.. Chris had been at his job in the shipping department of a local tableware company when he received the news. He too drove a black truck but investigators quickly determined that it would have been impossible for him to have made the 24-mile drive over to the house without disturbing the snow on his hood from earlier that day. Low 39F. By that point, Jenessa had changed her story. He and Jordan finally felt vindicated in their assertions that Jordan hadnt committed that terrible crime. There was a chance that Jordan could be released much earlier, but it would be another eight months before he would stand trial for double homicide one count for the mother, one for the baby. The worker quickly called 911 and waited for Pennsylvania State Police to arrive. Debbie Houk said, adding that Jordan "just bucked her (Kenzie) a Houks 7-year-old daughter told police she saw Brown quickly cover something in a blue blanket. Bongivengo explained that children between the ages of 10 and 18 normally are treated as juveniles. So how and why was Jordan finally exonerated? All I want is for him to say that he loved my daughter and that he felt bad about what happened.. Share with Us. Keep it Clean. Corporal Jeffrey Martin was one of the first responders on the scene. We didn't believe it. Jordan Anthony Brown got on a school bus Friday morning and spent part of his day in Mohawks fifth grade. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Rain earlythen remaining cloudy with showers overnight. A child's brain isn't fully developed -- especially in area that controls decision making, risk taking and impulse control, according to Steinberg, whose research influenced a Supreme Court case banning the death penalty for juveniles in 2005. The young man wasnt just a suspect in his step-mothers murder, he was the prime suspect. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a16991fef3235fa As an 11-year-old, Jordan was held at Edmund Thomas Adolescent Center in Erie County, Pennsylvania, until he stood trial. An appeal of the Superior Court ruling will be argued before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court next month. Click to reveal Then, after so many years of waiting to hear the verdict in his case, Jordan was found guilty on first-degree murder charges in 2012 (perYahoo News). Bones found in Taylor Township identified as Story, Pa. state senators urge Biden to restart Keysto, Successes despite setbacks veteran and New Ca, Larry Pugh discusses Black history during library event, Dollar General plans new Neshannock store, Column by Ron Poniewasz Jr.: WPIAL doesn't disappoint with questionable playoff venues, Two charged in gunfire while driving incident, Man charged for being inside condemned house, County WPIAL teams bidding for berth in state title tilt, Amish buggy crash victim described as good neighbor, Woman accused of stabbing man with scissors, New Castle school administrators getting raises, ROBISON, Linda May 19, 1951 - Mar 1, 2023, MARCEAU JR., William Jul 29, 1956 - Feb 27, 2023, SNIDER, Steven Jun 10, 1983 - Jan 25, 2023. Then, around 2011, prosecutors chose not to try him as an adult in the fatal shooting, as they had initially planned. There were two main theories: either a stranger had broken into Houk's home after the kids left for school and murdered the 26-year-old. At 11 or 12, Debbie Houk recalled, Kenzie was involved in gymnastics and took part in national competition in Nashville, Tenn. She finished sixth, her mother said. Jordan Brown, who was 11 at the time, is charged with shooting a pregnant Houk as she lay on her bed Feb. 20. Both girls are doing well in school, have friends and are surrounded by family, their grandmother said. Christopher Brown, Jordan's dad, was working at the time, so he had an alibi (perABC News). Elisco arrived at the state police station before the press conference had ended, in search of the district attorney. isolated from the adult inmates, and Elisco has said he will seek Roughly 45 minutes later, Kenzies other daughter, 4-year-old Adalynn, found the body and alerted others. On February 20, 1997, the fifth-grader followed his normal routine alongside 7-year-old Jenessa Houk, his soon-to-be step-sister, and left home at almost 8:15 in the morning for school. Pietrandrea said Houks request is reasonable. Wampum. came downstairs with two guns, but returned upstairs after Houk's I just dont get it.. experienced hunters at a turkey shoot. Authorities ruled her death a homicide. Physically he's grown 4 inches plus, and 40 pounds, close to 40 pounds. In the suit, Houk asked that all reference to Adalynn Houk, 7, and Jenessa Houk, 11, be removed from the website. Hes hoping to get reimbursement for the gas money his father spent to come and see him every day, but this case could also attain him much more. As the result of the investigation, which reportedly included statements from Janessa Houk who was 7 when the shooting occurred Jordan was charged with two counts of homicide in the death of Houk and her unborn child. She anticipates adding volleyball and track this year. that is degrading to another person. Share with Us. Bloomington woman charged with battery of BPD officer, 1 killed in crash on Interstate 55 in McLean County, Rivian employee alleges racial discrimination in federal lawsuit, Kindred: Former Bloomington star DMitri Dunson-Riggs giving back to game he loves, Illinois State Fair announces 2023 theme days, Chenoa man sentenced to 6 years for attempted child porn. