Case in Kaylee Jacob Shooting Death to Remain in Juvenile Court

The case of the juvenile charged in the shooting death of Kaylee Jacob will remain in juvenile court.

Judge Kimberly Koester Friday afternoon denied a prosecution motion to have the suspect tried as an adult.

In her ruling, the judge cited earlier testimony that the juvenile is likely to respond well with treatment and "lead a structured life". The testimony also indicated that there was no intent on the juvenile's part to harm Kaylee.

Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler, who had asked for the change of the case to adult court, said after the judge's ruling that he has nothing but respect for the decision, saying "it had to be tough" for Judge Koester to reach a decision in the matter.

Judge Koester set an adjudicatory hearing in the case for 9am on April 14th. An adjudicatory hearing is basically a "bench trial for a juvenile". At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge will rule on the charges pending against the juvenile and then decide his punishment. Whatever penalties are imposed, the juvenile will be free as of his 21st birthday. A pre-trial hearing in the case was set for 2pm on March 16.

The 16-year-old is charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless discharge of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, and burglary.