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Judge hears evidence in Jordan Brown case
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NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The adjudication hearing for a Lawrence County boy charged with killing his father's pregnant fiancee began this morning in a courtroom closed to the media and many family members of the victim.
Jordan Brown, now 14, has been in custody for more than three years, accused of shooting Kenzie Houk, 26, and her nearly full-term unborn son.
The case is being heard in juvenile court before Common Pleas Judge John Hodge, which means that even if Jordan is adjudicated delinquent in the homicide, the state cannot hold him past his 21st birthday.
Ms. Houk's father, Jack Houk, said outside the courthouse this afternoon that listening to testimony has been difficult.
"It's freaking horrible," he said. "It's just the start of it."
The case is expected to last about four days.
Jordan's attorneys declined comment.
Police allege Jordan shot Ms. Houk in the back of the head with a 20-gauge shotgun as she slept in their New Beaver farmhouse.
First Published April 10, 2012 2:23 pm