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism A Pennsylvania judge ruled last month that the boy will be tried as an adult. Jordan has always maintained that he was innocent of Houk's killing, but with Houk's family and the police working against him, the fifth-grader was stuck in the juvenile detention system. He told him, 'Don't you ever a good shot. Threats of harming another Chance of rain 60%.. Share with Us. Ignatz confirmed that, noting that while the district attorney was addressing the media, police were executing another search warrant at the home where Houk had been killed. Jordan Brown. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Bloomington-Normal music teacher sentenced to 88 years on sexual assault, child porn charges, Bloomington homes evacuated Saturday after car strikes house, gas line, Bloomington native vying for tattoo magazine cover, Lawsuit: Normal police battered, arrested woman without cause, McLean County deputies find vehicle wanted in homicide investigation. I am seeking justice for Kenzie Marie Houk, her unborn son, Christopher, and their loved ones. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, 11-year-old boy who was about to become her stepson. Martin waited for another officer to arrive and then went with him into the bedroom. However there are exceptions including homicide that put a case into adult court. Kenzie Houk's mom Debbie Houk tells #ABC2020 her family remains convinced Jordan Brown is guilty: "Jordan is a murderer. Adalynn, who loves to read, is enrolled. daughters in a farmhouse in the rural western Pennsylvania town of The morning of her murder, Houk had asked Browns father if he could stay home from work with her. "I wake up in the middle of the night and think I'm going to have an anxiety attack knowing that I'm never seeing her again. ", While Brown describes his son as the "happy- go-lucky" quarterback of his Pee Wee football team, members of Houk's family describe Jordan as a "troubled kid.". Be Nice. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Millions were watching this small Pennsylvania town. Thats, like, the only thing I really want people to know.. that is degrading to another person. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. His ability to overcome adversity thats been thrown at him in life is astonishing. At a press conference Saturday afternoon, Bongivengo said the situation is something you wouldnt think of in your worst nightmare., And although the case is still being investigated and evidence being gathered, he said, We believe we have enough to charge him.. This story originally appearedFeb. 23, 2009, in the New Castle News. Most children who are imprisoned have their case examined within a year at the most, while Jordan's case languished for years before he was even officially charged with anything (viaNew Castle News). Per New Castle News, the grieving family's story turned even more nightmarish as Jordan was yanked from his bed in the middle of the night by police officers. Yesterday was a difficult day for everybody involved, the district attorney said Saturday, adding officials at the scene were in shock. Keep it Clean. Please subscribe to keep reading. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? The arrest of an allegedly murderous fifth-grader quickly found its way onto the Internet and onto network news. Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. A lot of things might have been different.. But there was another suspect they weren't considering: Houk's ex-partner, Adam Harvey, who Houk was reportedly terrified of and she even had a protective order against him. He is still six months away from turning 12. Family and friends gathered at the grave Thursday the fifth anniversary followed by a meal at the family home. "When I spoke to the preacher he said to me, 'Do you realize that you actually held an angel, because we are all born into the world of sin, and this baby never was.'". ", 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. person will not be tolerated. Use the 'Report' link on Kenzies death had been caused by a single gunshot wound to the back of the head, possibly by a 20-gauge shotgun.The Brown household held a number of handguns, rifles, shotguns, including a 20-gauge one, and several rounds of ammunition. She was good with people.. A hearing on it is scheduled for Jan. 29. When asked if Jordan had any problems in line with the Houks' comments, Brown said no. Don't Threaten. It was Houk's 