12-year-old accused of killing parents goes to court

5:32 PM, Jun 6, 2011   |    comments
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print
  • - A A A +

The boy showed up for his preliminary hearing at 9:30 a.m. at the Kit Carson County Courthouse in a green jumpsuit, with his handcuffs attached to a chain around his waist and his ankles. He was escorted by two Kit Carson deputies in bullet-proof vests.

His hearing began at 10 a.m. and was closed to the public and the media because the boy is a juvenile. About 20 people entered the courtroom, including the suspect's oldest brother, Jacob Long, and his uncle, Wally Long, Monday morning.

"It's hard to see him," Jacob Long said. "But at the same time, it's really hard to feel sorry for him."

Long says he has not talked to his younger brother since the death of their parents.

9NEWS has decided not to release the name of the suspect because he is a juvenile.

"I don't know what I'd say," he said. "It's horrendous. My daughter is never going to know her grandparents because of this."

Long also says he is torn on the punishment for his brother.

"I'm torn because part of me wants to see him fry," he said. "And part of it, he's still my brother."

The hearing took two hours. The court will reconvene on July 12 for another status hearing. Monday morning, the court also decided to extend the window for the judge to determine whether or not to try the 12-year-old as an adult. They extended the window because the defense requested more time to present evidence to the prosecution.

Police say on March 1, they found the bodies of Charles and Marilyn Long in their Burlington home. They have not said how the two died. The case has been sealed and there is a gag order in place prohibiting anyone involved from talking about it.

The 12-year-old suspect is facing nine charges, including two charges of murder in the first degree, two counts of attempted murder and several counts of assault. The later charges are connected to the boy allegedly hurting his younger brother and sister.

According to court documents, the 12-year-old allegedly injured his sister with a knife and his brother with a knife and a firearm.

Both children survived the attack. 9NEWS has not released their names because they are underage victims.

The boy's uncle, Wally Long, says the two victims are living with him and are "doing fine."

District Attorney Bob Watson has said he has not decided on whether to charge the 12-year-old as an adult.

"The statute sets forth the factors but we have to be very careful on the decision we made and it's not one we take lightly," Watson said.

The district attorney has 60 days after Monday's hearing to make a decision. Even after his decision has been made, a judge will have the final say.

(KUSA-TV © 2011 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)