Accused Boy's Lawyers Want Evidence Thrown Out

March 30, 2009NEW CASTLE, Lawrence County-- The
Defense attorneys for an 11-year old Lawrence County boy charged as an adult with the murder of his father's pregnant fiancee want key evidence, including the murder weapon, thrown out of the case.

State police in Lawrence County allege that Brown shot and killed 26-year-old Kenzie Houk in February at their North Beaver Township farmhouse. Now Brown's attorneys say the warrant used on the day of the shooting to search the house was not signed by a police officer. Defense lawyers are raising legal questions about the authority of the warrant used to seize nearly three dozen items now being used as evidence.

Lawrence County District Attorney John Bongivengo say the warrant is valid because the only signature needed is the judge's.

Last week Brown was ordered to stand trial as an adult. He's currently in custody at an Erie-based juvenile center.