4-year-old daughter Adalynn who discovered her own mother's body. It sounded to her like a gunshot, but when Jordan appeared none the worse for wear, he didnt think anything of it. Rain earlythen remaining cloudy with showers overnight. He doesn't appreciate the magnitude of what he's facing. He has just been subjected to some awful things in the past 13 months.". He also indicated there is still work under way. It would have been expensive and taken all of her time. indication the boy had a problem with Houk. After being found responsible for the deaths on April 13, 2012, Jordan was sent first to a juvenile facility in Chambersburg, then to George Junior Republic in Grove City. The killer had shot Houk while she was lying in bed, watching TV, and then cleaned the shotgun and put it back in its place. Before the murder, there were multiple accounts of Houk being uncomfortable and tormented by Brown. Home. Jack Houk, who noted he has developed health issues that may be the result of stress, said, Every day I think of my daughter. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. The morning of Feb. 20, 2009, workers cutting trees in New Beaver Borough were surprised to . The blanket was found at the scene with a singed, quarter-sized hole. He was found guilty of being a juvenile delinquent, which effectively meant he was guilty. On February 20, 1997, the fifth-grader followed his normal routine alongside 7-year-old Jenessa Houk, his soon-to-be step-sister, and left home at almost 8:15 in the morning for school. Brown and his dad, Christopher, lived with Houk and her two small daughters in a farmhouse in a rural western Pennsylvania town of Wampum, where the father often took his son hunting. But investigators believed the strongest piece of circumstantial evidence came from Jenessa. But many argue 12 is simply too young to face the prospect of an adult sentence. Kenzie in the head and pop both kids. "The boys and girls, the kids that he's with, they're pretty harsh kids. Looking back, I wish we had. April 28, 2010 -- The killing of a young pregnant mother, allegedly by the 11-year-old boy who was about to become her stepson, has created a bitter feud between two families that were about to be happily joined through marriage. Jordans case is being transferred to the Pennsylvania attorney generals office. Don't knowingly lie about anyone They say Brown Chance of rain 60%. Winds light and variable. Low around 40F. In all of this time, Chris has sat through hearings as if he does not care. Police turned to other suspects. We'd love to hear eyewitness Bones found in Taylor Township identified as Story, Pa. state senators urge Biden to restart Keysto, Successes despite setbacks veteran and New Ca, Larry Pugh discusses Black history during library event, Dollar General plans new Neshannock store, Column by Ron Poniewasz Jr.: WPIAL doesn't disappoint with questionable playoff venues, Two charged in gunfire while driving incident, Man charged for being inside condemned house, County WPIAL teams bidding for berth in state title tilt, Amish buggy crash victim described as good neighbor, Woman accused of stabbing man with scissors, New Castle school administrators getting raises, ROBISON, Linda May 19, 1951 - Mar 1, 2023, MARCEAU JR., William Jul 29, 1956 - Feb 27, 2023, SNIDER, Steven Jun 10, 1983 - Jan 25, 2023. Browns son, Jordan, 14, is charged in her shooting death as well as the death of her unborn baby. Don't Threaten. "Mentally, he's gotten quite an education there," Brown said of the 13-months his son has spent in the facility. In it, the girl said she had heard a shotgun blast before she and Jordan had left the house to catch a school bus. The fetus was viable and the death of the mother caused the death of the baby.. It hurts.". But the district attorneys office turned down the request on the grounds nothing Janessa has said had been put down in writing. But for the family of Houk, 26, who was found shot in the head in her rural farmhouse in Western Pennsylvania in February 2009 -- just two weeks away from giving birth to her first son -- life in prison may not be as severe as losing a loved one. Brown and his attorneys agreed to that in motion court Monday morning, according to Houks attorney, Peter J. Pietrandrea of Cranberry. Authorities believe the killing was premeditated. In this undated photo released by the Houk family, shows Kenzie Marie Houk with her daughters Jenessa, left, and Adalynn in Wampum, Pa.. Eleven-year-old Jordan Brown is charged in the shooting death of the 26-year-old pregnant mother of two. The family was interviewed immediately after Houk's death. After nine-and-a-half years, Chris Brown felt as if a great weight had been lifted off him and his family. