Juvenile to Remain in Custody, Hearing on Transfer to Adult Court in February

A defense motion for electronic home confinement for the juvenile charged in the death of 16-year-old Kaylee Jacob was denied Wednesday.

Judge Kimberly Koester said she is concerned about the home situation in which the juvenile would live if he is released. Two other people living in the home have pending court cases.

Defense attorney Janet Fowler said her client could begin making a transition to a more normal life if released on electronic home confinement, including a possible return to school and counseling. Fowler also said it's difficult to meet with the juvenile while he is housed at a facility in Edwardsville.

State's Attorney Bryan Kibler countered that the juvenile violated court-ordered curfew when he allegedly stole the weapon from a car that contained the bullet that fatally injured Jacob. Kibler acknowledged that the clip was out of the gun and the juvenile thought the gun was not loaded when he pointed the weapon at Jacob and pulled the trigger, but argued that pattern of the juvenile's conduct made it necessary for him to remain in custody.

Meanwhile, Kibler indicated he is moving ahead with a motion to move the juvenile's case to adult court. A psychological exam of the juvenile has been completed and the psychologist who did the examination is expected to testify at a hearing on Kibler's motion. Judge Koester scheduled the hearing for 1pm on Tuesday, February 16.