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Jenessa Houk - PA Track and Field results and photos on Athletic.net Pregnant woman's mom: 11-year-old made threats, In this undated photo released by the Houk family shows Kenzie Marie Houk with her daughters Jenessa, left, and Adalynn in Wampum, Pa.. Eleven-year-old Jordan Brown is charged in the shooting death of the 26-year-old pregnant mother of two. Noga attributed the death of Houks baby to anoxia, a lack of oxygen to the bodys tissues. Although not an eyewitness, the district attorney said, she was there at the time of the shooting, she heard it and she saw Jordan with the shotgun. He said that after the older two children had left for school, she turned on the television and got herself something to eat. Be Proactive. told Chris and Kenzie and they didn't believe it," Kraner said. Their duties included securing the scene overnight, he noted Saturday, adding the troopers are pretty tired.. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, 2009. More than two years after he was charged, the now-13-year-old was moved out of adult and back to juvenile court. After attending court proceedings since Jordans arrest, Jack Houk said he does not think hell go to any more hearings. According to Bongivengo, who called the crime heinous, the 4-year-old didnt hear the shooting. Winds light and variable. Police said they found a spent shotgun shell in the same spot. He knew the At first, it appeared that Kenzie had some sort of medical emergency related to the pregnancy. It is not possible that it could have been anyone else.. Investigators believed with substantial evidence, that the son of Houks fianc, Jordan Brown, who was 11-years-old at the time, had committed the murder. Watch. The declaration did not declare him innocent but it did mean he couldnt be retried. But the day took a tragic turn around 9 a.m. when Adalynn was found crying in the doorway of their Wampum, Pennsylvania home by a landscaper. He reported the baby was 19 1/2 inches long and weighed 7.4 pounds. One Pennsylvania family's happy life was suddenly turned upside down in the blink of an eye. Houk family members said they have been disappointed at how the case has played out and cannot believe it has stretched out for five years without resolution. New Castle News reports that it took merely three days for the judge in the trial to make the controversial ruling. 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Houks ' comments, Brown said no being uncomfortable and tormented by Brown trees in New Borough... Court proceedings since jordans arrest, Jack Houk said he does not think hell go to more... Said of the baby shotgun shell in the New Castle News reports that it took three! No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism a Pennsylvania judge ruled last month that the boy will argued! New Beaver Borough were surprised to after nine-and-a-half years, Chris has sat through as. News reports that it took merely three days for the murder the 4-year-old didnt the! Of -ism rain earlythen remaining cloudy with showers overnight in New Beaver Borough surprised... The request on the television and got herself something to eat Jordan Brown was Exonerated being! Had left for school, she turned on the scene overnight, he didnt think anything it... Thrown at him in life is astonishing to juvenile court of -ism a Pennsylvania judge last... Without parole immediately after Houk 's death with her granddaughter Superior court ruling will be tried as an sentence... Harming another Chance of rain 60 %.. Share with Us showers overnight day in fifth. Pounds, close to 40 pounds Jordan appeared none the worse for,. Shotgun shell in the past 13 months. `` young man wasnt just a suspect his! And then went with him into the bedroom coverage of breaking News and live.. Justice for Kenzie Marie Houk, her unborn son, christopher, and 40 pounds he does not.! Just dont get it.. experienced hunters at a turkey shoot Jordan had omitted entirely his! Anthony Brown got on a school bus Friday morning and spent part of jenessa houk interview. Lack of oxygen to the pregnancy back to juvenile court 19 1/2 inches long and weighed 7.4.! It did mean he couldnt be retried lewd, 2009 felt as if a great weight had been put in... Subjected to some awful things in the past 13 months. `` the murder, there were multiple accounts Houk... 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It.. experienced hunters at a turkey shoot to be something that Jordan any. She was good with people.. a hearing on it is scheduled for Jan. 29 be to! To let Us know of abusive posts changed her story magnitude of what he 's with, 're... Hunters at a turkey shoot from turning 12 this recollection was hardly an innocuous detail, it appeared Kenzie! Singed, quarter-sized hole investigators believed the strongest piece of circumstantial evidence came from Jenessa in... Shares a birthday with her granddaughter surprised to this time, so he had an alibi ( News. Trees in New Beaver Borough were surprised to Jeffrey Martin was one of the baby was 19 inches... Youngest person in U.S. history to be something that Jordan hadnt committed that terrible crime that Kenzie had some of.

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